CONTEXT

The World Happiness Report was just released for 2026. And once again, Nordic countries dominate the top 6 spots as the most joyful populations in the world.

Sweden holds the 5th position, thanks to a strong focus on public services, social trust and equality, high life expectancy, and low corruption levels. The country also offers a notable balance between urban living and access to nature.

I think it’s also thanks to “Njuta” (pronounced nyoo-tah). In Swedish, njuta loosely translates to “savoring” or “delighting in.” It’s all about deeply enjoying the little things in life—and finding ways to elevate ordinary moments.

Here are 5 ways to bring more “njuta” into your day:

METHOD

1. Slow mornings

Rather than gulping your coffee while doing five other things…

• Carve out 10 minutes of your morning to be completely alone. 

• Make your coffee / tea exactly how you like it. Carry it to your favorite corner of your house. 

• Sit in the sun and sip it slowly. Read an article or a few pages of a book.

“Njuta is to savor a suspended moment in time without pressure or demand.” —Niki Brantmark


2. Ambiance

Swedish homes tend to balance being minimalist and yet warm and inviting.

• Install dimmers for all your lights.

• Get a candle or two going.

• Keep a soft blanket near your couch.

A little ambiance can elevate any occasion. (Btw, I wrote this post about quiet luxury: a minimalist approach to your wardrobe, home design, and lifestyle.)

“One can furnish a room very luxuriously by taking out furniture rather than putting it in.” — Francis Jourdain


3. Cooking

Swedes tend to take their time—with both cooking and eating. 

• They eat slowly.

• Many know how to make their own bread. 

• They only buy produce that’s in season. (I found this free, seasonal food guide.)

“A Swede will tell you—if you allow yourself to long for something, it will taste all the sweeter when it lands on your plate.” — Niki Brantmark

4. Background music

Studies show that listening to music helps to reduces stress and improve your mood.

• Start to “score” your day (like a movie).

• In my home, there is always soft music playing. Here are the 5 Spotify playlists that I use for deep work and focus.

It immediately elevates every activity I do. Even the laundry can feel cinematic.

5. Walking in nature

“Despite 88% of Swedes living in towns and cities, they work hard to maintain a strong connection with nature.” — Niki Brantmark

• Njuta is often a solo feeling (and easiest to experience when you’re outside).

• Just you, walking in a forest or along the shore, noticing subtle sounds.

Njuta comes from being quiet. No phone notifications. No talking. No noisy thoughts.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

It doesn’t take life-changing milestones to feel joy. The happiest people know how to elevate all of the little (seemingly insignificant) moments between those big milestones.

This week, pick one thing from the Swedes' playbook. Maybe it's a slow morning with a hot drink, or going for a walk in nature.

Just take a moment to notice the extraordinary within the ordinary. As Jimmy Johnson said, “The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.”

There's a quiet wisdom in this—a reminder that the small things have the greatest power to transform our days.

Btw, here’s the link to a full book about Njuta. It makes a great gift.

Until next week,

Jade

P.S. Sending a warm welcome to everyone who joined The Quiet Rich community since last week! Learn more about The Quiet Rich here. ☕️