# How to Hygge Like a Danes: Lessons from Marie Tourell Søderberg

If you are looking for some inspiration on how to bring more coziness, comfort, and happiness into your life, you might want to learn from the Danes, who are known for being some of the happiest people in the world. One of the secrets to their well-being is hygge, a word that is hard to translate but easy to feel.

Hygge (pronounced "hoo-gah") is a Danish concept that encompasses the feeling of quiet comfort, warmth, and togetherness. It is about creating a cozy atmosphere and enjoying the simple things in life with good people. It can be found in a candlelit dinner, a snuggly blanket, a cup of hot chocolate, or a meaningful conversation.

One of the people who can teach us more about hygge is Marie Tourell Søderberg, a Danish actress and author who has written a book on the topic. Søderberg is best known for her roles in the historical drama 1864

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and the biographical film Itsi Bitsi

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, where she played Iben Nagel Rasmussen, a Danish poet and activist. She is also a voice actor who has dubbed Alice in Wonderland

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and Violetta

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in Danish.

Søderberg's book, Hygge – The Danish Art of Happiness

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, is a collaboration with journalist Kathrine Højte Lynggaard, who interviewed various Danes about their relationship with Hygge. The book explores the origins, meanings, and practices of hygge, as well as its benefits for mental and physical health. It also offers tips and recipes on how to hygge in different seasons and occasions.

According to Søderberg, hygge is not something that can be bought or forced. It is a state of mind that comes from being present, grateful, and authentic. She says that hygge is "a feeling of being at home in yourself and with others." She also emphasizes that hygge is not exclusive to Denmark or Scandinavia. Anyone can experience it anywhere in the world, as long as they are open to it.

Some of the ways that Søderberg suggests to hygge are:

- Enjoying a warm cup of tea or coffee with friends.

- Light some candles or lamps to create a warm & soft ambiance.

- Baking homemade treats and sharing them with loved ones.

- Taking a leisurely walk in nature.

- Play some soothing music or read a good book.

- Practicing mindfulness and meditation to find inner peace.

- Make something creative or crafty with your hands.

- Treat yourself to a massage or a spa day.

- Write a letter or a card to someone you care about.

- Say thank you and appreciate what you have.

Hygge is not only a way to enjoy life, but also a way to cope with stress and challenges. Søderberg says that hygge helps her to "find peace and balance" in her busy and demanding career as an actress. She also says that hygge has helped her to overcome anxiety and depression, which she has struggled with since she was young.

Søderberg hopes that her book will inspire more people to embrace hygge and discover its positive effects on their happiness and well-being. She says that hygge is "a gift that we can give ourselves and each other." She also believes that hygge can make the world a better place by fostering more empathy, kindness, and harmony among people.

So, if you want to learn how to hygge like a Danes, you might want to check out Søderberg's book or follow her on Instagram

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, where she shares glimpses of her hyggelig life. You might also want to watch some of her movies or shows, where she showcases her talent and charm as an actress. And most importantly, you might want to practice hygge in your way and see how it makes you feel.

Remember, hygge is not something you do. It is something you are.

1. What do we mean by "hygge"? (denmark.dk).

2. Visit Denmark and discover the true meaning of hygge; (visitdenmark.com).

3. Hygge: Exploring the Danish Concept of Comfort; (performancemagazine.org).

4. What Is Hygge? (thespruce.com).

5. Hygge: What It Means and How to Bring It Into Your Life; (greatist.com).

6. “Hygge”: The Danish Concept of Comfort We Need Now More Than Ever; (afar.com).