No Idea Whatsoever About What Hygge Is?
Don’t worry. I got your back. 😉
If you’re already a Hygge fan, just skip this part and start enjoying today’s blog post.
Still with me?
Ok.. awesome. Time to have fun.
What’s Hygge?
It’s a feeling you can’t buy of safety, warmth, peace, calm, contentment, and everything in between.
Based on cosiness, togetherness, and uniqueness, it’s a whole guide to craft a cosiness-based way of life for you AND your family.
To me, Hygge is like a roadmap to enjoy simple pleasure, slow down, unplug, and eventually becoming unapologetically yourself.
How can I learn more about it?
1/ Read the reviews I made at How The Hygge Book helps me to love my own quirks
2/ Request a special invitation for #TheHyggeLounge at https://www.thehyggeplanner.com/newsletter
3/ Buy Meik Weiking’s book by clicking here (Where you’re buying from this link Amazon will give a percentage to WWF on your behalf. I’m not owning a penny nor a compensation by any means)
How do you pronounce it?
Truth is, no one cares how you pronounce it as long as you can experience it day in and day out.
That said, it’s commonly admitted to be [HOO-GA] .
Keep it simple and don’t over complicate the process.
If you don’t get it the first time, no big deal.
Is there a Hygge lifestyle?
YES!! and I mean absolutely without the shadow of a doubt.
Hygge is more than just a list of things to do or have. It’s NOT a decor (see below for more infos).
If you’re quiet/ introvert, chances are you’re already living a Hygge lifestyle without even knowing it. Now, you can model what you’re already good at to enjoy that cosy, comfy, and homey feelings 24/7.
If you’re totally new and you’d love to implement that simple, decluttered, down to earth, eco friendly, and comfy way of living for your family, that’s totally doable.
Truth it, it’s WHY I created this entire site: to provide you the tools, the resources, and the inspiration to turn your life into a cosiness-based living without adding stress. (To get a weekly dose of cosiness-based pep talk, join #TheHyggeLounge HERE )
Where does it come from?
Hygge comes from Denmark (but the word itself comes for Norway). At some point in history, Norway and Denmark were one kingdom only.
For the records:
– the first mention of Hygge is circa 1840 (which means Hygge is everything but a fad trends)
– Denmark is ranking on the top 3 of the happiest countries in the world every singe year!
– the tax level in Denmark is one of the highest in the world. Yet, the citizens ARE full of happiness.
—> Who doesn’t want to model what the happiest people in the world are doing to be happy, content, and joyful day in and day out? I know I do (so does my Great Grand Mother in her journals)
Is Hygge only a decor for Fall & Winter?
This is a common myth I HAVE to bust once and for all. Danish people don’t stop living 6 months of the year. They enjoy and practice Hygge ALL YEAR LONG.
They just adapt what they do and how they do it. It’s definitely easier to have a snow day in winter and it’s definitely easier to have a BBQ outside in the middle of Summer.
Hygge is not stuck in Fall & Winter nor is a home decor.
If you want a decor, ask a professional to set up a stage… You won’t feel better in a snap because you have a fireplace and tonnes of fairy lights.
If it was that simple, everyone would be happy and medication wouldn’t be needed to avoid anxiety.
(If you’re under medication, NEVER EVER stop without a professional help. Asking for help should be your #1 priority. There’s no shame nor guilt to seek for a better health, or a better mental clarity)
You don’t have to spend $$$ to revamp your living room so it looks like a country living magazine cover… and you can show off on Instagram. Hygge is NOT a popularity contest. There’s no mandatory list of items to buy.
You can live Hygge in a moroccan house, a contemporary penthouse, a cottage close to the sea, a tiny house, a small apartment that looks like a boudoir, or a fancy super modern house. Hygge is what you made out of it.
Eh… you’re done with the introduction.
If you want to dive deeper:
– request your invitation for #TheHyggeLounge HERE
– check our workbook to craft a cosiness-based way of life for your family in 7 days HERE
– download our 108 Done for You ideas to practice Hygge as a family (when you have no time for brainstorm) HERE
Welcome! Today I’m asking you: How do you pursuit Happiness?
All roads lead to Happiness… Well, as long as you can picture what Happiness is. This is where the rubber meets the road because 99% of the time, we are chasing something unknown.
Think of it as a police task force/ special agents trying to arrest the #1 treats thief of the world with no composite sketch of what he/she looks like. They can search for ages & even catch him her without knowing it.
Same Goes with Happiness. Why?
Because, despite the fact that Happiness is a universal goal we ALL (as human being) have, it doesn’t mean that Happiness for YOU is 100% exactly the same for me. And, that’s perfectly awesome. OK, let me repeat it loud and clear:
«Your definition of Happiness is perfectly worthy. » —> and, YES, there’s a pinnable pic to save for later (look below)
So what?
Pursuit Happiness… WOW That looks like a big deal. Well, not that much. Keep reading.
First, you should know what Happiness means to you (aka craft your own composite sketch). So, you’ll finally understand what you’re chasing for in your life.
Bear in mind that your perspective on Happiness is very personal and NO ONE should criticize your definition of it. Whether, it’s a vague concept or something very detailed, you have an idea about Happiness. Now, it’s time to make it real.
At the end of the day, you can’t keep everything in your head. A good old fashioned brainstorm and some time will help you to outline/ answer that simple question:
« What does being happy mean to you? »
Are you ready?
