Happiness + Hygge: What We Can Learn From the Happiest People on Earth

Ask any human being what they desire most in life, and chances are “happiness” is at the top of their list. Behind every goal, objective, and mission, the quest for happiness lies at the forefront of our minds, many times indirectly. 

When I feel most happy, many other parts of my life seem to benefit as well. I have less stress and anxiety. I’m more committed and eager to exercise on a regular basis. Life’s simple pleasures are more easily enjoyed. My sleeping habits are more restful and rejuvenating. I have more patience with my husband and kids. 

So why wouldn’t I seek out ways to add more happiness to my life when it’s evident that many other positive effects result? 

Each year, the World Happiness Report rates countries based upon how happy they are. The idea behind this report is really fascinating as all the countries surveyed are asked the same questions but range widely in their satisfaction levels. Areas such as the country’s crime rate, amount of freedom, generosity, health, social support, income, and the amount of trust they have in their government are how happiness is measured.

But what I find the most intriguing is that the same region of the world has consistently been at the top of the list and has remained there every single year since the report was published in 2012. 

Topping the list for the past 9 years, the nordic countries such as Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden are considered some of the happiest people in the world. Even though much of their year is filled with long, dark days, frigid temperatures, and snow-covered landscapes their happiness level still surpasses that of practically all other countries.  

As someone who experiences “the winter blues” on a yearly basis, it’s always fascinated me why these countries thrive during the coldest months of the year– a time when anxiety and depression symptoms are most prevalent for many. 

So what’s their secret to happiness? 

The secret is hygge (pronounced hyoo-guh) — a lifestyle embraced by the Danes in particular that reflects coziness, a warm atmosphere, and intentional intimacy. Think of it as sitting outside a mountain top lodge by a beautiful lake, hot coffee in hand, wearing your favorite fuzzy slippers and being surrounded by those you enjoy most. 

Embracing hygge

But hygge is more than just sitting curled up with a cozy blanket in front of a crackling fire. It’s embracing anything that brings you deep soul-warming comfort. 

I find this concept quite intriguing, that for the past year, I’ve been searching to find what hygge means to me and how to add more moments like this into my everyday routine. Moments that are deeply enriching and add beauty to my life.

It’s baking fresh crusty bread.

Reading a good book on a rainy day. 

Lingering over dinner with friends or family.

Taking a long walk in the woods while being surrounded by the changing autumn leaves. 

Opening up all my windows and letting the gentle breeze fill the house. 

Enjoying my creamy cup of coffee each morning while I watch the sun rise. 

Surrounding myself with practices like these has allowed me to slow down, make time for things that will bring more contentment, and have taught me to have a more positive outlook on life. 

So what lessons can we take away from the happiest people group in the world? How can we embrace hygge, learn to be more happy, and make meaningful changes that affect those around us? 

Life Lessons That Lead to Hygge

Build intimacy and trust with those around you 

Community and closeness can only thrive when you learn to develop a trust of those around you. Try going out of your way to help a neighbor, perform a random act of kindness for a friend, or have a meaningful conversation with a family member. Show others around you that you care and that you value the relationship with them. It’ll benefit both you and them. 

Set realistic expectations

We become more motivated and encouraged when we succeed. Success breeds a desire to keep striving for more. However, remember to keep your expectations realistic by leaving room to take a step back and see how you’ve grown, instead of continuing to reach for more and more. Be content with little accomplishments. Don’t set lofty goals that are impossible to attain but be content with what you’ve done.  

Prioritize your health

When we treat our bodies well, we feel better all around. This leads to a higher level of happiness from those feel-good chemicals being pumped through our brains. Sit and enjoy a meal rather than rushing out the door with a bagel in hand. Head to bed earlier so you don’t feel exhausted in the morning. Get your daily dose of vitamin D with a walk, jog, or hike in the woods. Mental and physical health are closely tied, so care for your body by prioritizing your health in simple, manageable ways.

Have a healthy work/life balance

When work is the most defining feature of our lives, we have little energy to pursue hobbies, passions, activities, and relationships. Work is important, but make sure you leave margin in your life to enjoy the simple pleasures around you. 

13 ways to add more hygge into your life

Surround yourselves with family and friends often. We’ve been hosting some college friends for dinner nearly each week for the past 10 years and it’s become one of the most pleasure-filled parts of my week. Nothing fancy, but always good conversation and lots of laughter. 

Enjoy life’s free pleasures. People watching in the park. The way it smells after a summer rain. A long hug from a close family member. 

Be present in conversations. Meaningful conversations with those we care for promotes a high level of the oxytocin chemical and creates feelings of love and warmth. Make time to be present in conversations, ask questions, and show someone that you care about them. 

Take up a new hobby just for fun. Mike and I often look to add more novelty and enjoyment to our evenings. Last year we learned how to play the card game, Gin Rummy and spent many hours playing it together after the kids went to bed. Currently, we’re experimenting with different types of breadmaking. Learning something new just for fun is so rewarding. 

Enjoy a good book. This past year, I’ve carved out intentional times of the day when I sit and read. I’ve gone through more books this past year than I probably have in the last decade combined. It’s become one of the most enjoyable parts of my day. 

Be nostalgic. Look through old photo albums. Tell your kids some favorite stories about when you were young. Reminisce about funny moments you and your spouse have had. Nostalgia isn’t just a fun emotion for people who idealize the past, but a part of the human experience that was meant to point beyond itself and bring joy and beauty to the present.

Bring natural elements inside your home. Cut some fresh flowers for your table. Snip some greenery from pine trees. Gather a few logs for a fire. The sights and smells that nature emits on our senses are quite powerful. 

Bake some bread. The fresh smell of crusty bread baking as it wafts through the house is as close as it gets to what hygge should smell like to me. Here’s our favorite easy bread recipe that we make on a regular basis. 

Keep meals simple but relaxing. I’ve learned to put less stress on preparing a fancy gourmet meal, and use more of my time to spend sitting and lingering over conversation at the table with my family. 

Sip something hot when it’s cold, or something refreshing when it’s hot. A hot cup of chamomile tea with a drizzle of honey on a snowy afternoon is one of my favorite ways to add happiness to the winter season. 

Don’t deprive yourself of the good things in life. Take time to enjoy a piece of fancy cake or creamy dark chocolate and make these times enjoyable instead of regretting your choice. 

Get outside. I’m a huge believer in the power that sunlight can bring to emotional health, so getting outside is a priority for us even on the freezing cold days. Take a walk. Go for a run. Ride your bike. Or even sit in your backyard and watch the clouds. 

Go on a picnic. Pack simple foods, find a nice shaded spot in the woods, listen to the sounds of nature as you eat. 

I’d encourage you to find ways that are deeply soul-warming to you. Allowing myself to embrace leisurely practices such as these has provided me with more happiness and contentment. Look for the beauty that surrounds you, slow down, and enjoy the journey.