As I´ve recently got back home from Denmark and felt so inspired by their beautiful interiors, let´s talk about the Danish phenomenon of Hygge this week. Check these lifestyle tips and ideas anyone can recreate at home to embrace coziness and happiness. Hygge quotes in this post will help you to get in the mood and understand the concept behind the happy lifestyle of the Danes.
Denmark and Hygge Lifestyle
Do you know that Danes are considered to be one of the happiest nations on our planet: any ideas why?! – According to Meik Wiking the answer to this question is quite simple! – The danish secret lifestyle ingredient is called Hygge.
What is Hygge?
In his worldwide bestselling book “Hygge”, Meik Wiking claims that it is hard to find an exact translation for the word hygge. This is the case when you actually need to read the whole book to understand its meaning completely.
Nevertheless, some might compare hygge to the “coziness of the soul”, while for others it will be “a cup of cacao in the candlelight”… By and large, hygge might be anything that comforts and indulges us.
Holland, Germany, Norway, Canada, and some other countries all have in their languages similar words to describe this unique feeling of presence and relaxation. However, only in Denmark I definitely felt like hygge was something you could perceive almost everywhere.
In fact, we could all learn from the Danes who try to make the most of the small things every day: even despite the weather outside you’re still the one to set up the atmosphere at home. So this year I’m going to embrace this simple philosophy at home. Let’s add some hygge to our everyday lives.
How to embrace Hygge in your life?
1. Light Magic
Hygge Quotes: “It doesn’t cost money to light a room correctly—but it does require culture.” – Meik Wiking
In his book Maik Wiking emphasizes the importance of right lighting in the lives of Danes: everything from candles to fancy designer lamps could drastically change the final look of your apartment. I’ve always used to evaluate the interiors in general and never paid too much attention to the lighting itself as well as its effects on the atmosphere of a certain place. But after the Hygge book, I’ve actually realized it is one of these small things that end up making a big difference.
According to statistics only 4% of Danes don’t use candles at all. A week before my trip to Denmark, I’ve started watching a famous Danish police drama The Killing (or Forbrydelsen) and (as I’ve already read the book by then) I´ve started noticing candles everywhere. Let´s say the main hero is having a quick dinner at home by himself/herself and what’s on the table besides food? – Of course, candles.
2. Presence
Hygge quotes: “Gratitude is more than just a simple “thank you” when you receive a gift. It is about keeping in mind that you live right now, allowing yourself to focus on the moment and appreciate the life you lead, to focus on all that you do have, not what you don’t. Cliches? Totally.” – Meik Wiking
No phones, no social media is the best detox at times. How often do we take a moment to enjoy being in the now? Hygge is all about being present and feeling the moment. Take time to appreciate what you have.
3. Togetherness
Hygge Quotes: “The best predictor of whether we are happy or not is our social relationships.” – Meik Wiking
Science has already proved it many times: social relations is one of the decisive factors in our happiness. Togetherness is a big part of the hygge concept. And it´s not about huge parties – it´s all about small cozy gathering with people we love: doing things together, creating new traditions and memories.
3. Hyggeling Activities: Cooking
Hygge quotes: “What better way of remembering the ones that we have lost, than by cooking their favorite meal.” – Meik Wiking
There are quite a few hugglig activities that can help embracing the hygge feel.
In my family, we all share a passion for homemade food (but I’m the only one to cook lol) Even though I spend a lot of time in the kitchen experimenting with the new recipes, bakery and dough is something I haven’t mastered yet.
4. Cozy Clothes
While the Danish street style is quite informal and looks comfortable, I probably love dressing up way too much to adopt it fully. However, the Hygge book made me realize that I never really paid a lot of attention to what I wear at home. Cozy sweaters, soft fabrics, light colors – it all makes you feel more hygge, right?!
5. Hyggekrog and Hygge Emergency Kit
Another two interesting concepts Maik Wiking introduces in his book are Hyggekrog and Hygge Emergency Kit.
Hyggekrog is a special place at home, a cozy nook, where you might enjoy your cup of tea, book, newspaper or even work, while Hygge Emergency Kit is your self-care ritual that includes things you love the most (to wind down after a rough day): candles, tea with a rich bouquet of aromatic flavors, favorite chocolate, soft blanket & warm wool socks, book or photo album, etc. Check these tips that will turn you into a Hygge fan: 5 Things For Your Perfect Hygge Weekend.
In my case, books and movies definitely add to the general Hygge mood. Whether you´re into romance novels, adventure memoirs, women power movies, or travel documentaries – an engaging story lived from the comfort of your couch is always a good idea.
