I’m a big fan of the Danish lifestyle, which most people now associate with the concept of hygge – a term that describes the joy found in the everyday, the cosy and the comfortable. It’s practically synonymous with Scandi interiors now, but it goes beyond the way you decorate your home (though that is a part of it), to encompass a sense of connection, wellbeing and other key health priorities. The hygge philosophy? Even simple things can help you feel good, thus releasing endorphins and lowering cortisol.
According to sleep expert Dr Javier Albares, “the day makes the night”. In other words, in the pursuit of a better night’s sleep, it’s important to make healthy choices throughout the day – incorporating movement, nutritious food and stress management techniques. He also says that the two hours before you fall asleep can play a particularly key role in sleep quality, and that dinnertime is a factor, too.
This is where a mindful approach to mealtimes comes in, Danish author Meik Wiking explains. That means no screens at the table, but rather engaging in conversations over food with friends or loved ones. Wiking, who is also the author of Hygge: A Lifestyle That Simply Makes You Happy, points out that proactively creating an environment that encourages “meaningful conversations” will help you disconnect from outside noise and connect with your community.
As Wiking explains in his books, late nights at the office aren’t part of Danish culture – people tend to leave work at 5pm, or earlier if they have children. “People leave, come home and prepare dinner,” he explains. “Spending time with others creates an atmosphere that is warm, relaxed, pleasant, close, comforting, comfortable and inviting. In many ways, a meaningful conversation is like a good hug, only without the physical contact.” Wiking describes the everyday pleasure of being in good company and how the things we choose to do (or not do) during the day directly impact our mood.
Denmark is frequently ranked among the happiest countries in the world to live in, and the fact that people leave work early to eat dinner with their family is just one indicator of how Danes prioritise their wellbeing and work/life balance. Socialising over the meal that falls shortly before bedtime is one of the best ways to improve your chances of a good night’s sleep, Danish style.
How social relationships improve emotional and brain health
A study conducted by the Universities of Arizona and Washington found a tangible connection between the types of conversations people have and their overall happiness levels. The happiest participants spent 25 per cent less time alone – and had twice as many meaningful conversations – when compared to their less happy cohort.
This doesn’t mean that small talk isn’t important – necessary even. But the most critical-for-happiness conversations are those in which we spend time talking and really listening, sharing experiences in a safe space within a supportive group. This is how bonds are formed, and feel-good hormones like serotonin, endorphins, dopamine and oxytocin are released.
How to foster hygge conversations
Wiking suggests the following tips to create an environment in which hygge conversations can flourish:
- Harness the magic of a round table: “At a round table, no one sits at the head of the table, and everyone is treated as an equal.”
- According to Wiking, one of the best ways to connect with others is to “allow ourselves to be ourselves, to have the courage to open up and be vulnerable. The best conversations I’ve had in my life have often started with me or someone else talking about problems or mistakes.”
- Make sure the light is soft, diffused and warm.
- The room where you eat dinner or chat afterwards should offer extra comfort. This is another principle of hygge: create a cosy and warm environment with cushions, blankets and rugs.
What to avoid in the evenings
Modern habits can quickly strip us of the cosy feeling hygge seeks to foster. It’s all too easy to spend the hours before you go to bed in a constant state of stimulation – either answering emails, scrolling through TikTok on the couch, or trying to rattle through a to-do list quickly. Bright lights from screens, a television running in the background, or eating quickly while standing up can signal activity to the body rather than relaxation, meaning the nervous system stays on alert.
Danes tend to seek out the opposite: warm light sources, regular meals eaten together without distractions, and an evening rhythm that prioritises rest over productivity.
Hormonal and neurological benefits
Oxytocin, the so-called “cuddle hormone”, is also released during moments of closeness and connection. It fosters trust, social bonding, and serenity. Hygge rituals, such as conversations, shared laughter, or small gestures of care, invite this hormone release. The release of the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, which are responsible for feelings of happiness and motivation, can be increased through hygge moments.
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The calm and cosiness of the hygge lifestyle is perfect for activating the parasympathetic nervous system, and thus encouraging the body into “rest or digest” mode – heart rate, blood pressure and muscle tension are all lowered.
