The Hyggelig Journey

Over the years of studying human behaviour, one question has remained particularly complex: why do chronic anxiety sufferers so often push their emotional well-being to the background? How many times have I heard patients say they just can’t relax? That they went to the beach only to return feeling exactly the same? That they took a holiday but never truly unwound? Why is it so difficult for them to switch off from anxiety? From a biological perspective, it seems that in individuals with chronic anxiety, the amygdala remains highly sensitive, always on the verge of activation. This fuels that constant sense of uncertainty — the ever-present “what if this happens?” and “what if I can’t handle it?” As a result, the prefrontal cortex struggles to maintain rational thinking, making it easier for irrational thoughts to take hold. Yet, just an hour of mindfulness meditation, a session of music therapy, a visit to the sauna, or even a gentle walk outdoors could be enough to eas...

The desire for self-improvement is deeply ingrained in the human spirit. It is a remarkable trait of our psyche, always investigating what can be enhanced. Even without the slightest awareness, each of us can contribute, in our own way and at our own discretion, to the well-being of all. In the litter that is not thrown on the ground, in the river that is not polluted, in the orphan who is welcomed, in the care home that is not forgotten, in the blood donation for those in need – all of these stem from a genuine will to contribute to the greater good. It may seem strange at first, but it is impossible to find fulfilment in life without first giving generously to life itself. Our mental home becomes more receptive to happiness and the joy of living when we perceive ourselves as useful and engaged in the common good. When your goal is to improve your life or expand your horizons, you will eventually embark on a solitary journey of personal growth. You may spend a lifetime ...

Love has a way of clouding the sharp edges of our rational minds. I have spoken before about how objectivity falters when we turn our gaze towards those we cherish. This loss of clarity is never more evident than in the intimate entanglement of lovers. Neuroscience reveals that when we look upon someone we love, key regions of the brain — such as the amygdala, the frontal cortex, the parietal cortex, and the medial temporal cortex — quieten, as if surrendering to the experience. The amygdala, our primal sentinel of fear and anger, dims its watchful intensity. In its silence, a deep sense of security and contentment blossoms, making love feel like the safest refuge. It is this neurological hush that allows us to trust so freely, to lay down our defences, and to offer ourselves with a vulnerability that would be unthinkable elsewhere. The frontal cortex, the seat of reason and judgement, relinquishes its command. In love, the need for meticulous discernment dissolves; we aba...

Whether we feel joy, sadness, anger, fear, envy, or rage, we cannot help but share our emotions with those around us. Even when we remain silent, we are wired to express our feelings through our faces, body language, and behaviour. Emotions enable people of all kinds to communicate, regardless of what they say — or choose not to say. It is no coincidence that this has been the primary reason for our survival across generations, and it will remain the single most decisive factor in humanity’s long-term success or failure. There is an inherent responsibility in being human—to strive for greater compassion towards one another. Perhaps no force shapes the human experience more than our ability to understand and harness emotion within the social fabric, using it as a tool for fraternity and mutual cooperation.

It is exhilarating to witness the sparkle in the eyes of university applicants as they declare, without hesitation, the career path they intend to pursue. It is a calling — both innocent and profound — but, of course, it does not emerge without the weight of socio-economic pressure, personal and familial expectations, immense stress, and long hours of anxiety. Yet, the road ahead is long, and many rush through this stage, only to find themselves soon facing academic pressure, financial demands, and, inevitably, the stark reality of the job market. Learning to live with uncertainty is one of adulthood’s greatest challenges, as that initial gleam in the eyes gradually gives way to a furrowed brow. Through steady strides and inevitable stumbles, a person grows, steps into the world, and builds a family. They begin to share both dreams and debts — but also achievements and passions. They may take up regular exercise — if instilled with the habit early on. Meditation — if pers...

A defining trait of chronic stress is the unrelenting urgency — the sense that everything must be resolved "yesterday." The weight of this feeling is so immense that, among those acutely aware of their mounting responsibilities, nothing ever truly gets done, for everything is a priority. Another illusion spun by stress is the belief that any moment spent pausing is "wasted time." They believe this because they fail to recognise a fundamental human truth: our emotional energy is not infinite. When your emotional reserves are full, you feel invincible, ready to tackle anything, armed with the inner resources to overcome adversity. But if you are fighting at your weakest, with no glimpse of change on the horizon, you will likely choose to ignore the problem or push it aside for later. It seems contradictory — and in a way, it is — but this is the mind’s defence mechanism. At first, you deny your discomfort, and then, as if by instinct, you declare the matte...

Get moving — movement is therapy. Our bodies are designed to move, and when we honour that need, we unlock a powerful tool for well-being. Ancient practices like yoga, tai chi, and qigong have long been used to harmonise body and mind, promoting balance, flexibility, and inner peace. Whether you prefer structured movement or simple stretches, integrating physical activity into your day can be transformative. A quick search on YouTube can connect you with guided sessions designed to reduce stress, improve posture, and boost energy levels. Even if you have just a few minutes between tasks, a short sequence of sun salutations or a gentle child’s pose can help reset both body and mind. If time is scarce, even a simple act — like lifting your shoulders to your ears, holding briefly, and releasing with a deep exhale — can work wonders in releasing accumulated tension. But movement alone is not the only path to relaxation. Breathwork is an equally powerful ally. The way we breathe...