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The Secret Joy of Hygge: A Practical Guide to Cultivating Happiness in the Everyday
Spread hygge happiness throughout your life.
The Secret Joy of Hygge (HOO-gah) shows you how to make small changes to bring more warmth and joy to your everyday life. Sipping a cozy cup of tea. Nesting at your desk surrounded by your favorite plants and pictures. Gathering loved ones around your table. All are the hygge way.
With simple, actionable techniques, you’ll learn how to embody hygge inside—and how to live it at home, at work, and with family and friends. If your life is a little frantic and you’re looking to slow down, de-stress, and increase your overall happiness, this book is for you.
The Secret Joy of Hygge
Hygge 101—defines hygge, explains the history behind the concept, and describes its role in creating happinessHygge for all—shows you how to apply this Danish idea to your life no matter where in the world you liveBeyond hygge—examines related topics like meditation, feng shui, and minimalismExplore hygge and discover the simple joys of unplugging and reconnecting with yourself and your world. Let these step-by-step strategies be your guide.
The Secret Joy of Hygge (HOO-gah) shows you how to make small changes to bring more warmth and joy to your everyday life. Sipping a cozy cup of tea. Nesting at your desk surrounded by your favorite plants and pictures. Gathering loved ones around your table. All are the hygge way.
With simple, actionable techniques, you’ll learn how to embody hygge inside—and how to live it at home, at work, and with family and friends. If your life is a little frantic and you’re looking to slow down, de-stress, and increase your overall happiness, this book is for you.
The Secret Joy of Hygge
Hygge 101—defines hygge, explains the history behind the concept, and describes its role in creating happinessHygge for all—shows you how to apply this Danish idea to your life no matter where in the world you liveBeyond hygge—examines related topics like meditation, feng shui, and minimalismExplore hygge and discover the simple joys of unplugging and reconnecting with yourself and your world. Let these step-by-step strategies be your guide.
- GenresNonfictionSelf Help
114 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 12, 2019
147 people are currently reading
175 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 2, 2019
I knew a little bit about hygge going in, but reading this book helped me appreciate the concept even more.
February 6, 2019
This book offers up some simple inexpensive ways to add Hygge to our daily life. A very enjoyable read for a cold winter morning.
December 10, 2019
This sweet book defines what "hygge" (pronouned "hoo-gah") is and give advice on promoting a cozy hygge feeling in your everyday life. Finding joy in small things and celebrating each moment is the way to embrace happiness with hygge. Doing everyday tasks with mindfulness and gratitude is hygge.
The illustrations show cute little drawings of a fireplace, candles, family photos, a warm cup of tea, or a book, a cat sleeping on an armchair, a plant on a windowsill, warm mittens, a bike, a picnic, a piece of cake, and a hundred other little things that embody the spirit of hygge. The pastels colors are muted and calm.
There are chapters about using hygge in self-care, in your home, with your family, at your workplace, and in daily life. Covering topics like sharing meals with family, hosting parties, expressing yourself through art, choosing hygge clothing, eating mindfully, lighting candles, arranging furniture, your work atmosphere at your desk, and keeping a good work-life balance.
With gentle advice and suggestions for a more peaceful life, this book is perfect for anyone who wants a little more joy in their life. Making small changes can have a big impact on your life, your relationships, and your home environment.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
The illustrations show cute little drawings of a fireplace, candles, family photos, a warm cup of tea, or a book, a cat sleeping on an armchair, a plant on a windowsill, warm mittens, a bike, a picnic, a piece of cake, and a hundred other little things that embody the spirit of hygge. The pastels colors are muted and calm.
There are chapters about using hygge in self-care, in your home, with your family, at your workplace, and in daily life. Covering topics like sharing meals with family, hosting parties, expressing yourself through art, choosing hygge clothing, eating mindfully, lighting candles, arranging furniture, your work atmosphere at your desk, and keeping a good work-life balance.
With gentle advice and suggestions for a more peaceful life, this book is perfect for anyone who wants a little more joy in their life. Making small changes can have a big impact on your life, your relationships, and your home environment.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
February 6, 2019
The book for review is “The Secret Joy of Hygge: A Practical Guide to Cultivating Happiness in the Everyday” by Alexandra Amarotico. This book falls in the genre according to the publisher of self-help and happiness.
The Secret Joy of Hygge shows us how to make small changes in our lives such as our personal lives, work, school and all in between. By doing so you can bring warmth, and joy to every aspect. Something as small as sipping a cup of tea, having plants by your work station or having a meal with love ones alike.The point is to have happiness in your life onward. This is considered the hygge way.
The first section was defining hygge. And for those of us who have never heard of this before it was a great way to start. It gives you a brief introduction by introducing hygge terms and the history of this practice. Also, by defining what makes you happy is a great way to start to explore this culture.
Another section talks about self and self-care. This is something we don’t always make time for with our hectic life and this hectic world.
The book goes further with home, family and community and work and career. It gives us suggestions on how to live a stress-less, less frantic and overall increased happiness in your life.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick read but packed with a lot of useful information to help you get started on living the hygge life. As someone who has never heard of this before it was a really fun book to read and take in. I may not do all the suggestions but I have noted pages that I want to revisit so I can incorporate in my life.
I received book for free in exchange for an honest review from Callisto Publishers
The Secret Joy of Hygge shows us how to make small changes in our lives such as our personal lives, work, school and all in between. By doing so you can bring warmth, and joy to every aspect. Something as small as sipping a cup of tea, having plants by your work station or having a meal with love ones alike.The point is to have happiness in your life onward. This is considered the hygge way.
The first section was defining hygge. And for those of us who have never heard of this before it was a great way to start. It gives you a brief introduction by introducing hygge terms and the history of this practice. Also, by defining what makes you happy is a great way to start to explore this culture.
Another section talks about self and self-care. This is something we don’t always make time for with our hectic life and this hectic world.
The book goes further with home, family and community and work and career. It gives us suggestions on how to live a stress-less, less frantic and overall increased happiness in your life.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick read but packed with a lot of useful information to help you get started on living the hygge life. As someone who has never heard of this before it was a really fun book to read and take in. I may not do all the suggestions but I have noted pages that I want to revisit so I can incorporate in my life.
I received book for free in exchange for an honest review from Callisto Publishers
January 2, 2020
I take a lot of issues with books like this, which often focus on how we (individually) can make ourselves happy when we (collectively) are not in a culture or situation that encourages happiness. In fact, books like this make me really cynical because they never really stop to think about how some of these things don't work or are actively worked against by people you're required to engage with.
For example: 'Meals with Others' (Chapter 4, Family & Community).
The opening to this section starts with the author going to a food festival in Copenhagen, where many people have met for the first time and are enjoying their time together. Further on, the author specifies that the gathering doesn't have to be "large or small."
In and of itself, this isn't negative and is something that I enjoy doing (when possible); it is, however, something that people with fewer resources can struggle to do (because they live in food deserts or struggle to feed themselves). I've lived in places where parks are literally unavailable (making picnics near-impossible); I've lived in places where the parks were made so uncomfortable that people didn't really want to spend time in them (because of a fear of homeless people sleeping on benches or large groups congregating).
This further continues into issues like: personal preferences (example: people who don't drink in places where alcohol culture is excessive), dietary restrictions (allergies), chronic health issues and disabilities, etc.
Also, this book starts with some massively incorrect science about phone screens giving us cancer and acts like people are disconnected because of technology (maybe they missed that entire chapter about Work & Career where they said that we often work overtime, which would probably be a bigger cause for that disconnect than a phone).
Admittedly, I'm not a fan of self-help books, but I'm even less of a fan of self-help books that are clearly written with the message of "only you can make yourself happy," especially when we live in a world where that clearly isn't true.
For example: 'Meals with Others' (Chapter 4, Family & Community).
The opening to this section starts with the author going to a food festival in Copenhagen, where many people have met for the first time and are enjoying their time together. Further on, the author specifies that the gathering doesn't have to be "large or small."
