Actionable things that can bring happiness
While in Denmark, I got to understand the hygge philosophy. Hygge means enjoying the little things in life: a warm cup of tea (or coffee or chocolate), a good book, snuggling up under a blanket: warmth in its broader meaning. Small things make my day too and I always try to focus on the present moment. Some time ago, I came across an article on The Atlantic about happiness, probably one of the most discussed and philosophized topics ever.
Beyond describing what is happiness, as that’s truly a personal matter, the article lists some practical, actionable things that can trigger happiness at a chemical level, whereby the lack of those activities can lower the endorphins responsible for our mental well being.
Hygge is a Danish word that describes happiness coming from simple things.
The author focuses on attainable happiness and practical steps, not something like “become Danish” or “hygging”, but some sort of guidelines. Here are the first few plus one more I have added - number 7 - which I personally believe is very important:
Invest in family and friends. With a focus on the word invest, cultivate the time for relationships that are important. Of course we do not choose our family, but we do choose our friends and it’s important to spend time with people who make us feel we are in the right place. To have good friends we need to be good friends.
Be active mentally. Reading or engaging mentally in activities that go beyond scrolling your phone or passively watching TV is associated with an increased sense of peace and happiness.
Be physically active. Exercise, like walking for an hour everyday, stimulates endorphins responsible for producing the feel-good neurotransmitters in our brain. Walking in nature makes us feel even more grounded.
Engage in a spiritual practice. Meditation helps us feel grounded, but any form of spiritual practice can help us achieve peace of mind.
Be kind. A kind selfless gesture towards others can bring happiness for the person receiving as well as the one who is giving. Tried and tested :)
Associate with people who have common interests by doing activities we enjoy with others: joining a club of interest.
Eating healthy. Food is chemistry and, even though the author does not mention it, I believe it is important to nurture the body with the right food as it does affect brain chemistry and can make or break the day. Fresh food, cooked and eaten with mindfulness, can bring joy.
Happiness is not a mathematical equation and in some cases the brain is wired in a way that makes it difficult to attain happiness, but for the most part we can act on or stir it in that direction by doing our part.
Winter is around the corner and as temperature drops it’s a good time to snuggle up with a warm cup of mood boosting Cacao Latte and enjoy a good book in the warmth of your home.
Try it and let us know what you think!
