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Beyond Hygge: The Hidden Scandinavian Secrets to a Balanced Life
What if the real Scandinavian secret to a calmer, more balanced life isn’t found in perfect décor— but in the quiet ways you move through your day?
In a world that feels louder, faster, and increasingly overwhelming, many of us long for a gentler rhythm.
Beyond Hygge shows how Scandinavians create a slower, steadier rhythm through simple habits, thoughtful moments, and the small rituals that quietly shape everyday life.
No big life overhauls. Just small, meaningful practices that bring steadiness, warmth, and a sense of “enough” into the life you already have.
Inside, you’ll
Small Scandinavian rituals that help your day feel calmer and less rushedThe wisdom of lagom — why doing and owning less can feel like moreThe power of simple an unhurried coffee, a lighted candle, and everyday pauses that restoreIf you’re craving more peace and balance in the midst of ordinary, imperfect days, Beyond Hygge is a warm companion and a gentle guide — something to curl up with, come back to, and relax into.
Perfect for fans of The Little Book of Hygge, The Year of Living Danishly, or Wintering — and for anyone longing to slow down without stepping away from real life.
In a world that feels louder, faster, and increasingly overwhelming, many of us long for a gentler rhythm.
Beyond Hygge shows how Scandinavians create a slower, steadier rhythm through simple habits, thoughtful moments, and the small rituals that quietly shape everyday life.
No big life overhauls. Just small, meaningful practices that bring steadiness, warmth, and a sense of “enough” into the life you already have.
Inside, you’ll
Small Scandinavian rituals that help your day feel calmer and less rushedThe wisdom of lagom — why doing and owning less can feel like moreThe power of simple an unhurried coffee, a lighted candle, and everyday pauses that restoreIf you’re craving more peace and balance in the midst of ordinary, imperfect days, Beyond Hygge is a warm companion and a gentle guide — something to curl up with, come back to, and relax into.
Perfect for fans of The Little Book of Hygge, The Year of Living Danishly, or Wintering — and for anyone longing to slow down without stepping away from real life.
166 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 25, 2025
34 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
December 8, 2025
I loved this book. I think I do have a slight Scandinavian way of thinking; some of the suggestions in this book I do try to do, especially around noticing the beauty in the ordinary but people do think me strange at times!
this book will stay with me and I've already recommended it to a couple of people I think would benefit.
Give it a read - you won't regret it.
this book will stay with me and I've already recommended it to a couple of people I think would benefit.
Give it a read - you won't regret it.
January 11, 2026
It is good food for the soul to read a book like this, especially at this time of year.
Hygge counters the rush and complications of modern life by reminding the reader of the simple joys of caring for yourself and those around you on a daily basis. It has played an important practical role in Scandinavian life, especially in ensuring that people can get through the long dark winters when spirits can otherwise flag. It covers topics such as what is just enough (as opposed to perfectionism and over-stretching), the magic of small rituals, interactions with nature, going with the flow during the seasons, seeking security when the world is uncertain, the benefits of silence and reclaiming simplicity. These are all matters that the pace of modern capitalist world has pushed to the side. Even when such holistic views are promoted, they are monetarised with courses and apps designed to restore us purely to work even harder. This very readable book without any such agenda is probably all a reader requires.
In this guide, the aesthetics of Hygge furnishings and fixtures are largely put to one side and the psychological elements are focussed upon. The writer is a widowed grandmother with a lifetime of experience to draw upon, and the various concepts are defined and fleshed out with brief stories about family and friends in certain situations. Her style of writing comes across as caring and perceptive. Little details do not escape her gaze.
Now, there is nothing necessarily revelatory in the approaches to life set out here despite he introduction of Scandinavian names. But, that is not the point and the author is clear on that. These are ways to assist your appreciation of time and place and do not, thankfully, involve special preparations or practice. They are immediately at hand. It is not a self-help manual; it is a book which rewards engagement by making you think about your own daily life, and how small considerations can be beneficial often by not doing anything at all especially when it comes to buying stuff.
