The Scandinavian Guide to Happiness: The Nordic Art of Happy and Balanced Living with Fika, Lagom, Hygge, and More!

by Tim Rayborn

Make time for the things that really matter in life. Find balance and happiness in your daily life, the Scandinavian way, with The Scandinavian Guide to Happiness!

There's a reason Finland, Denmark, Norway, Iceland, and Sweden consistently rank as the top 5 happiest countries on earth! Find out the secrets to their happiness and fulfillment in The Scandinavian Guide to Happiness, which shares centuries of Nordic wisdom,

Happiness is all around you (Denmark) Just the right amount not too much, not too little (Sweden) Taking daily coffee breaks and other comforting rituals (Sweden) Coziness brings comfort, courage, and happiness (Denmark) Everyday courage, grit, and determination & acting rationally in the face of adversityThese basic principles will help you see how to have a happy life without buying anything, changing yourself, or making any other crazy drastic changes! Topics include simplicity, happiness, health & wellness, relationships, nature-inspired living, and more. Full of inspiring, encouraging ideas and charming illustrations! this thoughtful Scandinavian guide is sure to put a happy glow in your life.

Kindle Edition

Published October 28, 2025

About the author

Tim Rayborn is a historian, medievalist, and musician, with an MA and PhD from the University of Leeds in England. He is a writer on a variety of topics in history and the arts, from the academic to the amusing to the appalling. He has written nearly 50 books to date.

A professional musician with a specialty in medieval repertoire, he plays dozens of musical instruments, has appeared on more than 40 recordings, and has performed in the US, Canada, Europe, and Australia.

Reviews

[Kaitlyn Myers · Rating 3 out of 5]

As most self help books do, this book guide to happiness had a lot of repetitive ideas. I'm intrigued by the Scandinavian way of life, and was drawn in by the topics of Fika and Hygge. I'd recommend this to a friend who may need a dose of positive thinking in their own life as this is a self help book that feels accessible and easy to follow.

[Nan · Rating 4 out of 5]

While by now many people are familiar with hygge, the Danish concept of coziness and comfort, this book explores other Nordic ideals that make for a more contented life. Among these are lagom (Swedish-- just the right amount), friluftsliv (Norwegian-- connection to nature by being in nature), sisu (Finnish-- determination in the face of adversity), and petta redast (Icelandic-- everything will work out). In addition to background information, chapters have excellent suggestions for incorporating these wisdoms into everyday life. Actual rating: 3.75

[Carrie Ford-Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

A delightful look at the Scandinavian lifestyle. Perhaps a little oversimplified but maybe that’s the beauty of it. The idea that such simple changes could make such a meaningful difference to our way of life. This book was a tonic in our current climate and culture.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was fun to have gone to some Scandinavian/Nordic countries this summer and witness a lot of what is in this book. Great mindsets and lifestyles shared well

[Alexandria Janopoulos · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good tips but there are spelling errors in the text which throw off the enjoyment of the book.

[Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked the positivity.

[Amber Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

lovely, small, simple reminders to make life great