Hygge is a Danish word that does not have a specific translation into Spanish because it expresses a personal, vital and emotional state. The Danes often use it with a declension that can serve as an adjective and sometimes even as a verb, but deep down they want to capture actions and moments of happiness with it.
A Hyggelig meal, a Hyggelig state or a Hygge walk are daily activities for any of us where the nuance is put in the how and not in the what. It is more important how I take the walk, how I eat or how I am, than the action itself. “Therefore, what is behind this concept is a philosophy of life that has a lot to do with Mindfulness: being in the present moment with full attention and enjoying it.
Happiness Hygge: look for the little details
- Carlos gives us a clear example to understand what exactly the Hygge philosophy is. “Think of a house with a sofa and a burning fireplace, on the sofa a couple of blankets and, in my hand, a cup of hot chocolate while the first flakes of snow fall through the window. That would be visually a moment of happiness Hygge. This philosophy of life tells us about simplifying and seeking happiness in small details. It is taking care of the present moment by putting full awareness in it. That is why it has so much to do with Mindfulness, where that presence is trained to be able to enjoy in a fuller of life”.
- Hygge has a universal character, since the same moment of Hygge fulfillment can be experienced walking through the countryside of our city or in the best ski resort in the world. “It’s a matter of attitude, of being able to really enjoy what you have, be it a lot or a little. I’ve met people who are very rich economically, but unhappy in their personal lives and humble people who invite you to dinner, light a candle and they have already created a magical Hygge moment. Everything that comes after will remain engraved in the heart forever, the laughter, the confidences, the conversation itself”, adds Carlos Giménez Borrajo.
Tips to lead a fuller, happier, more Hygge life
How many times have you been in a conversation without being present, at a meal without paying attention to your interlocutor, or in an idyllic landscape or place without enjoying it?
- Eat Mindfully: Don’t let your mind wander while you’re eating inattentively.
- Do exercise: It is not necessary to go to the gym, movement is life and for this a simple walk is enough. We oxygenate the body and mind with it.
- Listen with presence: Paying attention to your interlocutor, not thinking about what you should say next. The more relaxed you are, the more the conversation will flow.
- Take care of the details: The context creates the text. Surely the evocative image of which we have spoken above has transported you to a moment of peace and happiness. Why don’t you buy candles? In Denmark all restaurants have indirect lighting and candles, but remember: context is important.
- Breathe: We all do it automatically because otherwise we would die, the key is to take a few minutes a day to observe our breathing trying to lengthen the inspirations and expirations.
- Slow down: enjoy the moments as they arise leaving aside the “I have to”
- Do not judge yourself so harshly or do it with others: deep down we have all come to try to be happy. “Every person you see is fighting a battle we know nothing about. Let’s be kind,” concludes the author of Awakening to Life.