The Science of Hygge (the Danish feeling of coziness!)

In this episode of Uno Dos of Trace I dig into the science behind #hygge (pronounced HYOO-GAH). Specifically, warm light temperatures, warm ACTUAL temperatures, social interaction, and the materials we surround ourselves with. Even though some of this seems a bit hokey — there’s some #psychology, sociology, and even evolution tied up in those #cozy holiday feelings.

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🐱 RELATED LYNX
The Cornell Study comparing productivity to lighting

Cold weather makes you crave warm conversation

Some hygge science from Psychology Today

The Happiness Research Institute

The 2019 UN World Happiness Report

😘 SPECIAL THANKS TO…
Rebekka Anderson and the Happiness Research Institute and YOU!

🐣 EASTER EGGS
P.S — Happy Holidays, fam!

P.P.S — Personally, I love the idea that hygge not ONLY relevant during the cold weather!

I just wanted to say one last thank you for supporting me on this scicomm journey! 💖 I literally could not do this without you. - #tracedominguez

[Choedron]

Being a Dane, I would like to add a few things.: You can not force hygge. It is just something that happens when content. It can even be while you paint the house with a few friends or play a friendly game of football (soccer to Americans) on a summers day. It does not have to be while being more or less inactive sitting with a cold or hot drink etc. The main aspect of hygge, is not imposing one's ego unto the situation, something or someone else. If you dominate the "party", talking too loud or interrupting all the time, you can be sure other people are not feeling any hygge - everybody has to be in on the hygge on equal terms. If you plan, that NOW you are going to have a lot of hygge, then it is imposing the ego onto the situation and it is no longer hygge because it becomes too fabricated. Though sometimes planning some hygge, can actually lead to hygge, if you following relax into the situation. You have to be content without imposing one's ego.

[drali]

This video makes me want to wrap myself in a blanket and drink hot chocolate!

[tobiashaurum]

Classrooms across Denmark have actually changed their cold lights to warmer lights to reduce students anxiety.

[ursaltydog]

I have Hygge-nauts in my family from wayyyy back... :D j/k.. but seriously, I believe we all strive for this safety and comfort and it probably beckons back to a primal feeling for safety and comfort for those early humans, sitting among a fire undulating flames against the walls of caves, stories imparted by those flames to the onlookers, and feeling warmth throughout their bodies and safety from what lurked outside.
I think due to that reason, we humans have our natural resonance set to this frequency of hygge, similar to Schumann, in which we are at our best settings.

[freemanok]

It is complete meta-thought (the reason why I like Trace and his channel.) I have already been practicing meditation to reach the understanding meta-thought (the thought about thought) for some time. It is the voyage to your inner being that matters, most important science is the one leading to self awareness (which help after trauma of loss.) I wish for Hygge for all humanity in the coming year 12020.

[johnmcnally]

I love trying to explain colour temperature and colour warmth to people outside of film. It reinforces how weird film is when you get into it.

[gigi]

My hygge index increases while watching your videos 😊
Happy holidays and happy New year in advance!!

[jared]

I nicknamed my apartment "The Cozy Castle" so I'm the king of Hygge

[stevie]

I wish I could like this a thousand times over but since I cannot sharing it will have to do.

[joebaumgart]

I like that jawn you got wrapped up in.

[phizicks]

This would make sense thinking back to our primitive times where cooler climates were colder and (snow) whiter so we're on the ball and alert to find food and keep reserves (not giving). Warmer climates had more food and safety/comfort so we'd be more giving... interesting match up

[TheSimArchitect]

Happy holidays! Nice to see you're well and back!

[Sakura-zurz]

Hoping you find the new year to be fruitful and enjoyable.
Best wishes and hopes for the brand new year. 🤗💐💗❤️😘

[BertSingels]

Nice video again Trace. In the Netherlands we have 'Gezelligheid' which means about the same.
Happy holidays and the best wishes for you and everyone you love. See you in the next decade 😉.


The description from Wikipedia:
Gezelligheid is a Dutch word which, depending on context, can be translated as 'conviviality', 'coziness', 'fun'. It is often used to describe a social and relaxed situation. It can also indicate belonging, time spent with loved ones, catching up with an old friend or just the general togetherness that gives people a warm feeling.

A common trait to all descriptions of gezelligheid is a general and abstract sensation of individual well-being that one typically shares with others. All descriptions involve a positive atmosphere, flow or vibe that colours the individual personal experience in a favorable way and in one way or another corresponds to social contexts.

Being a vague, abstract notion, the word is considered by some to be an example of untranslatability, and one of their hardest words to translate to English. Some consider the word to encompass the heart of Dutch culture.

[rngnv]

What you're basically describing as the "science" is the top of Maslow's Heirarchy of Needs in Self-Actualization which brings forth the "feeling" of Hygge. You're only truly "happy" when self-actualized. "Happy" might be our half-brother version of "Hygge" in reality. The words are too similar for it to be a true false-cognate.

[Inspirina]

Interesting video! It would be very helpful if you could reference the studies you mention in the description

[later_daze_]

The chick lying down reading in front of the fire gives me hygge.

[willrohit]

Come live here in India at 45 Deg Celsius and talk about warm😀

[elonmush]

I'm convinced Trace makes an impressive shampoo horn

[sarukun]

oh! The Super Carlin Brothers did a video on this and the family in the spa, in the movie Frozen.
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Just gonna tack all my comments in here, cause I don't want to spam you xD
With the red being cold and blue being hot, I'm guessing they are basing it on fire?
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My room is at 16°C/61°F right now. I got a blankie, just need some cocoa (my computer is happy though, and I like it cold)
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Just overall great video