Get Your Hygge On!

 
Once again the Nordics are slated to top the World Happiness Report that is scheduled for release later this month. Nordic countries have dominated the playing field for several years, while America continues to fall in the ranks. The Happiness Research Institute, a think tank in Copenhagen, Denmark, conducts the annual assessment and tracks statistical data year to year to identify changes in factors that contribute to greater happiness, or in the unfortunate case of the United States, a decline in happiness.

There are six key variables that determine happiness: income, health life expectancy, social support, freedom, trust (as in the public's perception of corruption in government), and generosity. It should be no surprise that the Nordic countries, which embrace democratic socialist principles, top the list repeatedly. Countries that practice generosity and provide a network of social support and health care services are a lot happier than countries that don't. The 2018 study also concluded that the 10 happiest countries also have the happiest immigrant populations.

I assess that the US will almost certainly continue to fall in the happiness rankings until there is a significant shift in our political landscape. Three key factors that contribute specifically to the decline in happiness in the US are obesity, substance abuse, and depression, according to the 2018 report. Between the inadequate sick care system in the US, the number of corrupt government officials currently under investigation in the US administration, and the assault on and abuse of immigrants seeking sanctuary in the US, it would be illogical to conclude otherwise. However, one can escape this bleak forecast by stealing a page from the Dane's happiness playbook and setting an intention to make happiness a priority.

A few years ago, I learned about hygge, pronounced "hoo-ga", a Danish philosophy of comfort, well-being, and togetherness that plays a central part in Nordic life. Though the English language doesn't have a direct translation for the word, it's about enjoying the simple things in life and getting cozy, like snuggling up with a cup of cocoa on a rainy day.

According to Meik Wiking, CEO of the Happiness Research Institute and author of The Little Book of Hygge, "Hygge is about an atmosphere and an experience. It's all about being with the people we love. A feeling of home. A feeling that we are safe."

It's also about getting out and really enjoying life—exerting ourselves in some type of physical activity like skiing, snowboarding or hiking before coming home and nestling in. Exerting oneself––doing something vigorous—is what makes hygge so wonderful, blissful even.

Recently, I was challenged to create a ritual in my life that honors my ancestors. Being of Scandinavian descent, I see this as a perfect time to "get my hygge on" as a matter of routine and ritual to honor myself and my ancestors and to prioritize my happiness.

March 20 is International Day of Happiness and this year's theme is Happier Together, focusing on what he have in common, rather than what divides us. Apropos, no? There is a whole wide world out there that is celebrating our common humanity. What's more is that you can connect with those people for further inspiration by downloading the Action for Happiness App, which has daily ideas for happier living that you can sign up to receive. How simple is that? If happiness is something that you would like to have more of–and who doesn't?–perhaps a daily notification would be helpful, even if only to remind you how important your happiness is.

Set your intention today to make happiness your priority. Be kind, be grateful. Namaste.