By Ivana Kralova
Special to The Times Kuwait
A family enjoying a picnic on a boat. Friends paddling on kayaks. An elderly woman reading peacefully on a park bench. These were just a few of the many scenes I saw during my stay in Copenhagen. At first sight, they may seem ordinary. But are they really? In a world where so many people have their phones glued to their hands, laptops always within reach, and heads buried in screens as they rush from one place to another, are moments like these still considered normal, or are they something more? In Denmark, they call it hygge.
Denmark has long held its place among the world’s happiest countries, according to the World Happiness Data. And anyone who visits Denmark is likely to come across the word hygge—a word that originally came from the Norwegian language but became part of Danish culture in the 19th century. Hygge is often translated as a happy state of mind and the concept of it, especially during the last 10 years, became a global trend. In fact, there are around 900 books on Amazon related to hygge. But what is hygge really? And more importantly, how can we bring it into our own lives?
Hygge can take many forms. And if you think it is only sipping a pumpkin latte by the fireplace, you are wrong. It is much more than that. Meik Wiking, founder and CEO of the Happiness Research Institute and author of The Art of Making Memories and My Hygge Home, believes that hygge helps increase the presence of positive emotions in our lives. It shows us how to create and embrace those relaxed, comforting moments in our everyday routines.
He describes many ways to organize and decorate our homes in a way that supports our sense of happiness and well-being. One of the key elements he highlights is the importance of creating meaningful connections through the ambiance around you. For example, he talks about how simply lighting a few candles during an ordinary dinner, whether alone or with family, can extend the time of dinner, spark more conversation and help us enjoy the moment more deeply.
Wiking also emphasizes the role of interior design in our emotional comfort. He suggests that everyone in a home should have their own personal space or corner—a spot where they can focus, recharge, or simply feel at ease. According to him, the best places are often in corners, which subconsciously provide a sense of safety. These spaces should include soft cushions and personal objects that bring joy when we look at them, such as favorite books, flowers, or souvenirs.
However, in some countries, hygge has become overhyped, with many people focusing solely on trendy Scandinavian interior design and the idea of coziness at home. But as I learnt more about hygge, one common thread stood out: the ability to be fully present and to enjoy the right atmosphere with yourself or with people you care about.
This idea is also supported by research Wiking mentions in one of his books, where he refers to research done by Anglian Home Improvements, which revealed that none of the top five things that make a house feel like a home were materialistic. Instead, people often mentioned feelings of safety and security, laugh, shared meals and spending meaningful time with family or friends. These emotional and social experiences lie at the core of what hygge truly represents.
When I asked Karin Weiser, who proudly says she grew up with hygge, thanks to her Danish mother, what people most often misunderstand about the concept, she said: “They think it’s expensive or can’t be done alone. There is sometimes more joy doing it solo.” She also shared her own personal secret for bringing more hygge into everyday life. “Focus on what brings you joy and hygge will follow,” she said.
Even though hygge is a fundamental aspect of Danish culture, it can be embraced anywhere in the world. For me, hygge is about connection, and the ability to fully appreciate and enjoy the little things, whether alone, with family, or even with just a cat. It is not about perfection, it is about feeling at home, within us and with those around us. So slow down, feel the atmosphere, and be hygge.
Ivana Kralova is a Czech-born, Kuwait-based features writer and London School of Journalism postgraduate. She covers human-interest, arts and lifestyle across Kuwait, with a focus on profiles and behind-the-scenes reporting. Her work highlights the country’s creative community and everyday stories.
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