6 unusual concepts of happiness and comfort from other countries

What is happiness? The dictionary defines it as a human state corresponding to the greatest internal satisfaction with the conditions of one’s existence. What does it consist of? There is no clear answer to this question, which is clearly demonstrated by the diversity of concepts of happiness in the world. Some of them may seem strange to a Russian person. However, today I will talk about some of them.

Hygge

Danish happiness, manifested in the ability to find value in simple things and enjoy familiar activities. It is reflected in material and spiritual details. A cozy blanket, an aroma lamp, an evening spent with loved ones... Everything that makes life better and more enjoyable is a piece of hygge.

At the same time, important attributes of Danish happiness are not only comfort and thousands of pleasant little things. This is also conservatism paired with stability. The absence of change, the refusal of excesses and the ability to concentrate on the pleasant moments of life are also important components of hygge.

Lagom

The concept of happiness, which puts in the first place the pleasure of the benefits that a person brings to the people around him and nature. It is quite natural that the Swedes, following such principles, give preference to minimalism, surrounding themselves with durable things and refusing frills.

The key idea of ​​lagom is the balance between work and rest, pleasure and benefit, wealth and moderation. And a kind of motto of Swedish happiness can be considered the saying “Reduce. Reuse. Recycle".It translates as “Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.”

Need clothes? You can buy it at a second-hand store, giving things a second life. If furniture is not in use, it is worth sending it to the sale, benefiting someone and making your home more spacious. Well, when it’s time for lunch, you should serve yourself exactly enough to fill you up.

Wabi Sabi

Japanese philosophy that calls for appreciating what you already have. This concept allows us to reveal the beauty of things, which, according to the inhabitants of the Land of the Rising Sun, lies precisely in their exclusivity and imperfection. Wabi-sabi also encourages modesty. This is generally a common trend abroad.

Even if old, reliable and well-maintained furniture occupies a place of honor in the house. The rejection of consumerism is also noticeable in clothes: if they can be repaired, people are in no hurry to replace them with new ones. When you want to bring more originality and uniqueness into your life, you can do handicrafts. Handmade items occupy an honorable place in the everyday life of wabi-sabi fans.

Xingfu

A Chinese concept that defines life as the main value. The prosperity of the soul and spiritual development are placed above the material. And all the obstacles that you have to overcome on your way are perceived as temporary difficulties. You shouldn't be upset about them. You just have to leave them behind.

For Sinfu, minimalism in the interior is important. Lack of excess items not used in everyday life. Moderation in food and other body needs. All this is compensated by colorful leisure time, which allows you to escape from the hustle and bustle: gardening, creativity, reading entertaining literature. Anything that doesn’t strain the mind will do.

Saudadi

Brazilian happiness is served with a hint of nostalgia and sadness. It is these feelings that allow people to maintain their humanity, work harder, and be generous. The original motto of the concept is: “Only by accepting suffering and coping with it can you know true happiness.”

Brazilians accept that sadness is normal. The main thing is not to keep it to yourself. And pleasant memories, favorite films, music, and communication with loved ones will help you cope with it. That is why in a house decorated in accordance with the principles of Saudadi, a lot of space is devoted to memorabilia. Well, so that nothing distracts from them, minimalism is also welcomed in home decoration.

Ikigai

Another Japanese philosophy. According to her, to be truly happy, you need to know why you get up in the morning. At the same time, there cannot be one goal in life. The more there are, the better. The main thing is that they are real and truly important.

To achieve your goals you need health. Therefore, another characteristic feature of ikigai is caring for oneself, one’s spiritual world and body. After all, without this it is difficult to imagine a future that will certainly bring more happiness than today.

In everyday life, Ikigai welcomes everything that brings joy. It is important not to succumb to momentary whims and not to indulge in laziness, which can interfere with the achievement of your goals. Instead of expensive trinket, it is better to buy quality furniture. Air conditioning is better for the body than television. A good book will do more good than a cake.