Then, follow my 4-step plan (and I swear it’s fun and easy)
1. Grab a pen & a paper
2. Write down the question on the top « What does being happy mean to you? »
3. Jot down every thought that pop in your mind (Do NOT censure yourself)
/Mastering the art of strawberry jam is a valuable as writing a NY Times best seller on the Happiness Ladder/
4. Pour some hot beverage & go back to your drawing board to write more items that make you happy. Try to be specific and creative, add everything that would put a smile on your face. We’re curating happy moments so you won’t waste your time chasing something unknown.
—> I see you in 20 minutes, so you have plenty of time to write all your fun stuff (& it let me enough time to sip into that yummy delicious raspberry white mocha I’m dying for)
Ok, you’re done?! Awesome… Me too. Now, let’s dive into HOW you can/ will « travel » to Happiness Land.
How many roads will lead you to Happiness Land?
Simple: As many as your imagination can think of. The sky is the limit when it comes to find your path to Happiness.
« Wait, wait! Does it mean Hygge/ Danish lifestyle is NOT the only way to reach Happiness? »
Of course, it’s NOT!! Hygge is an amazing tool but, happily, it’s only ONE WAY to discover/ embrace/ enjoy happiness. There are thousands of other paths that will lead you to where you want to be.
Think about:
– cooking
– educating
– sharing time with your friends
– learning
– feng shui
– minimalism
– Lykke
– High heels
– yoga
– pilates
– meditation
– spirituality
– pagan practice
– travel
– Gemütlichkeit
– community
– fitness
– nutrition
– mindfulness
– reading
– Lagom
– Fika
– koselig
– hard rock
– marathon
– singing
– burlesque
– movies
– theater
– & YES, Hygge as well
The list can go on and on for… wait… do you have a lifetime?
Does any of those methods is better than the others?
Heck, NO! Every method has its own advantage. You can/ should mix and match until you find your perfect blend. You can even choose just one as long as it’s your choice.
If you’re anything like me, Happiness means hard rock, marathon, writing novels, and singing/ drawing chibis. Pretty unconventional comparing to the yoga/ green juice/ meditation usual triumvirate. Your life, your choice.
Do you have to choose one method over the others?
Heck, NO!! Get over the pressure of following what’s trendy so you’ll have the fake impression to fit into the mould. You deserve way more than that. Your life is worthy and your time is valuable.
Stay away from the so called gurus who push you to follow their path or you’ll be labelled as the villain of the day. Come on! Learn from others if you need but follow what works for you.
I’ve tried yoga at least 10 times or more and it still makes me cringe. I’m in love with Body Combat but it doesn’t mean I’ll force you to follow my path. Find yours. I know you can.
What if someone is trying to persuade me to follow his or her way because it’s the ONLY way to pursuit happiness?
Thanks but no thanks. Smile and move away as quick as possible. A member of your family or a friend should support and encourage you NOT trying to put you down to make them feel « better » about their own life.
Ok. ok… What if, now, I want to give a try to the Danish lifestyle of cosiness (= Hygge) but I know almost « nada » about it?
Hygge has been overly used for the last 2 years all over the Internet (sometimes with odd interpretation or misunderstanding). The truth is Hygge can be a quick fix but it’s a full lifestyle first.
Hygge Definition: Hygge is a feeling/ a sensation more than a strict method that will give you the code to crack the Happiness vault. Basically, it should be something like [ HOU-GA] but Hygge is so much more than a word.
Hygge Benefits: Embracing a slower lifestyle, discovering how simple pleasures can lead you to release stress and overall anxiety are definitely beneficial for you (especially if you’re quiet and introvert)
When you choose to add more cosiness in your life, you can easily start a digital detox, you reframe your relations with toxic people, you feel free to use your time the way you want, you find joy in tiny moments every day (from drinking a coffee looking at the rain to spending your afternoon cooking with your friends even if you’re not a chef). You break free from rushing, looking for perfectionism, overwhelm, and you are well equipped to handle down moments.
How to test the water of the Danish way of life of cosiness:
– Read the review of « The Little Book of Hygge » I’ve made last year [HERE](https://thehyggeplanner.com/hygge-book/)
– Buy the book on Amazon or on your favorite bookstore or borrow it in your library
– Join The Hygge Lounge Online Community to get my tips & real-life friends secret directly in your email box
What makes Hygge so unique?
– Cosiness: The Core of Hygge
Don’t rush, slow down… Unplug from your crazy busy life to enjoy the birds singing, to see the flowers or choose to snuggle in a blanket, drinking your favourite hot cocoa while reading a new book. Your life, your choice.
– Togetherness: Only with your loved ones
No need to gather 1000s guests you’ve never met to embrace a hyggelig moment. You can go for a walk, make a picnic, look at the sky daydreaming about the stars and making wishes. This is how Hygge is.
– Uniqueness: Love your quirks
Hygge is about feeling at ease with yourself, loving your body as it is, embracing your own uniqueness: cooking, sewing, knitting. You don’t have to fit into a mould to be happy but you should be happy to be you daily.
It’s time to wrap up how to pursuit Happiness!
In our fast paced world, you may feel depleted, tired, and exhausted to keep it up with the rhythm… You may have toxic voices in your head repeating like a broken record « you should do more. » « you have to push wayyyy harder. » « you’re lazy and coward. »
The truth is: you’re not a machine and you need (you deserve) Me Time to recharge and rest. On a click, you now have access to thousands of methods to relieve your stress and recharge your batteries.
For about a year, I’ve tested the Danish lifestyle of cosiness and, it was a real relief for me. As a quiet analytical online business owner, it helped me to reclaim my sanity AND to love my own quirks.
You can do it too and it’s easier than you think. If you have 5 minutes, you can open up to a new calm, serene, and peaceful realm of opportunities.
Tips are always appreciated but never mandatory. Share your love for The Hygge Planner, visit 👇🏻