It is also a nice reminder that I have achieved much of what is here simply by not following fads, and that requires little effort despite a bombardment of ads. The fact that I indulge in a hot morning bath (not shower) each day is Hygge. The fact that this bathtub is a 1970’s turquoise one and I will never replace it unless it falls apart is also Hygge because your home should be a place where you feel comfortable, not a constantly “upgraded” stage to perform for others’ expectations of style or elegance.
Although there are 15 chapters with different angles and concepts, there is clearly a lot of overlap. That, by implication, means a fair amount of repetition. If you read this book in one sitting (and it is only 150 pages in length), the repetitions are very obvious. Candles, coffee and woollen blankets are common references amongst the themes. Whilst acknowledging that it would have been quite possible to shorten the book to something more of a checklist, it is actually a nice gentle length of read, set out in a way that makes it a pleasure to dip back in to a particular topic. In fact, “the comfort of repetition” is one of the chapters so the style of the book itself rather reflects the content.
I may only add that having had a number of cats in my home during my lifetime means that I have been inadvertently “schooled” in much of the material, having watched them seek out the best places to rest and sleep, following the light during the day, gazing at dust particles in the sunlight and pinning me down to one place by settling on my lap - before I realise that my mobile phone is sitting 6 feet away and out of reach for the next hour…
Hygge counters the rush and complications of modern life by reminding the reader of the simple joys of caring for yourself and those around you on a daily basis. It has played an important practical role in Scandinavian life, especially in ensuring that people can get through the long dark winters when spirits can otherwise flag. It covers topics such as what is just enough (as opposed to perfectionism and over-stretching), the magic of small rituals, interactions with nature, going with the flow during the seasons, seeking security when the world is uncertain, the benefits of silence and reclaiming simplicity. These are all matters that the pace of modern capitalist world has pushed to the side. Even when such holistic views are promoted, they are monetarised with courses and apps designed to restore us purely to work even harder. This very readable book without any such agenda is probably all a reader requires.
In this guide, the aesthetics of Hygge furnishings and fixtures are largely put to one side and the psychological elements are focussed upon. The writer is a widowed grandmother with a lifetime of experience to draw upon, and the various concepts are defined and fleshed out with brief stories about family and friends in certain situations. Her style of writing comes across as caring and perceptive. Little details do not escape her gaze.
Now, there is nothing necessarily revelatory in the approaches to life set out here despite he introduction of Scandinavian names. But, that is not the point and the author is clear on that. These are ways to assist your appreciation of time and place and do not, thankfully, involve special preparations or practice. They are immediately at hand. It is not a self-help manual; it is a book which rewards engagement by making you think about your own daily life, and how small considerations can be beneficial often by not doing anything at all especially when it comes to buying stuff.
It is also a nice reminder that I have achieved much of what is here simply by not following fads, and that requires little effort despite a bombardment of ads. The fact that I indulge in a hot morning bath (not shower) each day is Hygge. The fact that this bathtub is a 1970’s turquoise one and I will never replace it unless it falls apart is also Hygge because your home should be a place where you feel comfortable, not a constantly “upgraded” stage to perform for others’ expectations of style or elegance.
Although there are 15 chapters with different angles and concepts, there is clearly a lot of overlap. That, by implication, means a fair amount of repetition. If you read this book in one sitting (and it is only 150 pages in length), the repetitions are very obvious. Candles, coffee and woollen blankets are common references amongst the themes. Whilst acknowledging that it would have been quite possible to shorten the book to something more of a checklist, it is actually a nice gentle length of read, set out in a way that makes it a pleasure to dip back in to a particular topic. In fact, “the comfort of repetition” is one of the chapters so the style of the book itself rather reflects the content.
I may only add that having had a number of cats in my home during my lifetime means that I have been inadvertently “schooled” in much of the material, having watched them seek out the best places to rest and sleep, following the light during the day, gazing at dust particles in the sunlight and pinning me down to one place by settling on my lap - before I realise that my mobile phone is sitting 6 feet away and out of reach for the next hour…
December 12, 2025
The concept of this book is to embrace the Scandinavian concept of ‘hygge’ you need to actually savour, not worry that you’re doing hygge properly!
