When traveling, we can’t help but notice how different life in other countries is, from the way people eat to the way they work and relax. This contrast often leaves us perplexed, but rarely do we stop to think that such unique habits can be adopted into our own routines, too. These people, on the other hand, did and even shared them under this popular thread in hopes that others would find them helpful as well. Scroll down to find them below, and don’t forget to upvote those that you are tempted to try for yourself!
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One of the habits mentioned by Redditors was ‘hygge’ (pronounced hooga), a Danish and Norwegian concept, which loosely translates to feeling cozy or comfortable. The feeling is created through making your physical environment as cozy and comforting as possible by lighting candles, snuggling with soft blankets, and sipping warm, soothing drinks.
But ‘hygge’ is more than just physical things. It’s also a mindset and a philosophy. “It is about being with the people we love; a feeling that we are safe, that we are shielded from the world and are allowing ourselves to let our guard down,” said Meik Wiking, CEO of The Happiness Research Institute and the author of The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living.
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This concept originated in Scandinavian countries to survive the cold, gloomy, and long winter months more easily, but it can be adopted by anyone, anywhere, anytime when they face stress or negativity. It might be the reason why Denmark consistently ranks among the happiest places on Earth alongside Finland and Norway.
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For Scandinavian people, ‘hygge’ is nothing new. With the meaning it has today, it dates back to 1800. Around 2016, the concept took further, and that year, the New Yorker reported it as the ‘year of the hygge.’
To experience the magic of ‘hygge,’ people opt for mood lighting—dimming the lights, lighting some candles, or making a fire in the fireplace. They make themselves comfortable by adding blankets and pillows and wearing comfy clothes and thick socks that keep their feet warm.
But most importantly, they hang out with a circle of close friends. “The most important social relationships are close relationships in which you experience things together with others and experience being understood; where you share thoughts and feelings; and both give and receive support,” Wiking explains. This togetherness is the essence of ‘hygge.’
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In addition to all of this, people tend to make their bed as cozy and comfy as possible and enjoy delicious food and drinks like sweets, cakes, hot chocolate, and mulled wine.
Lastly, when the environment is cozy, warm, and comfortable, and the belly is filled with tasty treats, people practice mindfulness and gratitude by turning off digital devices and enjoying the present moment by enjoying a book or a board game with family and friends. It’s all about getting a break and feeling joy and contentment.
“It is about experiencing happiness in simple pleasures and knowing that everything is going to be okay,” Wiking concluded.
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When we went to Munich we slept in a queen bed with two separate duvets. I fell in love with this and bought two twin duvets when I got home.
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The way Brits typically cut and eat things on their plate, i.e. keeping the fork in my left hand.
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In my recent trip to Portugal I learned a lot of living in the moment, being present and grateful. I think living especially in the US, you sometimes get so caught up with your career, making more money and the mentality of needing to do more. I think it's important to know when to push yourself, and when to relax.
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Several … chopstick use, British TV (so much better than US), bidets, rice cooker, Guinness, taking shoes off at door, Irn Bru, Inca Cola, Japanese plum wine, Japanese beer, more reverence for nature, ….
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Simple but espresso instead of drip coffee.
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Hating car centric infrastructure.
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After living in Belgium I now cross my 7s.
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Lime and sesame oil.
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I now love sparkling water. It all started when I got a stomach bug in Mexico and the mini fridge in my room had a can of sparkling water that settled my stomach. Been a fan every since.
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I'm not sure if it counts, but I learned to play the harmonica when I lived in the US during my exchange period and still play it in my home country.
I *really* wish I could install a bidet, though.
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In the winter, I make my tea Russian style. I’ll brew a super strong pot in the morning and dilute the concentrate in my cup with fresh hot water.
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Started saying “no worries” after hearing it everywhere in Australia in the early 2000s. Now I hear it all the time in the USA. I like to think I started a trend. lol.
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Apertivo hour.
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Japan: bidets, using miso in soup bases instead of salt and chicken stock
S. Korea: bath mitt/scrubber
Mexico: picking out avocados at different degrees of ripeness. Now I do the same with bananas too. Salsa verde instead of tabasco
Italy: using passata and pesto instead of pasta sauce
France: Herbes de Provence.
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Matcha in the morning
And giving and taking things from people with two hands.
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Maybe not the answer you want, but I was always bewildered by the concept of bidets. I always assumed they'd leave you with a wet and soggy a*s.
Tried one for the first time in Europe a couple of years ago and, of course, it was brilliant.
Now I take a very quick shower (don't currently have a bidet) after each, ahem, bathroom visit, to approximate the bidet results.
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I put thai chilies in everything now. food tastes bland to me now if it doesn’t have that heat.