With the end of Summer looming and autumnal feels already creeping into the shops I’m feeling well and truly prepared for lighting candles, snuggles in blankets and a roaring fire greeting the evening darkness (okay I don’t actually have a working fire but Netflix do a damn good video version!). I was just thinking it’s the perfect time to dig out my copy of ‘The Little Book of Hygge’ and remind myself of a few of Meik Wiking’s cosiness tips when I received an email from the lovely Ruth at Penguin Random House asking if I would like a sneak preview of his latest release. Of course I jumped at the chance! A few days later I received the most gorgeously wrapped little package containing ‘The Little Book of Lykke – The Danish Search for the World’s Happiest People’. Oh and it’s pronounced ‘luuh-kah’ by the way!
Meik Wiking seems to have the best job in the world – he’s the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen and has made it his life’s mission to try and answer the question ‘What is the key to happiness?’. ‘The Little Book of Lykke’ aims to take the reader on a ‘treasure hunt’ of the various components of what he believes are the fundamental contributors to our happiness – Togetherness, Money, Health, Freedom, Trust and Kindness and to explore how we can begin to work with others to help spread the joy.
Denmark is often called the world’s happiest country and frequently tops worldwide surveys related to feelings of community, friendship and well-being. I found it intriguing that the UK is ranked 24th (!) on the list of the ‘combined average of World Happiness Reports 2013-2017 whilst Denmark, Switzerland and Norway take the top three spots respectively. So just how does the culture and attitude of our nearby neighbours differ so strongly from that of our own? Why are 9 out of 10 Danes happy to pay some the highest income tax in the world? Doesn’t money buy you happiness?
These questions and more are explored in this sure to be bestseller. I really enjoyed spending time with a cosy cup of tea and delving into the ideas of shared communities, how to achieve that seemingly unattainable work/life balance and soaking up quotes to live by such as “buy memories not things”. In this busy world of social media filled with ‘house goals’, ‘how to get a bikini body in 2 weeks’, ‘why you should eat quinoa and kale’ and ‘how to leave your job and travel the world’ it felt refreshing to dip my toe into the ideas of ‘How do you measure happiness?’. Meik’s reserach findings and teachings are punctuated with his amusing anecdotal stories and quotes, case studies, top tips and gorgeous photographs or illustrations. I came away from reading ‘The Little Book of Lykke’ feeling empowered yet calm and I know it’s definitely a handy guide that I’ll revisit in the future when I need a little happiness nudge!
‘The Little Book of Lykke’ by Meik Wiking is available to buy now at Amazon priced at just £4.99 and scroll down for a little happiness tip whilst you wait for it’s arrival on your doorstep!
The Blonde x
I’m taking part in The Little Book of Lykke Blog Tour. Check out the other blogs below to read their thoughts on the search for happiness!
*This is a collaborative post with the lovely folk at Penguin Random House but as always all opinions are my own and I only feature products or events that are fitting and in keeping with the tone and content of my blog or Instagram page.