Hygge
Conjure up an image of a cosy setting indoors, complete with candles, soft throws and warm drinks and you’ve got yourself a warm cup of Hygge. Invented by the Danes and Norwegians, Hygge (pronounced hoo-gah) essentially means getting cosy, content and enjoying people’s company. Factor this into your day or evening, by lighting candles in your home and sitting by a fire (if you have one) with a hot chocolate.
Ho’oponopono
This Hawaiian tradition is a good way to warm the heart after a setback. In Hawaiian, Ho’oponopono means ‘making something right’ or ‘correcting a mistake’ and it’s a prayer designed to aid forgiveness. Bank this mantra for when you need to give yourself some self-love. Try it out by facing a mirror and repeating the prayer seven times: I’m sorry. Please forgive me. Thank you. I love you.
Lykke
Another word designed by the Danes to instil the feel-good-factor (they do top the world happiness charts, after all) Lykke is a word for joy and optimum happiness. According to the Danes, the components of Lykke are health, togetherness, freedom, trust, kindness and security. This means moving every day, having nourishing social interactions, being generous while also giving people the benefit of doubt.
Ubuntu
Get your good deed hat on and try Ubuntu, the African concept that what we do impacts the people around us. The word means ‘I am only a person through other people’ and focuses on community and being more emphatic to others. Practising Ubuntu could look like litterpicking at your local beach or park or working with an environmental charity to help tackle climate change. You can also use Ubuntu to stop you casting premature judgements and help you become more emphatic to their point of view.
Jokabokaflod
A tradition that is bound to strike a happy chord amongst bookworms, Jokabokaflod is an Icelandic tradition that involves exchanging or sending books on Christmas Eve. A wartime tradition since 1944, the annual Jolabokaflod (translated roughly as ‘Yule book flood’), is the Icelandic way of bringing cheer to the coldest season of the year. Some experts believe that this has impacted on the Icelandic people’s impressive result in the recent World Happiness Survey (the country came 4th). Weave it into your life by making a pact with a close friend to send a book that you love to each other on Christmas Eve. Soon, you’ll form your own tradition.
Keyif
Add some Keyif into your life when you’re struggling to carve out time for yourself. Meaning simply ‘pleasure’ the word is employed by the Turkish for when they need moments of quiet relaxation. That could mean taking yourself to a café for a slice of cake and coffee, or embarking on a solo walk near the coast. Just remember to turn off your device so you can really practise some proper alone time, notification-free.
Ikigai
The Japanese concept, Ikigai, means ‘happiness while living’ and focuses on the small joys in everyday life, as well as centring your purpose. Linked to the longevity of the many people who live in Japan, it’s thought to be the concept of knowing what your soul truly wants from life, passing down wisdom to younger generations, as well as feeling that what you do has a positive impact. Add it into your day by factoring in something into your routine that makes you feel good, that could mean a new hobby, a coffee with a friend, or volunteering for a cause you feel passionate about.
Fika
While many of us know the importance of breaks in a busy workday, Fika takes it to the next level. The word is Swedish for ‘drinking coffee’ but the term has gained new meaning as a social activity and a chance to step back from work (even if it’s just for a brief moment) to enjoy a hot beverage. The optimum time to enjoy a Fika break? Three pm is thought to be the ideal point to step back from your work and switch the kettle on for a drink.
Meraki
Have you ever found yourself completely absorbed in a creative project? The Greek word for this feeling is Meraki and it’s the action of concentrating on a painting, book or drawing and finding a sense of fulfilment and purpose in it. If you’re struggling to carve out the time in the day to work on your creative ambitions, try setting aside 15 minutes first thing and last thing at night for you to work on what’s important.
Friluftsliv
Friluftsliv, pronounced (freeloofts- liv) is a Nordic term for getting outside and into nature. Whether that looks like a walk by the sea, a hike through your local woodland, or simply sitting in your garden listening to the birds and other wildlife, Friluftsliv translates to simply soaking up the perspective, fulfilment and fresh air, that nature brings. Time to get your walking boots on.
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