The other day, I read an amazing article about why Denmark is the happiest nation on Earth, and how we all can live a more Danish lifestyle. The article, titled, “How Living Like a Danish Woman Made Me Happier (and how you can too),” by Helen Russell, introduced me to a word so powerful it cannot be translated: Hygge. Hygge is the essential mantra of the Danish. It means something along the lines of putting your happiness first, and creating a warm and nurturing environment for you.
At first read, my mind immediately thought, “How selfish and lazy! If you work hard to make others happy, then your happiness will follow.” I feel that is how many Americans think. But while we’re all focusing on working way too hard to put food on our family’s tables, paying for college to better ourselves or envying our neighbor, we do not realize that we are the selfish ones. The Danes indulge in daily pleasures to make themselves happy and, in turn, they are more kind to each other. Too often I am worried about my bank account or my weight, and I envy other people constantly, and then talk badly about them. But then I realize that I never do anything to better myself. I am not kind to myself.
I feel that most Americans are not kind to themselves. Whenever I talk to a friend, conversations consist of,“I am so tired. I have never been more stressed. I have gained so much weight.” The negativity is frightening. But Russell’s article gave me hope. There are so many little things in my day that have the potential to make me incredibly happy, but right now they are clouded in stress and anxiety. We need to make the time to stop and indulge when those things present themselves. Look at the beautiful house a little longer. Trade watching Netflix for taking a run down to the beach. Light your favorite candle. Take a bath. Buy fresh flowers. The most important thing we can learn from the Danish is that you are the start to a world full of joy. It is OK to take care of yourself first because happiness and kindness to the world around you will follow.
Check out Helen Russell's incredible article. It is worth the read.
