The Nordic Secret to Explaining Happy Life: A Lifestyle Called ‘Hygge’.

The most important thing that creates the ‘paradise’ countries in Northern Europe is a peaceful, idyllic but still happy lifestyle that every citizen here is pursuing. The Nordic countries have their own noun to name their lifestyle: Hygge (pronounced hoo-ga). In the languages of these countries, ‘hygge’ is described as ‘feeling warm and satisfying’, or ‘enjoying the good things in life with good people around you’.

In medicine, hygge has also been shown to promote health and make people’s lives happier. As for each Nordic, when it comes to hygge, they remember a beautiful philosophy and faith that they still apply every day.

So, it is not wrong to say that the “hygge” lifestyle is the secret to helping Nordic people become the happiest people in the world. Here are some tips that will make your life more “hygge” like the Nordic people.

1. Immerse yourself in nature is the first thing

Signe Johansen’s book “The Hygge Method” states that the Nordic love of nature was the key to living hygge. The book emphasizes that ‘the outdoors is the perfect place to exercise and experience’

Some studies also show that people who exercise a lot outdoors tend to stick to a more consistent exercise schedule. Even walking outdoors compared to walking on an automatic treadmill burns up to 10% more calories.
So, ‘immersing yourself in nature’ is the first key.

2. Pleasure to clear the mind is very important

Hunting is a popular Nordic pastime: you have to wait all day sitting alone in the woods without seeing an animal, all the while remaining focused. This is a very hygge style: comfortable feeling, being in nature but keeping the focus.

Of course, you can choose other subjects, not just hunting. It could be fishing, or hiking, for example.

3. Practice sports: Don’t find it difficult or miserable, consider it a joy

The hygge lifestyle sees physical exercise and exercise as a fun thing, not a torture, or a boring, chore.

The author of “The Method for Living Hygge” points out that hygge views sport, similar to group activities, as fun. The author said that according to many recent studies, a sedentary lifestyle increases many dangers to our health, such as obesity or smoking addiction.

And the result of this very ‘hygge’ exercise concept: Swedish men have an average life expectancy of 80.7, ranking fourth in the world, while Swedish women have an average life expectancy of 84 .

4. Don’t underestimate the family meal

Eating with family is eating hygge style. That’s when “the kinship relationship is created”. This is really important, and Nordic people often try their best to have family dinners every day of the week, not just on Sundays.

Statistics show that only 1% of workers in Sweden work overtime. They spend most of their time after work with their families. In the family, the husband will be willing to cancel the meeting with friends after work to spend time with his wife and children. The first thing they do after returning home from work is to talk, play, and cook with their wives and children.

However, the productivity of Nordic people is still among the top in the world, according to the Better Life index of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

5. De-stress with coffee, hang out with friends

Sweden is the world’s largest coffee consumer, followed by Finland. The daily tradition of these countries is this: sit down to rest, enjoy a hot drink often accompanied by cakes or waffles to relieve stress.

Ms. Johansen hails this tradition as ‘the essence of hygge’. She calls it ‘a prime example of balancing, the Nordic philosophy of life’. As a result, a 2010 survey of 36 countries found that Swedes, followed by Denmark and Finland, were the least stressed.

6. Just eat what you like…

The spirit of ‘hygge’ means enjoying the good things in life without feeling guilty, including freely eating foods that make you feel happy: bacon, beer, waffles…

Not banning children from eating candy, the Norse have a tradition of “lordagsgodis” – “Saturday candy”: allowing children to have a small bag of candy of their choice once a week. This tradition is ingrained in every Nordic from childhood, accompanied by a philosophy: if you treat yourself well on Saturday, abundance will follow you throughout the week.

Even so, the percentage of Swedes who are obese is only 14%. Out of 34 OECD countries, Scandinavian countries are ranked 23rd (Norway), 25th (Sweden) and 26th (Denmark).

7. But still have to be in moderation

This does not mean that Nordic people eat poorly. The truth is that the “Nordic diet” was still in vogue before hygge spread across the country.

Specifically, this regimen is based on culinary products mainly in Scandinavia. These include whole grains like Ryvita, Ryvita-style Crispbread, eating fish three times a week, root vegetables, fruit, fruit juices like apples and prunes, and avoiding sugary foods. This menu is scientifically proven to significantly reduce cholesterol.

8. Singing during meals – simple but precious optimism

During dinner, everyone around the table would raise glasses of aquavit (a Nordic plant oil, similar to gin, but better) and start singing out loud the song ‘snapsvisa’ – a drinking song.

Johansen points out in her book ‘The Hygge Way of Life’ that optimism is present in hygge and in Nordic culture. For the Scandis, drinking aquavit without singing would be like eating meat without sauce.

A 2013 study by scientists at the University of Gothenburg found that singing in unison has the same benefits as yoga. The researchers found that the chorus singer’s heart rate and breathing would be synchronized, helping to keep the lungs and heart healthy.

So, looking at it from this perspective, it is clear that the Nordic people are doing simple but scientific things. Life is relaxed and quality, they automatically become the happiest people in the world.