In and of itself, this isn't negative and is something that I enjoy doing (when possible); it is, however, something that people with fewer resources can struggle to do (because they live in food deserts or struggle to feed themselves). I've lived in places where parks are literally unavailable (making picnics near-impossible); I've lived in places where the parks were made so uncomfortable that people didn't really want to spend time in them (because of a fear of homeless people sleeping on benches or large groups congregating).
This further continues into issues like: personal preferences (example: people who don't drink in places where alcohol culture is excessive), dietary restrictions (allergies), chronic health issues and disabilities, etc.
Also, this book starts with some massively incorrect science about phone screens giving us cancer and acts like people are disconnected because of technology (maybe they missed that entire chapter about Work & Career where they said that we often work overtime, which would probably be a bigger cause for that disconnect than a phone).
Admittedly, I'm not a fan of self-help books, but I'm even less of a fan of self-help books that are clearly written with the message of "only you can make yourself happy," especially when we live in a world where that clearly isn't true.
February 7, 2019
A small quick read for anyone who is curious about hygge and want to implement it into their lives. Hygge (pronounced hoo-gah) is the Danish concept of taking time to appreciate the little things and to make your life as cozy, inviting, and as happy as possible. Author, Alexandra Amarotico is not a Denmark resident (she resides in New York), but she did spend some formative years studying there in college and living with a host family. The concept of hygge really rubbed off on her and appealed to her so she incorporated it into her American way of life. This guide contains all of her best practices. The Secret Joy of Hygge is broken into five sections: defining hygge, self, home, family & community, and work. Each section contains some tips and tricks on how to incorporate hygge into that aspect of your life. Most tips and ideas are very simple and inexpensive. Eat more dinners at home, use lots of candles, curl up with a good book, etc. It's informative, filled with great ideas, and cute sketches; perfect for anyone who is looking to learn more about hygge.
February 14, 2019
I have seen a few stories online about hygge (pronounced hoo-gah) and they called to me mostly because most of the things I was reading were about curling up with a good book with lots of blankets and pillows and a pet and just enjoying your surroundings... and after reading this book... I can say that that is in fact part of it, but there is more to learn here too.
Hygge is about finding joy in the simple things, about sharing time with others, and about being comfortable. All things that I am trying to get better with this year. I want to take more me time and stop to smell the roses and relax - because let's face it, even reading for me is kind of like a job... the blog and review books do keep me busy. But I also need to look at it in other ways - I love reading and I love the blog and sharing great books with the internet and I get lots of books in order to do that, I need to savor that time.
This book is a great stepping stone into the culture of Hygge. You first learn about the word itself and all the variations of it and how they can be used. Then you learn about how to apply it to different things - self, Home, Friends, and Work. All of these chapters has wonderful pointers that I will use to improve my the amount of hygge.
I also found though, that like those first articles I was reading I already do use a lot of the techniques the author outlines. I love pillows, blankets, comfort and reading. I love the ambiance a good candle gives off on a cold winter night, and I love having plants on my desk at work - all suggestions she makes.
Overall I think this is a fun book to learn about having this joy in your life and if you are looking for more joy in your like it gives you a way to adapt things you are doing so that you can stop and smell the roses whenever you want.
Hygge is about finding joy in the simple things, about sharing time with others, and about being comfortable. All things that I am trying to get better with this year. I want to take more me time and stop to smell the roses and relax - because let's face it, even reading for me is kind of like a job... the blog and review books do keep me busy. But I also need to look at it in other ways - I love reading and I love the blog and sharing great books with the internet and I get lots of books in order to do that, I need to savor that time.
This book is a great stepping stone into the culture of Hygge. You first learn about the word itself and all the variations of it and how they can be used. Then you learn about how to apply it to different things - self, Home, Friends, and Work. All of these chapters has wonderful pointers that I will use to improve my the amount of hygge.
I also found though, that like those first articles I was reading I already do use a lot of the techniques the author outlines. I love pillows, blankets, comfort and reading. I love the ambiance a good candle gives off on a cold winter night, and I love having plants on my desk at work - all suggestions she makes.
