The Year of Living Danishly: Summary Review
This is a summary review of The Year of Living Danishly containing key details about The Year of Living Danishly.
What is The Year of Living Danishly About?
"The Year of Living Danishly" by Helen Russell is a book that explores the Danish concept of hygge (coziness) and the Danish way of life, which is considered one of the happiest and most content in the world.
The Year of Living Danishly records a funny, poignant journey, showing us what the Danes get right, what they get wrong, and how we might all live a little more Danishly ourselves. In this new edition, six years on Helen reveals how her life and family have changed, and explores how Denmark, too – or her understanding of it – has shifted. It’s a messy and flawed place, she concludes – but can still be a model for a better way of living.
Summary Points & Takeaways from The Year of Living Danishly
Some key summary points and takeaways from the book include:
* The importance of community: Danes place a high value on community and belonging, which helps them achieve a sense of purpose and happiness.
* The concept of hygge: Hygge is a key part of Danish culture and involves creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, often with candles, good food, and friends.
* Work-life balance: Danes work less and have more leisure time than many other countries, which helps them achieve a better balance between work and play.
* The importance of trust: Danes have a high level of trust in their government and each other, which helps to create a sense of security and stability.
* The role of equality: Danes value equality and have a strong welfare system that helps to provide for those in need, which contributes to a sense of fairness and justice in society.
* Overall, "The Year of Living Danishly" provides a fascinating look into the Danish way of life and the ways in which Danish culture and values contribute to happiness and contentment.
Who is the author of The Year of Living Danishly?
Helen Russell is a hugely well-connected, well-respected journalist, and author of the highly successful The Year of Living Danishly (53k TCM). As How to be Sad explores, happiness and unhappiness aren't always mutually exclusive, and we can all get happier - by learning how to be sad, better.
The Year of Living Danishly Summary Notes
Summary Note: The Importance of Hygge and a Cozy Home in Danish Happiness
When people think of Denmark, they might think of LEGO, cold winters, and a confusing language. However, there's a new word associated with Denmark that the Danes love: hygge. This concept refers to coziness and a nice home environment. It's a lifestyle concept that's associated with home, people, food, drinks, and cold weather.
Danish people go to great lengths to set up their homes for hygge, with the belief that a comfortable and stylish home makes you happy. For instance, most Danes keep their houses tidy and use a lot of lamps, ranging from stylish ceiling chandeliers to floor and table lamps, to create small cozy corners. They also burn more candles per person per year than any other European nation, and use different sets of cushions for winter and summer to help them stay warm.
Research has shown that a comfortable and stylish home makes you happy. Simply looking at something you consider beautiful will release dopamine in your brain, making you happy. Danish people know that having a comfortable home environment, marked by a tidy and stylish interior, is key to their happiness.
Therefore, creating a cozy home is an essential part of Danish happiness. It's a way of life that not only keeps them warm and comfortable during the cold winter months but also brings people together, creating a sense of community and social connection. Danish people prioritize the home environment and consider it an important investment in their well-being. This approach to happiness through a cozy and welcoming home can be adopted by anyone, regardless of where they live, and serves as a reminder to prioritize self-care and create a peaceful sanctuary in our own homes.
Summary Note: The Danish Approach to Work-Life Balance and Job Satisfaction
Denmark is known for its happy citizens, and it turns out that their satisfaction extends to their jobs. The country has one of the shortest workweeks in Europe, with an average of 34-37 hours, and overtime is not expected or viewed positively. Furthermore, education is free and choosing a profession that one enjoys is socially acceptable. Danes focus on doing something they love rather than earning as much as possible, as a higher salary means paying more taxes. Additionally, the country has a great social welfare system, allowing people who quit their job to claim benefits and receive unemployment insurance for up to two years. Furthermore, Denmark invests the most money in lifelong training in the OECD, which enables workers to acquire new skills and switch careers. All of these factors contribute to the Danish concept of arbejdsglæde, which combines work and happiness. The Danish approach to work-life balance and job satisfaction is an intriguing model for other countries to learn from, as it offers a way to prioritize personal happiness and fulfillment while also contributing to the economy.
Summary Note: The Danish Love for Leisure: Cycling and Community in Denmark
The Danish people have a unique approach to leisure activities, and their love for them is reflected in the many clubs and societies that exist throughout the country. These associations are supported by the government, and they play a vital role in fostering a sense of community and trust among their members. Cycling is one of the most popular hobbies in Denmark, and the government has invested heavily in creating bike paths and safety lanes to support this passion.
The Danish emphasis on leisure activities is driven by a desire for work-life balance and a more relaxed and happier lifestyle. The government's support for clubs and societies is an example of this, as is the emphasis on cycling. Cycling is not only a popular hobby but also a mode of transportation, with many Danes choosing to commute to work by bike.
