Would you like to discover happiness with Hygge Philosophy?

Denmark is a country with a cold climate and low sun exposure. It is cold, difficult and dark… For people living in this country, the morning starts almost at dusk, the sun exposure time is quite short, and the hot weather does not go beyond a few weeks of the year.

However, these difficult conditions of daily life have led the Danish people to find the concept of happiness in simpler things, instead of making them pessimistic and turning them away from happiness. Perhaps the conditions that are always at hand for those of us who live in temperate climates have become even more valuable for them. Nevertheless, it should be admitted that the sources of happiness that this philosophy refers to are universal values.

What Is This Hygge Philosophy?

Hygge in Danish means “the art of creating intimate environments”, “feeling warm in the soul”, “the state of being away from all trouble, distress and frustrating”, “enjoying things that bring comfort and happiness”, “state of being with your loved ones”. being defined. I define this word, which is equivalent to the word "coziness" in English, as creating small happiness. According to Danlar, in order to achieve Hygge, you need to create an environment that will make you feel comfortable and safe. You may think of home environment. In fact, it doesn't even need to be a home. Even a tent that will make you feel peaceful can do the job.

The concept of hygee has been so adopted in Denmark that it has begun to be used as an adjective and a verb. For example, if a situation is very hygge, the adjective becomes "hygeelig" or "hyggelight". “What a hygeelig table!” or “I wonder if our guests could be as hyggelight as they wished?” they use it in their daily life so much that it is one of the first words that Danish learners learn.

The Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen has published a 10-item manifesto for people to enter a high-quality hygge mood. The country wants to be happy so much that it even established an institute for it. I respectfully greet them and move on to the details of the 10-point manifesto.

1-Make the atmosphere as natural as possible.

When we look out the window or on the balcony at night, what we see is just darkness. However, it would be nice if we could see the stars. Their artificial light is destroying them. In the first item, the aim is to purify the atmosphere from highly artificial lights and create natural light. There will be moonlight, there will be stars… Of course, it is a bit difficult to reach them in the city environment. If you can't reach the moon and stars, candles with beautiful shapes and scents are just for you.

In addition, a person in Denmark consumes an average of 5.8 kg of candles per year. So, candle lights are very important for a happy environment. 

2-Stop posting stories on Instastory and live the moment!

Although this item is defined as live in the moment in the manifesto, this is exactly what they mean. Lift your head from phones and computers and focus on those around you, the moment and atmosphere. While trying to capture the moment, we miss many moments, we are not aware of it. Let only you and those around you know that moment. Enjoy that moment to the fullest with those around you.

3-Prepare small pleasures for yourself

Reward yourself with tiny candies, chocolates and cookies that will make you happy. Chocolate gives happiness, increases your energy. It must be due to the climate, as the cold increases, the amount of sugar consumed in countries increases. Danes consume twice as much sugar as the average European. But they still haven't been able to take the sugar consumption first place from the Finns.

4- The guest and the host should have equal rights and responsibilities.
, when guests come to the house, the host almost cuts himself to serve. At the end of the day, with endless services and treats, there is a feeling of "tiredness" rather than happiness. In the Hygge philosophy, this situation is completely different. Everyone is equal, both the guest and the host. The table is set together, removed together; everyone keeps one end of the job. 

5-Be grateful for everything you have

Be grateful for whatever you have, big or small. It can be a flower in your room or a close friend you have. Let's list the big and small beauties we have and give thanks. All that is with us is glad they exist. 🙂

6-Stay away from ego and showing off

The Hygge philosophy suggests that people live in harmony with one another, without showing off, without self-praise. Be in harmony with the environment without competing and trying to prove yourself. Put your egos in a bag and throw them in the trash and say hello to a peaceful life.

7-Create comfort and coziness in your environment

Comfortable clothes, cushions, comfortable seats, hot coffee or herbal tea, a peaceful place… Create an environment where you feel comfortable. Do whatever you like to do in this environment. If you ask me, now is the perfect time to read a book.

8-Settle all tensions

Keep yourself away from chaos. Keep away from people who will upset you and lower your energy. This is also called the "No more drama in my life" tactic. Do not talk about issues that may cause tension, such as politics or religion. Even avoid people talking. Tension is what shouldn't be in a happy hygge setting.

9-Get together with your loved ones and enjoy being together

It is important to have pleasant moments with your friends and family. When you are with them, you feel safe and happy, along with the “feeling of being at home”.

10-Create a home environment or an environment that you think is safe

To achieve the Hyggelig state, it is necessary to feel safe, to know that you are protected from danger. You don't just have to be in a home environment to feel happy. It is possible to feel “at home” in an environment suitable for the Hygge philosophy. In other words, any place where you meet the criteria such as comfort, warmth, safety and comfort can enable you to reach the state of hyggelig.

Except for a few months of the year, most of them are in darkness, they spend most of their days without seeing the sun, 60% of their salaries are taxed, and most of the year is cold; it is so successful in creating happiness in poverty that it has been leading the list of the happiest countries for many years. Sometimes you have to be content with the little happiness in life. The Danes have created little happiness for themselves. And what little happiness have you created for yourself? Whether you think about it or choose from here, the decision is yours.