"Hygge," pronounced "hoo-ga" translates to "cozy" in English is a Danish word that pertains to a lifestyle the Danish pursue in their lifetime. Worldwide, communities and even a college in Britain had dedicated a course to teaching the Danish ideal to students and anyone in pursuit of pure happiness.
According to Colorado Public Radio, "Hygge" is the feeling of "a cup of tea, a fuzzy blanket" that "can make you feel relaxed." The news website continued: "It can be the glow of a candle, a can of food or the atmosphere of a restaurant or cafe." Indeed, this is the idea behind the Danish term -- which makes one think that introverts had known about it for years given the similarities.
It is also because of Denmark's chilly temperature and daylight. Denmark has the majority of its day in darkness and almost daily temperatures drop to winter levels. It is not an ideal time to spend time outdoors -- leaving Danish families to stay indoors and make better use of their time seeking better creature comforts.
According to the BBC, in central London is Morley College with its own course on achieving perfect Danish "hygge" where the lecturer is a Dane herself. Lecturer Susanne Nilsson said the ideas of coziness and the comforts of home bring out ideals that "influence things." The ideal allows one to relax their soul and feel truly relieved.
Citing a dialogue with "The Year of Living Danishly" Author Helen Rusell, she said that "hygge" is all about "being kind to yourself" in the form of "indulging" and just having a great time. She described the Western world's attitude of "binge then purge" and "yo-yo dieting" as absent in Denmark -- to which Russell concluded is why "they are happier than we are in the United Kingdom."
But some also find the lifestyle as another overrated hype. According to Metro UK Writer Natalie Xenos, everyone is already "hygge than they already know." She said that publications are "trying to sell the idea so much" and that these "do not need to tell us to be cozy" because that is "every night in almost everyone's house."
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
