Early Reader Review: The Secret Joy of Hygge by Alexandra Amarotico

Source: From Callisto Publishing Group and Althea Press in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

The Secret Joy of Hygge: A Practical Guide to Cultivating Happiness in the Everyday by Alexandra Amarotico

Publisher: Althea Press
Publication Date:  February 12, 2019

 

Format: Paperback

Rating:








Synopsis: 

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 includes: 

Hygge 101―defines hygge, explains the history behind the concept, and describes its role in creating happiness 

Hygge for all―shows you how to apply this Danish idea to your life no matter where in the world you live 

Beyond hygge―examines related topics like meditation, feng shui, and minimalism 

Explore hygge and discover the simple joys of unplugging and reconnecting with yourself and your world. Let these step-by-step strategies be your guide.

Review: 
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.