Hygge, Lagom, Sisu and Friluftsliv – What is behind the life philosophies of the happiest people in the world

The world's gaze keeps wandering to the far north of Europe. There is the Scandinavian design, which can be found in many households and apartments, the Nordic cuisine with crispbread and fresh fish, and also a pioneering position in the digital sector and in the education sector. But the different philosophies of life and lifestyles of Northern Europeans are also finding their place in more and more books, guides, workshops and studies. But what is actually behind Hygge, Lagom, Sisu and Co. and can you learn something for yourself from them?

• The most common term is probably the Danish “Hygge” and roughly translates as “COMFORT”.

  
  

Fashion, interior, food, everything suddenly had to be “hyggelig”. But there is so much more behind this Scandinavian attitude to life than just a short-lived wellness trend.

It's not "ONLY" about a cozy home, but about the moment you experience while making yourself comfortable in a place where you feel good. Together with people you love and that very special feeling of contentment. What this coziness looks like in the end is up to each individual. The only thing that matters is that you manage to regularly create relaxing and hyggelig, i.e. cozy, moments in your everyday life. This includes the warm light of candles, being together with friends and family. And of course good food and drink.

• The Finnish “Sisu” – THIS VERY SPECIAL POWER FROM WITHIN.

The winters in Finland are long and often cold. And yet the Finns have been in first place in the World Happiness Report for several years. One of the reasons for the high level of happiness in Finland could be this very special mental character trait that is only innate in the Finns. It is called " Sisu ". The meaning of the word can be described as " perseverance " or " fighting spirit ". It is the inner resistance to letting things get you down or to surrendering in seemingly hopeless situations. Because only those who do not always take the easiest path can grow beyond themselves.

When talking about Finland, you can't leave out the sauna : there are almost 3 million saunas in Finland. Depending on your mood, you can sauna as often and as long as you like. That can be minutes, but also hours - of course always interrupted by a shower or a jump into cold water. The typical Finnish motto: First the sauna is built, then the house is built! So, if you want to go to the sauna in Finland , you rarely have to travel far.

• The Swedish “Lagom” – FINDING BALANCE IN LIFE

Having too little of something can be just as stressful as having too much. In keeping with this realization, the Swedes strive for a balanced life: you need enough of everything to feel fulfilled, but it should definitely not be more than that. The principle behind the Lagom formula: those who don't constantly chase after extremely unusual things and experiences, but instead try to lead a balanced life, will be happier in the long run. Lagom is often equated with "just right" because it's about eliminating stress and hecticness from life.

Fika - drinking coffee together. The Fika custom, i.e. drinking coffee and eating cake with

Friends is as Swedish as ABBA. It is an important social part of life and is held across generations. Cinnamon rolls are often a popular fika accompaniment.

• The Norwegian Friluftsliv – PURE NATURE and FRESH AIR

The word Friluftsliv is Norwegian and means " open-air life ". In Norway, however, Friluftsliv is not a trend, but rather a way of life with a long tradition. The Norwegian poet Henrik Ibsen coined the term in the middle of the 19th century. At the time, he expressed how important it can be for the body, mind and soul to spend time in nature.

The concept of Norwegian Friluftsliv is basically very simple: get outside, move around and enjoy what Mother Nature has to offer.

The philosophy of Friluftsliv is essentially based on living simply in nature without destroying or affecting it. Furthermore, the term is closely linked to “ Kos ” (coziness), which is the Norwegian equivalent of Hygge and Lagom.

The Nordic countries have so much to offer! That's why you should definitely plan one or more trips to the different countries to really experience the Scandinavian lifestyle.