The Nordic way is caring about how your home and life feels, not just ticking off a todo list and being productive. A calmer, simpler life no matter what comes your way. It doesn’t mean emptying your house of all possessions, rather carefully choosing ones that bring you joy and function.
It means choosing quality over quantity, for example pots and pans that will last years and not clutter. Simplifying doesn’t mean not enjoying quality things or luxury items.
Olsson writes in a friendly, conversational manner so reading this book is like having a nice chat with a friend over coffee. There’s lots of stories and it’s not a preachy book.
She writes, ‘visual clutter creates mental clutter’, and this is something I often repeat to my own children when encouraging them to tidy their rooms!
By the way, I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
She discusses doing small changes over time and this is the key – if you feel you have to change your whole way of life immediately you’ll give up.
It’s an enjoyable read and I suggest doing it in a quiet spot with a coffee and small cinnamon bun, maybe with a candle burning nearby, just like the Scandinavians would!
The Nordic way is caring about how your home and life feels, not just ticking off a todo list and being productive. A calmer, simpler life no matter what comes your way. It doesn’t mean emptying your house of all possessions, rather carefully choosing ones that bring you joy and function.
It means choosing quality over quantity, for example pots and pans that will last years and not clutter. Simplifying doesn’t mean not enjoying quality things or luxury items.
Olsson writes in a friendly, conversational manner so reading this book is like having a nice chat with a friend over coffee. There’s lots of stories and it’s not a preachy book.
She writes, ‘visual clutter creates mental clutter’, and this is something I often repeat to my own children when encouraging them to tidy their rooms!
By the way, I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
She discusses doing small changes over time and this is the key – if you feel you have to change your whole way of life immediately you’ll give up.
It’s an enjoyable read and I suggest doing it in a quiet spot with a coffee and small cinnamon bun, maybe with a candle burning nearby, just like the Scandinavians would!
December 7, 2025
A really lovely book reminding us how to simply be and reconnect with ourselves. It encourages us to let go, to find moments of peace, and to embrace silence. I particularly loved the magic of the mundane. I write a lot when I’m able to sit in stillness — about my life, all the small things — and treasure them.
“Bringing more quiet into your life doesn’t require dramatic changes. It begins with small, intentional moments woven into ordinary days.”
— Beyond Hygge: The Hidden Scandinavian Secrets to a Balanced Life
I also loved the reflections on rhythm — finding our own rhythm, which is unique to each of us and so important for recovery, repair, and the art of creating.
“Finding Your Own Rituals
Beyond the traditional rituals everyone shares, Swedes also create their own personal rhythms — small, repeated moments that bring comfort and structure to their days.”
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
“Bringing more quiet into your life doesn’t require dramatic changes. It begins with small, intentional moments woven into ordinary days.”
— Beyond Hygge: The Hidden Scandinavian Secrets to a Balanced Life
I also loved the reflections on rhythm — finding our own rhythm, which is unique to each of us and so important for recovery, repair, and the art of creating.
“Finding Your Own Rituals
Beyond the traditional rituals everyone shares, Swedes also create their own personal rhythms — small, repeated moments that bring comfort and structure to their days.”
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 29, 2025
Definitely one of the most informative yet comforting hygge books I've read in quite some time and I wasn't disappointed! There's something about the Scandinavian life that makes everything seem and feel warm, inviting, comforting and to live a better life and this book definitely gives off those vibes and to help achieve that actual life!
I would love to thank the author for the amazing opportunity to check out this ARC book! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I would love to thank the author for the amazing opportunity to check out this ARC book! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 2, 2026
Perfect for this time of year. Simple easy but lovely little changes you can make and reminders of what we already have. What joy exists. Especially with all the new year noise this book quitened all of that. A lovely twixmas read I will come back to. Read on kindle but would love the physical book too!
December 25, 2025
This is such a wonderful little book. I highly recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews