Last year, Denmark ranked as number two in “the world’s happiest nation” poll. Hygge undoubtedly has something to do with this. It’s a concept that means surrounding yourself with things that make you content and enjoying life’s simpler pleasures for the benefit of your mental health.
Hard-to-pronounce hygge
At the risk of incurring the wrath of the Danes, hygge is pronounced “hooga”. It dates back to the beginning of the 19th century. Similar words can be traced back to medieval times in both Denmark and Norway. Hygge is the quality of being warm and comfortable that gives a feeling of happiness.
Hygge is commonly associated with winter. It’s about log fires with a pot of soup heating up on the hearth. It’s cosiness and warmth; seasonal food and drink such as hot chocolate, and curling up under a wool blanket with a good book.
Conviviality is part of hygge, encouraging the feeling of contentment from sharing food and laughter with good friends and family.
Hygge engenders feelings of wellbeing. A hygge home should be your sanctuary, a place to escape the stresses of life. The décor is cosy and very personal to you. Natural textiles such as wool or sheepskin are found in throws, blankets and rugs. A neutral colour palette can encourage a calming atmosphere.
Candles are used prolifically in Danish homes but there does, of course, need to be an awareness of the fire risk. Fairy lights are not just for Christmas and are a safer option to create a cheerful mood.
Natural materials such as wood or bamboo are found in the home as well as many indoor plants. If you can have one, a real log fire is pure hygge.
However you embrace hygge, whether with chunky woollen socks or taking a hot bubble bath, there’s no doubt it can be a wonderful way to practice self-care in the winter.
From Denmark to Finland
The Finnish proverb Rakenna ensin sauna ja sitten talo translates as Build the sauna first and then the house. The majority of Finns sweat in a sauna at least once a week, with dry heat rather than the wet saunas which use moisture and steam.
Saunas are typically made of wood and can be used inside or outside the home. The traditional Finnish sauna is heated by wood or stones. Many steam rooms, or wet saunas, use moist heat and humidity that can help to moisturise the skin.
An Infra-red sauna is popular for at-home use and has panels that heat your body directly at a lower temperature than a “hot stone” sauna. The benefits you may experience include the relief of muscle and joint pain, weight loss, detoxification, improved sleep and it can help you relax and de-stress. Many wellness centres and spas offer clients’ sauna therapies.
High-tech saunas can feature variations in lighting, speaker systems, and Bluetooth function.
If visiting icy Finland, named yet again by the United Nations World Happiness Report as the happiest country in the world, you may be invited to not only nakedly use a sauna, but roll in the snow afterwards and gently beat yourself with a vihta (tied birch branches that have been soaked in water). Alternatively, stay home and purchase your own sauna or visit a wellness centre and start understanding why the Finns swear by them.
Upcoming events in Ōtepoti Dunedin
The Dunedin Marathon has been run annually since 1979, apart from the Covid-19 interruptions. It returned last year with new courses and a new sponsor, Emerson’s. Regular physical activity can be beneficial at any age and improve both our physical and mental health.
There will be full, half, 10k and 5k courses suitable for all runners and walkers, finishing at the Emerson’s site. This year’s event is on Sunday September 10th and entries close at midnight on September 5th. www.dunedinmarathon.co.nz
Seafood is good for heart health. It’s low in saturated fats and full of important nutrients such as B vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids. Good news then for both Dunedin residents and visitors that The Port Chalmers Seafood Festival is back. Held on September 30th , there will be fresh seafood stalls, live cooking demonstrations, live music and entertainment for the children. www.seafoodfest.co.nz
Coming up…
Next week, Health and Beauty will feature workplace wellness
