This untranslatable Danish word is your new mental health superpower. It means “oh well”, “never mind”, or just “stuff it”. Something annoying happened? Pyt. I’m increasingly convinced that this cognitive coping mechanism is part of the reason Danes are consistently ranked among the world’s happiest people. Next time life goes wrong, don’t spiral – just make like a Dane and say pyt with a shrug of your shoulders.

Friluftsliv or “open-air life” is the Nordic tradition of getting outside daily, whatever the weather. Scandinavians don’t fear the elements – they dress for them, with children playing outside all year around and workers getting out in their breaks whenever possible. Research from the University of Exeter found that just two hours in nature a week improves well-being.

“You don’t need to plan a great adventure,” says Linda McGurk, author of There’s No Such Thing As Bad Weather. “The key is getting out – the more often, the better. Friluftsliv can be as simple as a walk in the neighbourhood, a picnic at a park or a quiet moment in your backyard.”

Nature also features heavily in design. With winters lasting half the year, Scandinavian interiors are arranged to maximise natural light and windowsills usually boast a plant. Prints and art can help bring a botanical feel to a space. “And many decorate their homes using colours inspired by nature, too,” says the Danish interior designer Lonni Ørskov. “Shades of green, blue and brown are typically part of Scandinavian interiors. And natural materials such as wood are an effective way of adding warmth.”

In Scandinavia, meals are social rituals – not desk-bound or plastic-wrapped. Open sandwiches (smørrebrød) are practically a national sport in Denmark. Bonus: rye bread is a fibre-packed powerhouse that lowers blood sugar and keeps you full, according to a 2022 study. Eating together regularly has been linked to everything from better mental health to higher academic achievement in adolescence. So, pass the pickled herring and pull up a chair.

Scandinavians drink more coffee per capita than almost anyone on Earth. But it’s not just about the caffeine – it’s about connection. Conversation over coffee and taking time out to restore and revive help Vikings stay strong. Danish hygge, Norwegian koselig and Swedish fika each revolve around the sacred coffee break, ideally with something sweet and cardamom or cinnamon-laced. It’s mindfulness with a side of cake.

Overhead lighting is a big no-no in Scandinavian homes. “Instead, go for cosy, warm lighting,’ says the designer Pernille Folcarelli. “Lamps in every corner of a room create a relaxing, embracing, comforting interior.”

Pools of soft light from table lamps, candles and dimmable sconces offer mood lighting – and a mood lifter. Switch off the overheads, light some candles and bask in your own hygge halo.

Scandinavians don’t just tolerate the cold – they seek it out. Winter bathing is standard and there’s a long tradition of finding the nearest fjord, lake or harbour and jumping in. Studies show that regular cold dips reduce stress, boost immunity and may even increase dopamine by up to 250 per cent (that’s similar to cocaine, just FYI). Is it painful? Yes. But also, strangely addictive. Just remember to breathe.

Nordic chic is sleek yet practical. “Scandinavian design mirrors our mindset in general,” says the Danish fashion writer Sanne Moth. “We want to be heard without shouting.”

Low-key Scandinavian style means clean, elongating lines and subtle yet refined details that don’t steal focus. “Materials such as wool, silk and cotton are ideal when layering for shifting weather,” Moth says. “Timeless pieces in neutral colours that pair with anything are always a sound investment. Think: elegant enough to attend a cocktail party, while still being prepared to bike home in a ferocious rainstorm.”

The Nordic design ethos isn’t about buying more, it’s about buying better. One well-made chair is better than five wobbly ones. Danes, in particular, take pride in their design heritage, often saving up to buy just one Arne Jacobsen piece for their home. It’s sustainability with style.

“Danish classics never go out of fashion and are more desirable than ever these days,” Folcarelli says. “With an increasing focus on the climate crisis, we look for timeless furniture, investing in high-quality key items that could last a lifetime.”

Work-life balance isn’t just a slogan in Scandinavia – it’s policy. The Danish word arbejdsglæde means “happiness at work” and it’s taken seriously. Long hours are frowned upon and productivity is prized over presenteeism. While we can’t all relocate to Scandinavia, Meik Wiking, the author of The Art Of Danish Living, believes we can bring arbejdsglæde into our lives, wherever we are. “Start a smile file,” he says. “Collecting little notes, a kind email from a colleague, a compliment from a client, a small win. On tough days, take a look as a reminder that your work has meaning.”