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1-Page Summary of The Year of Living Danishly
Overview
Denmark is the happiest country in the world, but are Danes really as happy as they seem? How do Danish hobbies and hygge contribute to their happiness? By exploring these topics, you can learn how to apply them to your own life.
The Problems of Modern Living
Helen Russell seemed to be doing well. She had a good job and was living in London, but she wasn’t happy. At 33 years old, she needed caffeine just to get through the day. She also suffered from headaches, insomnia, recurring illness, and student loan debt that she couldn’t pay off. Anxious over her situation and not knowing how to solve it herself,Russell decided that retirement would make her happy.
When Russell’s husband was offered a job in Denmark, they decided to visit the country. It is known for its liberal politics and contented population. The first country to abolish slavery and legalize gay marriage, Denmark is also one of the most expensive countries in Europe but also has free health care, free education (including university study), subsidized child care, unemployment insurance benefits and high happiness levels according to UN reports.
When Russell visited Denmark, she noticed that Danes were very content and stress-free. She wondered if the glowing hype about Denmark being so great was true. After all, it has a high life expectancy and low corruption rates as well as a culture of trust.
Russell moved to Denmark for a new job, but also wanted to investigate why the country had such happy people. She discovered that Danes have certain habits and routines that help them stay positive. If you want to be happier like them, try some of these tips from her book:
Hygge is a Danish word that can’t be translated into English. It’s the feeling of wearing your favorite sweater and drinking hot cocoa on a rainy day. Hygge means getting cozy by yourself or with friends, watching Netflix instead of going out to party, and listening to music while you read a book.
Hygge doesn’t have an exact definition but it feels really good!
To practice hygge, put on warm clothes and cozy socks. Light a candle and gather around the fireplace with your friends. In Denmark, winter is long and cold so Danes like to enjoy the comforts of home during that time. They relax in soft clothing and take pleasure in small things like candles or a good book.
Prioritize Design
Danes spend a lot of time indoors because they have long winters. They also tend to be more environmentally conscious, so they’re willing to invest in their homes and make them look nice. Russell visited an apartment that was already occupied but soon to be vacant. She was surprised at how tidy it looked, even though the tenants had not cleaned up for her visit. The landlord told Russell that the people who lived there were very organized and didn’t let clutter pile up around them or live with mismatched pieces of Tupperware in their cabinets.
Regardless of income or socioeconomics, Danes prioritize the maintenance of a clean, comfortable home. In Denmark, people minimize their possessions to cultivate an anxiety-free home. They recognize that a clean and orderly space is more relaxing than one filled with junk.
Danes are careful about what they buy. They would rather have a few high-quality items than lots of cheap stuff that doesn’t last. Danes also value quality over trends, so they choose things that will be used for years and even passed on to future generations, like good china instead of plates that break after a few years.
Danes live in a zen-like state because they know how important it is to have good design. A well designed room makes them feel relaxed, whereas a cluttered room reminds them of their procrastination. In order to cultivate contentment like the Danes do, you should make your spaces clean and simple by prioritizing organization and beauty. By investing in your surroundings, you will respect yourself more and be able to perform activities with ease.