Hygge quotes: “All books are hyggelig, but classics written by authors such as Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, Leo Tolstoy, and Charles Dickens have a special place on the bookshelf. At the right age, your kids may also love to cuddle up with you in the hyggekrog and have you read to them. Probably not Tolstoy.” – Meik Wiking
More Hygge Quotes
- “Happiness consists more in small conveniences or pleasures that occur every day, than in great pieces of good fortune that happen but seldom.” – Benjamin Franklin
- “Hygge was never meant to be translated – it was meant to be felt.” – Pia Edberg
- “The true secret of happiness lies in taking a genuine interest in all the details of daily life.” – William Morris
- “Craft makes our homes more human.” – Ilsa Crawford
- “Our capacity to draw happiness from aesthetic objects or material goods in fact seems critically dependent on our first satisfying a more important range of emotional or psychological needs, among them the need for understanding, for love, expression, and respect.” – Alain De Botton
- “There is no happiness like that of being loved by your fellow-creatures, and feeling that your presence is an addition to their comfort.” – Charlotte Bronte
- “Happiness grows at our own firesides, and is not to be picked in strangers’ gardens.” – Douglas Jerrold
- “Your home should tell the story of who you are, and be a collection of what you love brought together under one roof.” – Nate Berkus
- “An interior is a natural projection of the soul.” – Coco Chanel
- “Less is more. The texture is essential as well as the scale” – Trip Haenisch
- “I only bring pieces into my home that I want to have forever.” – Lily Ashwell
- “It’s not hard to make a space that looks good by itself. The trick is to craft a room that’s even more attractive when it’s occupied. That’s when it becomes magical.” – Kerry Joyce
If you haven’t read “Hygge” by Maik Wiking book, I would definitely recommend it (especially to those planning a trip to Denmark)!
For more quotes inspiration check my Pinterest board Quotes to live by. If you´re into beautiful interiors don´t miss – Interior design and Ideas.
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I love this so much! Comfort is always the best way to go :3
☼ cabin twenty-four
Thanks for stopping by, Eena!
Sorry in advance if this comment is going to be a little long, but I just have to adress one of the things you wrote – about lighting. I am an currently working in a field that is very much related with proper (also pleasant) lighting of buildings and I can’t stress this point too strongly really. Each time I enter any building I can see how poorly the lighting has been designed and it is so important to have proper light in order to feel good (or productive in case of colder light shades in corporations). Seriously, people just ignore it but it works wonders to our wellbeing and I am not surprised Danes are so happy with their led lights everywhere.
Dorota
Couldn´t agree more! People don´t pay enough attention to it, but it really makes such a big difference!
This book sounds like a lovely read. Thank you for sharing the concept and tons of tips with us! I think everyone could use a little more hygge in their life :).
I’ve heard so much about Hygge and definitely would love to embrace hygge in my life. Need to read that book!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
The book is really cool! Thanks for stopping by!
Hygge reminds me of comfort food which is very much that satisfying feeling of enjoying life with what nurtures us. I really enjoyed your post and would love to see more of it in our world.
Thanks for sharing. Never heard of hygge. Learnt something today.
https://www.missymayification.co.uk
Thanks Missy May!
I’ve heard so much about this book but never really known what the word means until reading this! I agree though, a cozy life tends to be a happy one! x
Sophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
Cozy life and hygge home is definitely the way to go!
This is all so inspiring! Comfort is key xx
http://www.qustomquinns.com/blog
Thanks for stopping by, Quinn!
Wow nice post! I have never heard of Hygge before! We definitely need more Hygge-ling in our lives, anything that brings us closer as a people and makes life worthwhile right?
Carina
https://theagelessmillennial.com/
Definitely! more hygge-ling!
Lovely post. I’ve wanted to visit Denmark for so long–seems like such an idyllic place.
Sara
http://www.saraspoke.com
It is a lovely country! Hope you get a chance to visit soon!
That sounds fascinating, I am really curious to know more about this. Kudos for the photos, they look very lovely. 🙂
This was an awesome read. I have never heard of this philosophy on living before, but I think it makes total sense.
I totally agree with #2. Just get away from the phone and computer and being in the moment makes me feel so much healthier and happier. Thanks for sharing the danish secret of happiness. I cannot wait to read the Hygge.
Oh no, I haven’t read it before but I would love to. I have quite a number of people (Danish) that I know and reflecting back upon my experiences with them, it all adds up now well.
This sounds like a book worth reading. I’m going to have to add it to my book list. I read every single day so it won’t be long before I get to it. I’ve never even heard of that term before.
I haven’t read this particular book, but I have read a lot about hygge. I find it harder to practice in the summer, but last night we had friends for dinner, and I took great care with the table settings. We had soft lights in the dining room and candles in the living room. Loving this post. I am going to do your #5 today. I love that concept.
This makes me want to read the book! And maybe even visit Denmark some day!
The Danish Secret of Happiness is so interesting! I love cooking so I think it’s a great activity. I also love baking.
Love this concept. Now I know why I feel the way I do in certain homes or buildings.
Since learning about hygge it’s been my obsession to make my life as hygge as possible. The Little Book of Hygge is definitely a great read and introduction to the concept.