With high marks for its balance between a strong social support system and tolerance for individual freedom, Denmark ranked first in the United Nation’s World Happiness Report this year.
What can we learn from the nation of Hans Christian Andersen, Tivoli Gardens and the original Legoland?
You’ll get some clues in “The Cozy Life,” a new handbook by Danish-born Pia Edberg. She now calls Canada home, but still practices the Danish concept of hygge (pronounced HOO-gah) in her everyday life.
Need a translation? Edberg explains that hygge is about finding joy in the life’s simple pleasures and treasuring the moment. Hygge can be used as a noun or a verb (hyggeligt is the adjective), and it connotes both an internal feeling and an external expression of coziness.
Edberg, an artist and personal development entrepreneur, gives a brief history of hygge, and explains that while it can be practiced any time, traditionally it has been employed as a way to cope with the cold, dark months of winter.
Today, hygge is practiced in much the same way as it has been in the past. The key is to unplug, slow down, maybe light some candles or gather around a bonfire, partake of refreshment, and share the moment with good company – be it family, friends, or pets.
It’s also possible to hygge alone. By being at ease and authentic to yourself, hygge happens spontaneously.
Some sections in “The Cozy Life” seem unnecessarily prescriptive. Edberg’s list of hygge possibilities (“catch a sunset,” “bake your own fresh bread,” “have a picnic in the park,” etc.) was probably fun for her to dream up, but it seems like excessive guidance.
More useful is her overview of the hygge philosophy, and the beneficial effects it can have on our physical, emotional and social well-being.
Here’s wishing you a hyggeligt holiday season!
Barbara Lloyd McMichael is our ground reporter in South King County, Wash., and author of the syndicated book review column “The Bookmonger.” Her PR for People® Book Review is written exclusively for The Connector.
PR for People® Book Review
Hygge your way to happiness
by Barbara Lloyd McMichael
The Cozy Life – Pia Edberg
CreateSpace – 148 pp - $11.96