For some time now, two words from the Nordic countries have entered our vocabulary, one Danish and the other Swedish, which define a lifestyle that allows us to live every day more peacefully. It is about "Fun" is "lagom", terms that have become the main topic of two books from which we got some tips to be calm:" Hygge, the Danish way to happiness "and" Lagom. The Swedish recipe for living with less and being happy ".
In this article
- Fun
- lagom
- Tips to be happy
Fun
The Danish word hygge, pronounced "huga", indicates a complex concept that includes the pleasure of being with the people you love, feeling at home and at peace with the world. The way to reach this state is through knowing how to appreciate the little things, the ones that really matter. Read also: Parent: the Danish method of raising happy children
Read also: Educational games for children according to the Danish method
lagom
Few know, but the same Sweden is called The country just right, that is the «Land of the lagom», because the lagom is mostly accepted as the dominant lifestyle of the country. "Living like a Swede means putting into practice the cultural elements of lagom in the different aspects of one's existence" explains Lola A. Akerstrom, author of the book on Lagom.
It is not a simple word, but the very essence of Swedish identity and everyday life, which has no precise definition: it literally means "the right amount", but actually indicates an approach, "which explains a style of life marked by social awareness, moderation and sustainability ".
Like hygge, it is a invitation to sobriety, to lead a moderate life, appreciating the little things and the right fit, avoiding excesses of any form and in every aspect of life.
10 TIPS FOR LIVING HAPPY
Here then 10 tips to live happily borrowed from the concepts of hygge and lagom, indications that can be very useful even during the holidays.
- Start the day calmly
- Dim the lights
- Disconnettetevi
- Learn to say no
- Create memories
- Respect the timetables
- Learn to be grateful
- A step at a time
- Be consistent
- Piacere
1. Start the day calmly
“Many psychologists recommend starting the day with meditation or alone, away from technology, to clear your mind before being assaulted by daily chores. We are encouraged to eliminate stress as much as possible before addressing concerns, responsibilities and commitments. The lagom further develops the idea of a relaxing morning. It's not just about closing your eyes for a minute and focusing on your breathing, it's about simplifying your morning routine and habits to relieve the pressure before you leave the house. This also concerns what we eat as soon as we wake up »writes Lola A. Akerstrom.
2. Dim the lights
“Take out the candles. But remember to ventilate the room immediately afterwards. However, you may want to consider using electric light as well. Typically, several small lamps scattered around the room produce more hyggelig lighting than a single large lamp hanging from the ceiling. You have to create niches of light throughout the room »advises Meik Wiking, the author of" Hygge, the Danish way to happiness ".
«Try to illuminate the spaces using natural or artificial sources. According to science, we are attracted to light because it improves our mood "reads the text dedicated to the lagom.
3. Disconnettetevi, netets
It is a common advice between the two approaches: if being constantly connected does not make you live well, it is time for a digital detox.
4. Learn to say no
“We often agree to carry out unnecessary tasks while wasting precious time. By stopping to evaluate a request before responding with an enthusiastic "yes", we can eliminate unnecessary work »suggests in the text dedicated to lagom.
5. Create memories
“It is well known that the best part of memories is in their creation. Start a new tradition with friends or family. For example, play board games every first Friday of the month, celebrate the summer solstice by the sea, do whatever it takes to unite your group around a meaningful activity that will strengthen your bond over the years, "advises Wiking.
6. Respect the timetables
"Lagom asks us to respect not only ourselves but also others, following the golden rule"treat others as you would like to be treated": we must give others the space they need and not waste their time or resources. This aspect is evident in punctuality".
7. Learn to be grateful
Embrace the feeling of gratitude: "It could be the most beautiful thing in the world," says the author of the book on Hygge. «The act of enjoying pleasures is linked above all to gratitude. We often remind others not to take anything for granted. Gratitude is not limited to a simple "thank you" when we receive a gift. It is to keep in mind that life is now, it is allowing ourselves to focus on the moment and appreciate our existence, to give weight to all the things we have and not to what we lack. Cliche? Absolutely. Yet, proven studies reveal that being grateful has an impact on happiness. "
8. One step at a time
The secret to being happy? Set yourself achievable goals. «Why join a marathon if you don't run regularly? A short daily run in your neighborhood can be a good start ”is written in the book on lagom.
9. Be consistent
“Build daily habits little by little. Regularity comes from constancy, not from duration. The key to achieving equilibrium is to live consistently »specifies Lola A. Akerstrom.
Read also: Ideas for children's happiness10. Pleasure
“It is important to feel pleasure from engaging in activities such as eating and having sex, which are essential for the survival of the species. When we do something gratifying, a chemical is released in the brain and the neurotransmitter dopamine is activated […] Hygge is something that should make us feel good, so if we feel like cake we have to eat some. At the same time, however, we need to know when to stop. Getting a stomach ache isn't very hyggeligt, ”concludes Wiking.
TAG:
- psyche
- wellness in pregnancy
- moderate
