Simone from Denmark Shares about Hygge, Self-Care and Wellbeing
Today I have the greatest pleasure in welcoming my dear friend Simone to the blog. Simone is one of my closest friends and we have known each other for some years, so I am really excited to have her with us. I have absolutely loved reading through her answers about hygge, self-care and wellbeing, what she loves about Denmark and her beautiful self-care rituals. Get your favourite drink and settle down comfortably to enjoy her soothing words, caring wisdom and generosity.
“When we create a hyggelig setting, we make the environment or home we are in a cozy and a nice atmosphere.”
Can you talk to us about what hygge is, and what it means to you in daily life?
Thank you for asking and making me reflect about hygge. Growing up as a Dane in Danish culture, hygge has been a big part of the language I have used. I consider and use the word hygge for quality time spent alone or with someone. Words that describe it well are cozy, warm, relaxed. It has a sense of informality about it.
A dear friend of mine also says that when we create a hyggelig setting, we make the environment or home we are in a cozy and a nice atmosphere. We light that candle, make a nice meal, cake, etc. We make the home or environment we are in a place where we ourselves and the guest we are with, can relax. A relaxed atmosphere. With fun and laughter. Danes also drink a lot and meeting for a hyggelig evening with a beer or wine is also very common.
Hygge has a certain quality about it that stands for taking it slow. Casual, warm. For myself, creating hygge time would be reading a good book, watching a movie, doing something I love to do and yes making sure my home or environment I am in supports that. When I am with people, it's about connection, quality time, enjoying the presence of each other. When I use the word hygge, my energy lights up, I feel cozy and warm. It is spacious and time is unlimited!
“We make the home a place where we can relax. A relaxed atmosphere.”
What are your favourite ways to take care?
My favorite ways to take care, is to make myself feel comfortable in whatever way that looks like in the moment. Taking care can be on so many levels. My basic needs, listening to my body, knowing when to move, when to take rest. Knowing what to feed my body. In food, in energy, in company. Taking care means for me being responsive. Responsive to the needs of the moment. Tuning in. Taking care extends to taking care of others and the environment. How do I reach out to the people I love, can I be a part of meeting their needs. Taking care of how I spend my time, does it feel nurturing, supportive and enriching. These are some of my guidelines.
"Taking care of how I spend my time, does it feel nurturing, supportive and enriching."
Do you have self-care rituals?
My self-care rituals are meditation and yoga each morning. I love to start my morning in this way. I do it before I check my phone, emails etc. It feels deeply precious to give myself this space and time. It has a certain sacredness to it. I have at times also an evening practice of mediation and relaxation. This feels wonderful too. I also love to go on a trip to nature with a little book and write poems from the inspiration I see in nature. For me connecting with nature settles me deeply. I take great care also in cooking nurturing and healthy meals for myself.
"For me connecting with nature settles me deeply."
The Danes have the reputation of being the happiest people in the world. Why do you think that is?
In Denmark we have a very good welfare system. Going to the doctor, hospitals, medical care is for free. You also receive financial support for studying. We have five weeks paid holiday in a year. If you get unemployed or ill, you receive financial support. And many more. I think all of the above mentioned takes care of the basic needs and provides Danes with a certain state of safety and comfort. We know we will be taken care of. However, I am not sure if it is directly linked with happiness. Happiness for me, is not something that is provided from the outside. Outside factors contribute to the quality and happiness of our lives, but is not dependent on it.
We have high living standards in Denmark and I know we also have a high percentage who are on antidepressants and I think the demands are also very big on the work life, parenting, social life etc. Because of our great welfare system, I believe that our sense of feeling responsible for our families and friends is weakened, because we know the state will take care. For my personal perspective, I consider if this contributes to healthy values for human nature. However, I am also very grateful for our very well functioning welfare system and all of the ancestors who made that possible for us.
“Happiness for me is not something that is provided from the outside.”
What do you think is most important for wellbeing?
I think our mental and emotional health is very important. It's important we have a connection to our inner peace and knowing how to soothe ourselves. We can so easily be swept left and right by our own mind and the happenings of the world. Establishing a good self-care practice is important, or whatever works, in providing that connection to our peace and comfort within ourselves. Then I feel community and relationships are important, that we feel we belong and contribute to our communities. That we grow together and uplift each other. That we have relationships where we can be ourselves, be honest, open and raw. I think community and healthy relationships are equally important to our ability to connect to our inner resources and peace, and are dependent on each other.
“It’s important we have a connection to our inner peace and knowing how to soothe ourselves.”
What are Danish people's favourite ways to enjoy time together and to show each other that they care?
Our favorite ways to show that we care, might again lie in the word hygge. We love to get together and have a hyggelig time :-) For different people it might involve different things, but I do believe that we make an effort in creating that nice relaxed atmosphere and spending quality time together. Personally, I love to check in on my friends often, hearing how they are, how it went with that event or meeting etc. I love the daily sense of connection - I am here, I love you, I am open for connection!
“I am here, I love you, I am open for connection!”
What are your favourite Danish customs?
Ah, Danish customs.... During Christmas time, in a work place, there is often a whole month of intense hygge :) We also have many customs of singing together for different customs. We have just celebrated Midsummer, where we light a fire and sing songs. That's very nice.
What could you not do without?
What could I not do without... For me it's a total sum of feeling that all the customs create a sense of feeling connected and united and add value to the community spirit. It's the sense of connection I feel, that adds value to my life.
What are your favourite ways to spend time alone?
I love reading, watching a movie, yoga, meditation, going for walks, cooking, dancing, listening to music. I feel most of the time, very nurtured and happy in my own company and I do enjoy alone time very much.
Do you have a favourite room in your house?
I don't have a favorite room, I believe, but I am mostly in the kitchen or living room.
Wow that was amazing to read! I hope you enjoyed these lovely gems of love and wisdom that Simone offered us today. Thank you from my heart for taking this time to be with us Simone, and I hope you enjoy a very hygge Summer ^_^
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