How to Live Better with Ikigai and Hygge: The Secrets of Japanese and Danish Happiness
Have you ever wondered why Japan and Denmark are consistently ranked among the happiest countries in the world? What do they have in common that makes them so satisfied with their lives?
The answer may lie in two concepts that are deeply rooted in their cultures:
ikigai and hygge.
Ikigai is a Japanese word that means "a reason for being" or "something that gives your life worth, meaning, or purpose". It is not just about finding your passion or career, but also about finding joy and balance in everyday life .
Ikigai is similar to the French term "raison d'etre" or "reason for being" .
Hygge is a Danish word that means "a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being".
It is not just about creating a cozy environment, but also about enjoying the simple pleasures of life with people you care about . Hygge is similar to the English term "coziness" or "comfort" .
Both ikigai and hygge can help you live better by enhancing your well-being, happiness, and health. Here are some ways to apply them to your life:
● Find your ikigai. To discover your ikigai, you can ask yourself four questions: What do you love? What are you good at? What does the world need? What can you be paid for? The intersection of these four elements is your ikigai . Finding your ikigai can help you find meaning and direction in life, as well as motivation and resilience to overcome challenges .
● Practice hygge. To create hygge, you can focus on the following aspects: atmosphere, presence, pleasure, gratitude, harmony, comfort, truce, togetherness, and shelter . Creating hygge can help you feel relaxed, comfortable, and happy, as well as reduce stress and anxiety .
● Rest well. Both ikigai and hygge emphasize the importance of rest for well-being. Rest is not just about sleeping, but also about taking breaks from work, relaxing your mind and body, and enjoying leisure activities. Resting well can help you recharge your energy, refresh your creativity, and renew your motivation for pursuing your ikigai .
● Learn from each other. Ikigai and hygge have some similarities and differences that can enrich your perspective on life. For example, both concepts value finding joy in everyday life, but while ikigai focuses more on purpose and achievement, hygge focuses more on comfort and contentment
"Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer's day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time." - John Lubbock
IKIGAI & REST
Rest helps you recharge your energy, refresh your creativity, and renew your motivation for pursuing your ikigai. You can learn from both concepts by finding a balance between doing and being, between striving and savoring, between meaning and pleasure.
IKIGAI is taking naps, meditating, reading books, gardening,setting boundaries for work hours, creating a relaxing environment or finding hobbies that makes you happy.
How people live longer with ikigai?
Continuing to work or volunteer after retirement
Staying active and curious
Maintaining strong relationships with family and friends
Finding ways to contribute to society
Learning new skills or languages
Joining clubs or groups that share your interests
Ikigai and hygge are two powerful concepts that can help you live better by finding purpose, joy, and balance in life. By applying them to your life, you can improve your well-being, happiness, and health. "How do you rest?" Why not give them a try today? 😊