The emphasis on cycling has resulted in Denmark having an extensive network of bike paths and safety lanes, making it easy and safe for people to enjoy this activity. The government's commitment to cycling is also evident in the requirement for taxis to have bike racks, ensuring that people can get home safely after a night out.
The love for leisure activities and cycling in Denmark is not only a cultural phenomenon but also a scientifically proven way to increase cognitive well-being. The Danish approach to leisure activities and community building offers valuable lessons for individuals and societies worldwide, particularly when it comes to finding a balance between work and leisure, investing in community building, and promoting sustainable transportation.
Summary Note: The Importance of Traditions and Patriotism in Danish Culture
In Denmark, traditions and patriotism are deeply ingrained in the culture and contribute significantly to the country's happiness. From the affirmation of a child's religious faith during the confirmation ceremony to the celebration of the Dannebrog flag, Danes take pride in their cultural traditions.
Participating in traditions, such as confirmation, fosters a sense of community and security. People find comfort in the stability and affiliation that come with practices that remain unchanged over generations. Additionally, studies show that rituals allow people to enjoy more and contribute to their overall happiness.
Patriotism is also vital to Danish culture. Many Danes take pride in their country and believe it to be better than other nations. The Dannebrog flag, which is one of the oldest flags in the world, is a symbol of Danish patriotism and is displayed everywhere from office desks to outside houses.
Feeling good about one's homeland can lead to overall happiness, according to studies. Patriotism can foster a sense of belonging and contribute to a positive outlook on life.
Summary Note: Danish Parenting: State Support for Happy Families
Denmark has a reputation for being a happy country, and one reason for this is the strong state support for parents and children. Danish law mandates 52 weeks of parental leave, which can be divided between the parents, resulting in happier families and healthier children. Furthermore, Danish fathers are more involved in child-rearing than previous generations, forming a bond with their children more quickly, resulting in happier parents, and a more stable family unit.
The Danish government also provides affordable daycare for children from six months to six years old. With costs ranging from $400 to $635 per month for 45 hours of daycare, parents can get a deduction for daycare costs, and some can even receive it for free, depending on their household income. With this support, Danish parents can enjoy time with their children without worrying about the costs or the quality of care, leading to happier and more fulfilled families.
The state's support for family life in Denmark is a testament to its commitment to creating a happy and contented society. The government's investment in parental leave and affordable daycare results in better outcomes for children, happier parents, and a more stable family unit, contributing to Denmark's overall reputation as one of the world's happiest countries.
Summary Note: Genetic Factors Contributing to Danish Happiness
While relationships, money, and health are factors that generally make people happy, genetic distance within a population plays a role as well. Research has found that populations with more similar genes tend to be more content and trusting of each other. Denmark, in particular, has the least genetic distance within its population, making contentment part of the country's biological heritage. Additionally, the Danish population has one of the highest levels of the serotonin-transporter gene, which helps utilize the neurotransmitter serotonin and promotes better moods. This genetic factor, alongside the low genetic distance in the population, contributes to the overall happiness of Danes. Conversely, countries with genetically dissimilar populations report lower well-being. The genetic factors that contribute to happiness in Denmark provide insight into how biological and social factors interact to affect human emotions.
Book details
- Print length: 304 pages
- Genre: Nonfiction, Travel, Memoir
What are the chapters in The Year of Living Danishly?
Chapter 1 January - Hygge & Home
Chapter 2 February - Forgetting the 9-5
Chapter 3 March - Leisure & Languages
Chapter 4 April - Great Danes & Other Animals
Chapter 5 May-Traditions & Getting Told Off
Chapter 6 June - Just a Girl
Chapter 7 July- Going Away & Playing Away
Chapter 8 August-The Kids are Alright
Chapter 9 September-Butchers, Bakers & Culture Makers
Chapter 10 October-In Sickness & in Health
Chapter 11 November - 'Here comes the Snow/Sleet/ Soul-destroying Darkness…'
Chapter 12 December-Trusting the Taxman (or Woman)
What is a good quote from The Year of Living Danishly?
Top Quote: "If you're not happy with who you're waking up with most mornings, make a change -- if you want something (or someone) else, go for it.” (Meaning) - The Year of Living Danishly Quotes, Helen Russell
What do critics say?
Here's what one of the prominent reviewers had to say about the book: "The Year of Living Danishly takes a. . . ‘day in the life’ approach to hygge." — the Publisher
* The editor of this summary review made every effort to maintain information accuracy, including any published quotes, chapters, or takeaways. If you're interested in furthering your personal development, I invite you to check out my list of favorite personal development books page. On this page, you'll find a curated list of books that have personally impacted my life, each with a summary and key lessons.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
