The Hyggelig Journey

Our ability to observe our own thoughts and emotions is linked to neural networks primarily located in the prefrontal cortex, just behind the forehead. Meanwhile, intense and unsettling emotions such as anger and anxiety stem from the brain’s more primitive circuits in the limbic system. Between the ages of five and seven, the brain takes a significant leap in its ability to regulate emotional impulses, and this capacity continues to develop throughout life (though during adolescence, emotional centres tend to mature faster than those responsible for self-control). The ability to stay focused and resist distractions — to observe impulses without immediately acting on them — can be trained and strengthened with the right guidance and consistent practice. One simple yet effective way to cultivate this skill is through short mindfulness exercises, such as a three-minute breathing practice. This brief but powerful exercise functions as a mental “push-up” to strengthen focus a...

Medical Acupuncture is a constantly evolving field, where scientific research is expanding in both depth and academic rigour. The growing body of evidence reinforces its role in modern medicine, making continuous learning not just beneficial — but essential. Advancements in research bring new insights, refine techniques, and introduce innovative approaches to treatment. Recognising the importance of staying up to date, I have spent the past few weeks participating in several online seminars on Medical Acupuncture. These events provided a wealth of material, covering the latest findings, refined methodologies, and evolving perspectives. Reviewing this extensive content has been both intellectually stimulating and professionally enriching. Among the key takeaways were newly identified acupuncture points and updated somatotopies, reflecting the ever-expanding understanding of the body's response to needling. This practical dimension of medical acupuncture has always intr...

Every so often, I come across a pre-university student who already possesses a well-developed sense of emotional intelligence. Unlike most, they don’t need an explanation of why emotions influence academic performance — they have already learnt this through personal experience, observation, or reflection. Without even realising it, they have grasped an essential skill that will be invaluable in adulthood, helping them navigate personal and professional challenges with greater ease. However, the reality is that few people develop strong emotional self-awareness. This is not due to a lack of intelligence or capacity but simply because they have never made a habit of observing their own inner world. Many go through life without paying attention to their emotions or understanding how these feelings shape their thoughts, behaviours, and decisions. As a result, they struggle to recognise how emotions influence their professional success, personal relationships, and ability to ...

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.