Top 16 Scandinavian lifestyle books

The Little Book of Hygge
What is The Little Book of Hygge about?
“The Little Book of Hygge” is a delightful guide written by Meik Wiking, the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen, Denmark. This book introduces readers to the Danish concept of hygge, which is all about embracing cozy moments and finding joy in life's simple pleasures. Wiking offers practical tips and insights on creating a sense of comfort, well-being, and togetherness in everyday life.

The Year of Living Danishly
What is The Year of Living Danishly about?
“The Year of Living Danishly” by Helen Russell is a delightful exploration of Denmark's unique culture and the quest for happiness. Helen, a British journalist, moves to Denmark and shares her fascinating encounters with Danish customs, from 'hygge' to local traditions. Through her observations, she uncovers the secrets behind Denmark's status as one of the happiest countries in the world.

Lagom: Not Too Little, Not Too Much
What is Lagom: Not Too Little, Not Too Much about?
Lagom: Not Too Little, Not Too Much: The Swedish Art of Living a Balanced, Happy Life by Niki Brantmark explores the Swedish approach to achieving life balance. It offers practical tips and insights on integrating this philosophy into different areas of daily life, from work to relationships. The book promotes the idea of a lifestyle that is “just enough,” neither excessive nor inadequate.

Norwegian Wood
What is Norwegian Wood about?
Norwegian Wood: Chopping, Stacking, and Drying Wood the Scandinavian Way by Lars Mytting provides an in-depth manual of wood handling in the Scandinavian way. It explores the techniques and principles of chopping, stacking, and drying wood through stories and wisdom from Nordic traditions of woodcutting. This book analyzes this seemingly easy task and uncovers the deep connection between humans and nature within the context of firewood.

The Almost Nearly Perfect People
What is The Almost Nearly Perfect People about?
The Almost Nearly Perfect People: Behind the Myth of the Scandinavian Utopia by Michael Booth is a thoughtful examination of the Nordic countries and their societies. Booth questions the idealized image of these nations, delving into their history, culture, and people. Through a balanced view, the book highlights both the achievements and the lesser-known challenges of these seemingly perfect societies.

The Finnish Way
What is The Finnish Way about?
The Finnish Way: Finding Courage, Wellness, and Happiness Through the Power of Sisu by Katja Pantzar introduces the Finnish nature-inspired concept of Sisu, a form of resilience and mindfulness. According to the book, Sisu contributes to well-being, making the Finnish population one of the happiest. The author offers helpful tips for readers to adopt this mindset through biking, walking, swimming, and the Nordic diet.

Päntsdrunk (Kalsarikänni)
What is Päntsdrunk (Kalsarikänni) about?
Päntsdrunk: Kalsarikanni: The Finnish Path to Relaxation offers a comedic yet insightful exploration into a simple Finnish lifestyle trend. It encourages you to embrace the affordable practice of staying at home, lounging in underwear, and enjoying a drink. If you’re looking for a new perspective on well-being, päntsdrunk is a sure way to find stress relief and peace!

The Little Book of Lykke
What is The Little Book of Lykke about?
The Little Book of Lykke, written by Meik Wiking, the CEO of Happiness Research Institute, is a guide to incorporating happiness into your daily life. By exploring happiness in various countries around the world, Wiking breaks down six major indicators of happiness. This book provides practical ways to enhance not just your own life but also those in your community.

The Nordic Theory of Everything
What is The Nordic Theory of Everything about?
In her book The Nordic Theory of Everything, a Finnish journalist who now lives in the United States, compares life in the US to the Nordic region. Anny Partanen expertly blends personal stories with national statistics to explore key societal relationships and values. This book is an eye-opener to a progressive approach to education, lifestyle, and health. Read on to find out what has driven Nordic success and how we can improve our community with their example.

There's No Such Thing as Bad Weather
What is There's No Such Thing as Bad Weather about?
A Scandinavian saying goes like this: “There’s no such thing as bad weather – just bad clothing”. The book There's No Such Thing as Bad Weather offers a refreshing perspective into the importance of outdoor play in all seasons. Written by a Swedish mother, Linda McGurk, raising her daughters in USA, it provides a blend of vital research, humor, and warmth. This book provides invaluable insights not only for parents, but for anyone who plays a role in a child’s life.

How to Be Danish
What is How to Be Danish about?
If you’re intrigued by Scandinavian culture, you’ll appreciate this warm, cozy, Danish atmosphere brought by Kingsley in this book How to Be Danish: A Journey to the Cultural Heart of Denmark. Discover various aspects of Danish life: its art and design, unique urban planning, politics, welfare system, and food. As you’ll learn, to be Danish means to be wonderfully progressive!

Walking
What is Walking about?
In the past, people would walk long distances to learn and gain new experiences. Erling Kagge's Walking: One Step at a Time proves that walking is not only an activity, but a way to explore questions such as why we walk, where we walk from, and where we are going. Walking is universal, yet everyone has their own unique experience.

Silence
What is Silence about?
Could you imagine spending fifty days on a solo walk across Antarctica, as Erling Kagge did? Our environment is full of phone notifications and bustling streets, but sometimes, all we need is some silence. Silence: In the Age of Noise teaches that embracing silence is vital to happiness, self-discovery, and appreciation.

The Nordic Guide to Living 10 Years Longer
What is The Nordic Guide to Living 10 Years Longer about?
The Nordic Guide to Living 10 Years Longer: 10 Easy Tips for a Happier, Healthier Life by Bertil Marklund is a health guide with a Scandinavian twist. It offers simple tips on exercise, sleep, and nutrition to add years to your life. It also shows how to incorporate these health suggestions into your daily routines for a happier, healthier life.

Hygge
What is Hygge about?
The Danish concept of “hygge” fosters wellness, coziness, and happiness. "Hygge: The Danish Art of Happiness" by Marie Tourell Søderberg explores this art and suggests ways to embrace hygge in everyday life. With personal stories, recipes, and lovely photos, the book gives readers a detailed understanding of this Danish philosophy of finding warmth and joy at heart and in life.

The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning
What is The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning about?
The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Free Yourself and Your Family from a Lifetime of Clutter by Margareta Magnusson is an insightful guide for gradually getting rid of possessions to simplify life and reduce clutter. It introduces the concept of "death cleaning" and explains how it can help in decluttering your space. Magnusson blends personal stories with actionable advice to encourage readers to embrace a minimalist lifestyle.


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