The Scandinavian Hygge Lifestyle Taking The World By Storm

Hygge is a Danish term defined as “a quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.” In the past year, this concept of Scandinavian coziness has made inroads with an international audience. At least six books about hygge were published in the United States this year, with more to come in 2017. Author of the international best-seller The Little Book of Hygge, Meik Wiking takes VICE News on a hygge tour of Copenhagen coffee shops, library gardens and wine bars that epitomize the lifestyle trend.

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[VICENews]

Meik Wiking takes VICE News on a hygge tour of Copenhagen coffee shops, library gardens and wine bars that epitomize the lifestyle trend.

[MrMentalSoul]

As a Danish/American dual citizen, I can tell you all definitively that "hygge" is real. There is no BS here. There is no propaganda. Visit Denmark and you'll experience an incredibly warm and happy culture. In sharp contrast to the US, the Danish government works hard to better the lives of its citizens. Most people in this comment section are very ignorant and too angry about the state of the US to understand that there are great places and cultures beyond US shores.

[BenDNorton]

People in Denmark and Scandinavia overall aren't disproportionately happy because of "Hygge" or cultural reasons, but rather because of the material conditions in their countries.

As the Danish man pointed out in the video, they have social democratic polices that provide social programs and safety nets for people. Workers have health care, quality public education, and more.

In the US, millions upon millions of people are living paycheck-to-paycheck, worried about how they are going to pay their rent and provide for their children.

You can practice Hygge all you want, but if you're in poverty and have no social support, you aren't going to be happy.

[Teddy_Toto]

In the US, we citizens work very hard to provide our politicians with as much hygge as they can take.

[ctoh]

"at some point, additional income does not lead to an improved quality of life." a lot of wisdom in this line.

[leenaparsons]

"socializing for introverts" wow, that's so accurate

[krispiccone]

The other week, I got so frustrated by the hustle and bustle and stress and I remembered a friend mentioning the word hygge. So in desperation I bought a book on it. It really made my blood pressure go down reading it and I felt so relaxed. Our culture really needs to learn to unwind more. Perfectionism is toxic. There is something so beautiful in the minimalistic pursuit.

[AnEvolvingApe]

The cringe level is high in these comments. One huge difference between Americans and Danes is that many Americans believe wealth and the continued accumulation of wealth is a sign of good character. You'll often hear these idiots defending Donny Tinyhands by saying things like, "he's a billionaire with a supermodel wife so he is better than you."

[jakob]

It is like the swedish fika. Taking your time to sit down with a cup of coffee and a cinnamon bun just enjoying the food, atmosphere and yourself

[PLxFTW]

This is interesting. I imagine people would be overall happier if there day-to-day worries didn't include basic survival like having enough to eat, the ability to afford healthcare, not having to worry about how much an education will cost, etc.

[littlequickfire]

"...many people find that moment and they call it something else. It's a moment of groundedness when you're close to other people. And when you listen to your heart and see people with your heart."

I've had those moments. It's kind of when everything feels in harmony and you feel good and wholly present in that moment, talking with a friend or family member, likely laughing or sharing something good. I strive to make those moments. Moments of joy or just contentedness. And I believe he's right, you can make it happen no matter where you are in the world. It's just naming it that's so powerful and I love the Danes have a word for it.

[abcd]

I suddenly understood exactly what hygge meant a minute into the video. I've experienced the feeling. I think we all have. Drinking hot chocolate by the fireplace while watching it snow outside.

[jean]

I live in Denmark, with the threat of possibly being alone for Christmas, I bought some very pretty Christmas porcelain, the shop assistant, asked me if it was a present and I answered “No, if there is a lockdown, and I’m alone for Christmas, I’m going to have a really hyggelig time, and the porcelain is part of it”. You can hygge alone!😃😎

[sagama]

Hygge kan also be healthy. Hygge is a cup of tea. A dinner with good friends. You can still have a hygge time even if there are no candles involved. It's a fluid thing. The way Claus Meyer describes it is the most correct. Everybody does it. We (Danes) just have a name for it.

[ABCD]

Can someone from Denmark adopt me? I want hygge for rest of my life.

[fedup]

I was raised in a family like this. I live in America and I grew up in a family where dinner was so sacred that we always ate together, no phones, no computers etc. im so grateful for being able to have that experience every night. I find that my family is much closer than a lot of my friends whose families almost never eat together. In addition to that my parents are much happier than most of my friends parents, and they say that cooking and eating together everyday helps them feel grounded and stay connected even when their lives are so busy and hectic. I would really recommend this to anyone, it 100% results in a closer, more stable, and supportive family.

[adempc]

But this is all dependent on basic needs being met first, and without the constant fear of losing them.

[Blue_Azure]

A stroll through Target’s home decor aisle is Hygge for me....and smelling all the candles 🕯

[michelleheegaard]

What is really funny though is that even though we have the highest rates of happiness here in Denmark, we also have the highest amount of prescriptions for antidepressives. It is a huge paradox, which is often left out of the conversation when talking about Danish people and their level of happiness.

[mariusfrederiksen]

hygge is one of the best things in the world. ( i am danish )