5 life lessons I learnt from Hygge
If you haven't yet heard about Hygge (pronounced hue-guh) it's a Danish term "for finding happiness in the little things in life". After seeing this concept popping up across social media for the last 6 months or so, when I saw this book, Hygge: the Danish Art to Happiness it was an instant must-buy. Hygge has the best concepts surrounding it, all about the cozy moments and feelings of togetherness and finding your happiness from these. It seems to be a main reason for Denmark being the happiest nation on Earth.
So far, I have loved flicking through this book and it's been inspiring me in so many way to enjoy every moment and find joy in the simple things. Find my top 5 lessons I've learnt below!
1. Stop multi-tasking
There's nothing better than a delicious cup of coffee, but sometimes I can drink it so quickly or with my eyes so glued to my phone that I stop appreciating it as a treat. Sitting down with no social media and just enjoying my thoughts with a cup of coffee is bringing a real zen to my every day.
2. Get out more
Living in Sussex, I'm extremely lucky to have beautiful countryside right on my doorstep and yet it's amazing how little I used to visit. Getting out into nature once a week not only helps clear my mind but often sparks newfound creativity for projects I may have been struggling with.
3. You're never too old to try something new
Hygge is all about simple living, doing stuff with your hands and enjoying the here and now so with this in mind I signed up for a short Brush Lettering course to learn a new tactile skill. This has been both rewarding but also a calm relief from my heavily MacBook-based working day.
4. Family is everything
Technically I didn't learn this from Hygge as I knew it already, but it's still such an important thing to remember. Spend quality time with the people you love and happiness can't be far away.
5. Enjoy the little things
The best lesson of them all. Enjoy every moment huddled in front of a fire, every second arranging flowers for your dining room table and every melted marshmallow you can get your hands on. There's happiness to be found in everything if you just look for it.
