One of the first things I learned in my class abroad, Human Health and Disease, was the term Hygge. Hygge is a concept used to describe the Danish lifestyle. It refers to feeling content cozy and can be achieved through small, simple experiences. Copenhagen is often noted as one of the happiest places in the world, and if you ask a local they will tell you its because of how much hygge is emphasized in their society.
One thing that shocked me at first about Copenhagen was the work-life balance of most people. To prioritize their healthy yet still successful lifestyles, it is common for workdays in Copenhagen to include any longer breaks and shorter business hours. In their spare time people find their hygge, maybe by sitting in a cafe, walking through a park, going on a bike ride by the water, catching up with friends, or shopping in their favorite boutique. This concept is also woven into their healthcare system and government.
Healthcare in Denmark is universal and it is emphasized that everyone gets the same level of care. Whether or not someone gets the surgery they need or can afford a medication is not a concern here in Denmark. Their society is set up so that there are no worries about ones ability to receive the care to save their life. In Denmark you are not receive a bull for thousands of dollars after having a baby or needing a transport to the hospital in an ambulance. Healthcare is set up to be a positive part of ones life, not an endless pile of bills and discomfort.
The concept of Hygge is also supported through laws in Denmark. For example it is mandatory that all placed of work offer new moms and dads maternity/paternity leave with parental benefit payment. Moms get 4 weeks before birth and 12 weeks after birth, dads get 2 weeks, and both parents are entitled to split up to 40 weeks of time off with benefit after the birth of their child. This system is in place to allow time for mothers to properly heal from birth, limit postpartum depression, and allow for stronger family bonding and connections.
Similarly, students in Denmark (or citizens of Denmark studying elsewhere) receive the equivalent of $1000 a month to help support their studies. Many students use this money to pay for food, rent, or school supplies. My teachers emphasized that this is a big incentive for people to pursue higher education and allows for students to not have to work a ton of hours during their studying so that they can prioritize their learning and student experience. I also learned that it is encouraged and highly recommended for students to take a year (or many years) off from school o travel to new places, work part time jobs, and experience new cultures. They believe this is essential to prevent burnout and is beneficial for people to have when looking for a new job or deciding what their professional goals should be.
Naturally, while in Copenhagen I knew I needed to find my own Hygge. I found this being outside surrounded by friends, locals, and complete strangers. I felt Hygge sitting in a cafe on a street corner alone or enjoying a glass of wine with my friends on a dock. Hygge is everywhere, and as I learned from the people in Copenhagen, you have to allow yourself to take a break from work and stress, to have the time to find it.
