An American woman has revealed how a single week spent in a European city renowned as the world's happiest completely revolutionised her outlook and daily habits.
An Active Awakening in the Danish Capital
Leila Najafi embarked on a solo trip to Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, a city that consistently tops global rankings for resident happiness and quality of life. During her seven-day stay, she witnessed a way of life that stood in stark contrast to her experiences in Los Angeles.
She was immediately struck by the city's dedication to active travel. Leila described her astonishment at seeing "swarms of cyclists in business attire" commuting to work, noting there were more bikes than cars on the roads. The city's extensive network of pedestrian-only zones and its excellent walkability also left a deep impression.
This active infrastructure had a direct impact on her. Leila found herself easily achieving at least 10,000 steps per day, a remarkable feat for someone accustomed to a car-dependent lifestyle in LA where driving is essential for almost every errand.
Adopting the Danish Way of Life
Inspired by what she saw, Leila decided to make significant changes upon her return to the United States. She told Business Insider, "Since I returned, I've begun making a conscious effort to walk or bike for errands or coffee runs whenever possible."
Her transformation wasn't limited to transport. Leila was equally impressed by Denmark's culinary landscape, which prioritises fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and seafood over the processed foods common in America. She now regularly shops at her local farmers' market to prepare dishes using fresh produce.
She also embraced the social and health benefits of the Scandinavian sauna culture, trying thermal baths and even a brief cold plunge during her trip.
The Biggest Change: A Minimalist Mindset
The most profound shift Leila adopted was embracing a minimalist lifestyle, reflecting the Danish ethos and directly challenging what she perceived as the "excessive" American way of life. Inspired by the city's clean and intentional environment, she took drastic action at home.
"I left truly believing this emphasis on intentional living can help people develop a deep sense of contentment and gratitude while fostering a higher quality of life," she explained. "When I returned from my trip, I decluttered as much as I could, keeping only things I had used within the last six months and donating almost everything else."
Leila's experience highlights the tangible lessons that can be learned from Copenhagen's approach to urban living, community, and personal well-being, proving that a week abroad can indeed lead to a lifetime of positive change.
