Tag: Keeping Warm

ONE OF DENMARK’S MAGIC WORDS TO DEAL WITH THE PANDEMIC…

According to USN News one of Denmark’s Magic Words is how to deal with the pandemic.

“Samfundssind” – considering the needs of society over oneself – reflects Danish societal values useful in combating a pandemic.

Marie Helweg-Larsen says that “In recent years, the English-speaking world has found two Danish concepts, “pyt” and “hygge,” useful for dealing with anxiety and stress. Now another Danish word – “samfundssind” – might help countries grapple with the pandemic.

In March 2020, at the start of the pandemic, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen urged all Danes to show “samfundssind,” which means to consider the needs of society above your own. In English, it roughly translates to community spirit, civic engagement or civic-mindedness.”

Marie goes on to explain that before the pandemic, samfundssind was a relatively obscure word that was rarely, if ever, used. It first appeared in a Danish dictionary in 1936, and former Danish Prime Minister Thorvald Stauning included it in several speeches in the late 1930s imploring Danes to show community spirit as World War II was approaching. However, since Frederiksen used the word in her March speech, its usage in Denmark has spiked.

The concept of samfundssind seems to be related to what researchers call social capital. Members of societies that have high levels of social capital tend to be more trusting and reciprocal while feeling more connected to their fellow citizens – all attitudes that lend themselves to considering the needs of a community over your own.

Denmark is an individualistic society, and Danes rank as the most trusting in the world. They score highly in interpersonal trust as well as trust in institutions, such as the police and government. Denmark also has the world’s lowest levels of corruption.

With winter approaching and the pandemic showing no signs of slowing down, the impulse may be to retreat from the public health emergency and think only about ourselves and our own needs.

Samfundssind, however, can remind us to look outward, rather than inward.

7 WAYS TO ADD HYGGE TO YOUR HOME…

I’m sure by now everyone knows what Hygge means but for someone novice to this beautiful word here are seven ways to make your home Hygge style.

Try to add natural elements like wood, wool, stone and plants to your rooms for warmth.

Create a cosy corner to add a cosy nook, where you can sit and enjoy a cup of tea and a good book.

Add candles, real or fake, but lots and lots of them.

Enjoy books, from the latest best seller to the Nordic diet.

https://imagesofahyggelifestyle.co.uk

Turn your bathroom into your own spa with candles, warm lights, heating up high and a bath caddy to hold your glass of wine and book.

Create a beautiful simple cosy bedroom without clutter, clean and white with an accent of colour of your choice.

Fill your house with treasured memories of times gone by as or add a Hygge statement piece of artwork.

FROM HYGGE TO ‘NIKSEN’, ANOTHER NORDIC WORD WITH A GREAT MEANING…

I have written in the past about the Swedish word ‘lagom’ which means moderation and was ‘Lagom’ going to be the new ‘Hygge’?

I wrote that according to the magazine Country & Town House, “since Vogue touted lagom as ‘the new hygge’ last year, (the Danish concept of ‘cosiness’), the word has been popping up everywhere, from lifestyle blogs to new season interiors collections. But has ‘lagom’ really overtaken hygge as the biggest lifestyle trend for this time of year? “.

So, the meaning of ‘lagom‘ is ‘Not too much, not too little. Lagom’ but the Swedish translation of lagom is “enough, sufficient, adequate, just right.” In other words, being content with what you have which might be quite apt during these trying times.

Another word ‘Niksen’ means doing nothing but not in the absolute sense of ‘nothing’, it means enjoying the moment whether your playing Lego, painting, colouring in a book, listening to music or podcast or just simply sitting quietly reading.

To completely understand this concept then you should buy the book ‘ ‘Niksen : Embracing the Dutch Art of Doing Nothing’, by Olga Mecking,

A concise and witty book, Olga Mecking will provide tips on how to niksen in the most important areas of your life: work, home and leisure. Talking to experts from around the world, she reveals how doing nothing can make you happier, more productive and creative. In addition, we are given a fun glimpse of Dutch culture to show us why the Dutch are one of the happiest people in the world and why they are so good at doing nothing every once in a while.

We all have a concept of what doing nothing means to us, but do our ideas actually correspond with the truth behind niksen? A common hurdle towards embracing idleness, for example, is that we feel the need to be productive, contributing members of society. In fact, even the Dutch tend to say, niksen is niks or, in English, doing nothing is good for nothing. That constant need to work can lead to more stress, decreased mental wellbeing and paradoxically, being less productive.

Stress and burnout are on the rise. The antidote: Niksen.

Of course, to enjoy ‘Niksen‘, it helps if you have the right atmosphere with all our homes nowadays open plan but you still create your own corner of hygge so that you can embrace ‘Niksen’. I have recently purchased this light bulb that changes colour via remote control to create my own peaceful area. It is an LED Bulb Mood Light with a 21 key remote control, which has a duel memory function and 12 colour choices for your home. I got mine from Amazon for £8.49

It is perfect for me in my kitchen, diner as I have a couple of armchairs in there but needed to do something about the light to make it feel cosy and enticing. It means I can sit in my chair with my hand knitted wrap around my shoulders and ready quietly while my other half can enjoy his sports on the tv in another room and enjoy a bit of Niksen time.