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Politics and Activism

The Danish Secret To Happiness

Stay calm and hygge.

Kylee Sipowski

Jan 30, 2017

University of Florida

330

Unsplash

What makes the Danish so happy? Is it the fairytale castles, the eco-friendly lifestyle or low perception of government corruption? Likely, all of them, but there's something else. It's called hygge (hoo-gah), and it's the lifestyle trend sweeping the globe.

Hygge is the Danish concept of creating coziness and intimacy. Everything the Danish love is hygge in some way: candles by your beside, warm knit socks on a damp winter's night, spending time with close friends by the fire. It's Pinterest-picturesque happiness.

In a country that experiences long, cold and dark winters, it's hard to imagine (as a Florida girl), how the Danish maintain their spot as one of the happiness countries in the world. The hygge lifestyle isn't about things, according to Meik Wiking, CEO of the Happiness Research Institute and the author of "The Little Book of Hygge." It's about atmosphere and experience, Wiking wrote. Hygge plays a central role in Danish culture, interpersonal relations and even home design. Wiking contends that hygge is one of the main reasons the people are so happy.

Trend-watchers have taken notice, and hygge has become one of the top lifestyle trends of 2017.

In "The Little Book of Hygg," Wiking breaks down the lifestyle into 10 parts; what he calls the "the hygge manifesto." These 10 pillars are the jumping off point to bring the Danish concept of coziness and hominess into your every day.

1. Atmosphere

Think candles, dimmed lights and golden hour.

2. Presence

Turn off your phone, close your laptop and disconnect from the constant annoyances of the digital world.

3. Pleasure

Treat yo self. Grab your favorite tea set and brew a fresh cup of rich tea or coffee, pick up some chocolate cookies and savor the experience.

4. Equality

Share the experience with others. Hygge is better together.

5. Gratitude

Every day is a blessing.

6. Harmony

You can't hygge better than anyone else. Enjoy the presence of others; that's all you need.

7. Comfort

Oversized sweaters, chunky knit blankets with cozy socks and fluffy pillows. Relax in comfort and style.

8. Truce

Politics and hygge don't mix.

9. Togetherness

Break out a board game or favorite movie to share with others. Grow relationships with the people you care about, in the comfiest way possible.

10. Shelter

The world can break you down, let hygge build you back up.

What are you waiting for? Carve out time for hygge in your life. Start with a new candle or set of warm socks. Hygge is a mindset. You don't need to travel to Denmark to find it.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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The Danish Secret To Happiness

Stay calm and hygge.

1. Atmosphere

2. Presence

3. Pleasure

4. Equality

5. Gratitude

6. Harmony

7. Comfort

8. Truce

9. Togetherness

10. Shelter

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No, I can't help you.

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3. People refusing to be put on hold when a customer is standing right in front of you. Oh, how I wish I could just hang up on you!

4. Having the same conversations over and over again! To be honest I really don't even want to talk to you right now, or have this fake ass smile on my face!

5. Always having to have a smile on your face. I promise I'm not as happy as I may look!

6. Customers not understanding that sometimes, mistakes happen. I am a human being, we all mess up sometimes!

7. Having the boss from hell, it's their way or the highway! Even though I did my job correctly and efficiently, if I don't do it the exact way you do, I'm a piece of shit.

8. Having coworker who don't help out, who bend the rules just enough to screw you over.

9. Having to be at work after closing because a customer is taking forever and half! Not like I'd like to go home or anything!

10. Having shitty hours and more shifts than you asked for. Just because we don't have enough workers, doesn't mean I want to pick up every shift that you cant cover, oh great boss of mine!

11. Not having time for a social life. It gets old saying, "I can't I have work..." Every day of the week!

12. Having that lazy costumer who can't do anything for themselves... no please I'll get that, it's no problem at all!

It's just my face, I swear.

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2. People are constantly asking you if you're OK.

3. After being friends with someone for a while, they confess to you, "I thought you were so mean when I first met you," or, "I thought you hated me."

4. You get told to smile more, but they don't understand how scary that would be.

5. You're always labeled as seeming "judgy."

6. Passing a friend with your RBF in full force and not realizing you just shot them a death glare.

7. Being sarcastic, but everyone thinks you're outright rude.

8. Not knowing how mean you really look until you see a picture of yourself in resting face.

9. Your apologies never sound sincere because of your emotionless face.

10. Your "mad face" scares you.

11. And, lastly, people are constantly asking you if you are happy or having a good time because you look bored to death.

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1. "Is Elle Woods your spirit animal?"

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11. "You definitely like Pumpkin Spiced Lattes from Starbucks!"

12. "Do you actually think blondes have more fun?"

13. "You must encompass the typical “white girl” stereotype."

14. "Is that daddy’s credit card you’re using?"

15. "So all of your friends are blonde too?"

16. "I’m surprised about you; I thought you would be a lot ditsier."

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13. The first snow day

14. Madipalooza

15. When finals week rolls around

16. When you have to say goodbye

17. And when you finally get to go back

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2. You're super excited about your birthday the week before.

3. Your family flies in town to celebrate with you.

4. Your siblings wake you up.

5. Your friends are so excited to be with you on your big day.

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