Well-being and Happiness around the Globe - The Netherlands and Gezelligheid

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 The Netherlands and Gezelligheid


The focus on well-being has increased over the last few years due to events of 2020. Well-being includes our physical and mental health and socialising is a big part of mental wellness. Isolation proved to be the biggest issue when it came to loneliness and the loss of personal interaction with family and friends. 

Research has shown that socialising and companionship have a positive effect on mental well-being. It makes us feel happier, reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression as well as reducing our stress levels.

I love to research other countries happiness levels and the hobbies or ideas that bring cultural happiness to a nation. The Netherlands are the 5th happiest country in the world according to 'The World Happiness Report 2022'. So why is this? One of the reasons that makes the Dutch a happy nation is that they know how to 'chill'. 

In the UK our stress levels are high. We multi-task endlessly and never truly relax. We fill our time with chores and work schedules, too much tech and social media time and never really 'chill'. Our work-life balance needs to be considered to bring our nation some happiness. Less stress and more quality time like the Dutch - endless beautiful bike rides and life in the great outdoors, come rain or shine.....And then there is 'Gezelligheid'

What is Gezelligheid

Gezelligheid is not truly translatable! It's a general feeling in social situations. It's fun, it's cosy and it's happy. It is quite often used to describe a social get together or gathering where the atmosphere, the venue and the whole group of people are relaxed, chilled and happy. 

This can be anywhere. Maybe taking pleasure in the process of cooking, eating and sharing a meal with others who are relaxed, happy and enjoy the process along with you. It is not just the host's responsibility to create 'gezelligheid' but the responsibility of all those involved in the social gathering. Everyone is 'gezellig', a feeling for a sense of community.

To make a social event gezelligheid, each individual needs to keep 'gezellig'. In fact this is obligatory. If you feel unhappy or low then you need to stay at home or leave those feelings elsewhere. By keeping it 'gezellig', it will create the ambience of cosy, fun and happy, creating a friendly and enjoyable atmosphere. More than likely it will help to alleviate any stress and unpleasant feelings if you remain 'gezellig'.

How to 'Gezellig'


Gezelligheid is the heart of Dutch culture, as the Dutch tend to love all things 'gezellig'. There are 'gezellig' restaurants, 'gezellig' pubs and 'gezellig' cafe's or 'brown cafe's'. 

A brown cafe is a place where people go to socialise after work or in the evenings to chat with colleagues and friends. It's a place to chill out, drink coffee, beer or wine. They are typically decorated with dark wood interiors and low lighting. 

They are generally used by locals as an extension to their homes, where they can eat breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks or a quick tipple or two late into the night. The ambience is usually very relaxed and the customers are not rushed in any way. These establishments are not tourist attractions but old and traditional buildings. A brown cafe is 'gezellig'

Old fashioned shops, bookshops and boutiques are 'gezellig'

Watching a film in your home with friends and family, an inviting open fire and low lighting is 'gezellig'

A lounge painted in warm autumn colours, full of books and green plants is 'gezellig'

Board games are 'gezellig'

Christmas is definitely 'gezellig'.

The Concept of Gezelligheid


I wrote an article about Hygge, the Danish way to live well. Hygge, although not easy to translate either appears to relate to cosiness and comfort at home or the interior of a location. Gezelligheid is more than this. It's about social interaction with friends, family or just the people around you. A music festival can be 'gezellig'. There may be thousands of strangers sharing the event with you, but if you eat at a 'gezellig' cafe beforehand, you are with your 'gezellig' friends and share a few beers in a 'gezellig' pub after the event, then the whole evening would be super 'gezellig'. The whole community spirit.

Health, Well-being and Gezelligheid


Comfort, nourishment and social interaction with friends and family are important for our mental health. Gezelligheid encourages all these components to help us create warm feelings of happiness, engagement and enjoying the present moment. We can savour the simple pleasures in life with those around us whilst slowing down and just enjoying the simplicity and clarity of living a happy life. 

Gezelligheid helps to promote health and well-being by:

Decreasing feelings of loneliness by encouraging interaction with friends , family and colleagues.

Reducing the signs of depression and anxiety by increasing the 'feel good' factor of a social get together.

Lowering stress levels by living in the present moment, slowing down and enjoying the simple life.

Inspiring relaxation and calming the mind to help improve our sleep quality.

I know I have a fair few readers in the Netherlands and I hope that I have captured the art of 'Gezelligheid' in this blog post. I would love to see your comments and anything you can add to help my readers really capture the happiness culture of the Dutch people.

©HealthyForeverFitnessMotivation

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