Overall I think this is a fun book to learn about having this joy in your life and if you are looking for more joy in your like it gives you a way to adapt things you are doing so that you can stop and smell the roses whenever you want.
March 4, 2019
First of all, this book is SUPER cute and very easy to read. I knew nothing of Hygge before opening this book, and I’m now excited to learn more and more about it. And the way it was written was just very pleasant, I don’t know how else to explain it. I learned a lot, and I learned ways to actually insert Hygge into my life! It was cool to know I was already on the right track to living a Hygge life. Definitely will reread in the future and I definitely recommend!
February 12, 2019
The concept of this is so fantastic. Appreciate the little things, make your environments more cozy and inviting, and have fun! This quick read is sure to help you get out of any funk or winter blues that may be plaguing you. A great reminder to focus on the good things rather then fester over the bad.
February 24, 2019
This is book that will help you to build more hygge into your life. It’s a reminder to be present in the moment and find joy in the little things we often miss in our busy lives. It’s a short book that can be read in an afternoon, preferably with a cozy blanket on your lap, a dog at your feet, a fire in the fireplace, and a warm beverage nearby.
December 28, 2019
Like many non-Danes, I'm fixated by the idea of hygge, and cosiness is my goal state. The book goes through different areas of life, and makes suggestions as to how to introduce a hyggelig feeling to them. There are some practical recommendations, but nothing new for those already familiar with hygge.
February 15, 2019
A quick easy read about the benefits of Hygge, which essentially is living mindfully. There are some useful tips, but overall nothing that stands out as particularly new or novel in terms of how to reduce stress in your life and add more happiness.
November 28, 2019
Nice short primer on Hygge
I enjoyed this book. It’s a nice quick read with good ideas. I’d say it’s more of a starting point than a comprehensive book about hygge, but it gets one pointed in the right direction.
I enjoyed this book. It’s a nice quick read with good ideas. I’d say it’s more of a starting point than a comprehensive book about hygge, but it gets one pointed in the right direction.
June 23, 2020
This book was such a nice book to listen to while my hands were busy doing other things. It was informative and the narrator was relaxing. It explained watchIng was well enough that I have already begun to implement some of the practices.
September 2, 2023
I got this book at the Danish Windmill museum in Elk Horn, Iowa. Yes it was a souvenir purchase, so I treat it as that. Not an extremely intellectual or well-written book, but an easy read, and if anything it gave me a good feeling and an encouragement to change a few things in my life.
February 17, 2019
A quick and practical guide about easy way to incorporate hygge into all aspects of your life. It today’s tech heavy, fast paced world, I appreciated the focus on the little things.
March 3, 2019
A quick tips guide
This book was full of quick tips which i found great. Didn't know what hygge was about and now i do. A breeze to read.
This book was full of quick tips which i found great. Didn't know what hygge was about and now i do. A breeze to read.
June 12, 2019
It's okay.
I would not read this again. I would not recommend this book.
Hard words to the and pronounce. Not long to read.
I would not read this again. I would not recommend this book.
Hard words to the and pronounce. Not long to read.
June 24, 2019
Boring.
Unremarkable writing style.
Pointless illustrations that add nothing of value.
General self-care pablum.
There are many books about hygge, and this is certainly not the best one.
Unremarkable writing style.
Pointless illustrations that add nothing of value.
General self-care pablum.
There are many books about hygge, and this is certainly not the best one.
July 23, 2019
A fun, entertaining introduction to what this latest "Hygge" craze is all about.
August 6, 2019
Good
Good information and overview. This book was very short and it didn’t have any fluff. Thank you. I suggest reading
Good information and overview. This book was very short and it didn’t have any fluff. Thank you. I suggest reading
August 6, 2021
Great book to read to better understand/introduction to Hygge and all its benefits. There were quite a few spelling and grammar errors however I enjoyed the book.
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
T- ☕
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
T- ☕
December 29, 2019
Quick read- liked the concepts of shifting our mindsets, and some good tips, but some you've probably heard before.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews