The Book Nook

The happiest place on earth?     “The Year of Living Danishly” was written by Helen Russell, who was curious about the claim that the happiest people live in Denmark.  Although a non-fiction work, the author’s layout and style makes it seem more like an easy-to-read novel. It started when Russell and her husband were battling post-holiday blues and job dissatisfaction.  He’d always wanted to live overseas and they began discussing the feasibility of relocating.  Her writing job at a London magazine was now so unappealing that she dreaded going to work.  When he found an opportunity to work at Lego in Denmark for a year, they took a weekend to visit that country. She disliked the high prices but were pleased with the scenery, cleanliness and the delicious pastries.  What struck her most was the slower pace of life there and how relaxed and happy everyone looked.  After returning home, she couldn’t help comparing her frazzled life against what she’d seen during their visit. Could moving there make them happier?  They were stressed by big-city living, rising neighborhood crime and fertility issues.  She knew agreeing to a move would thrill her husband, whom she refers to as “Lego Man”.  The comment that Denmark was considered the happiest country on earth intrigued her and she decided to delve deeper to prove or disprove that claim. The result is a book that lives up to the subtitle: “Uncovering the secrets of the world’s happiest country”.  Topics include childcare, taxes, education, health and much more, and the book offers details about what makes Denmark unique.  A big part of that is hygge (pronounced HYOO guh), which is defined as “a quality of coziness and warmth that fosters feelings of well-being and contentment”. Russell’s journalistic credentials gives her access to a variety of experts to answer questions.  In finding a place to live, she learned why the Danes value energy efficiency and good design of their homes, schools and workplaces.  She was struck by how tidy homes are kept, regardless of whether the inhabitant owned or rented. She learned Danes love joining associations to pursue whatever interests them.  It started in the mid-1800s when the government promoted calisthenics to improve health, later expanding to include sports, hobbies, crafts, learning, etc.  The government supports these efforts by offering free premises to meet, often subsidizing those who form or join associations.  Now there are about 80,000 associations with approximately 90% of Danes participating.  The premise is that people feel a greater sense of belonging and trust and there’s a joke that when two Danes meet, they form an association. She explores why following their country’s traditions and showing tolerance of others are sources of national pride, citing scientific studies that link these attributes with higher levels of personal well-being.  A high percentage of Danes do volunteer work and encourage their children to do so as well. One of Denmark’s down sides is the high tax rate, but few people complained, even when prompted.  Most residents consider it the price required for free education and healthcare, generous holiday pay, a good pension system and a solid social welfare network. Expectant parents get 52 weeks maternity leave per child which they can split between them.  One restriction is that the mother must take four weeks off before and fourteen weeks off after the birth, but after that the couple can decide how best to share the remaining 34 weeks.  Every baby is guaranteed a place in childcare from the ages of six months to six years and the government pays about 75% of childcare costs. Danes see education as an investment and focus on developing social and cognitive skills.  The author touches on the various educational options and how that’s affected students and the country.  Those entering university are counseled to study subjects that truly interest them, which seems to have resulted in higher overall job satisfaction. One key component to the happiness factor may be the work-life balance that’s encouraged by both public and private sectors.  Workhours, maternity leave and childcare were standardized and the balance idea is now a mainstay in Denmark.  The average workweek is 34 hours and unhappy workers can get time off for stress and financial support when they seek new careers.  Parents are given paid time off to care for sick children and working overtime is discouraged. Danes have learned to regularly ask themselves if they’re happy and take steps to make improvements, but that’s not to say their country is ideal.  The alcoholism, SAD and domestic violence rates are higher than in some other places, although statistics for some problems are showing improvement. Russell capably balances facts with anecdotes and personal insights.  We get to follow her journey as she makes new discoveries, questions a variety of people and shares what she learns.  She shows what she thinks Danes get right and what they don’t with humor and charm. Their move had occurred in January, and she takes us through the entire year.  I wondered how they would feel about living in a much colder climate.  She discovered that lighting and time with family and friends are essential elements to surviving a Danish winter.  They not only survive months of cold and reduced sunshine, but thrive. Denmark must have made a favorable impression because when Lego Man is offered a second year of employment, they decide to accept it and stay put.