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The beauty and serenity of the Norwegian and Danish culture strikes again. You’ve (surely) heard of hygge in recent times, but what about koselig? Sometimes spelled “koselige” or “koseligt” in Norwegian, it’s a word that describes a sense of cosiness and comfort.

In a similar way to hygge, koselig is used to describe a feeling or atmosphere rather than a specific activity, and it can mean different things to different people. To equip you with the necessary knowledge and tools to identify what works best for you, we’ve put together the ultimate koselig guide!

Creating the right atmosphere
When it comes to koselig, atmosphere is everything. Experiment with the below suggestions to discover how you can create a warm, inviting ambience that’s most suited to your preferences.

Lighting candles – For many, the warm glow and soothing flicker of a candle can create feelings of tranquillity. If you’re feeling particularly anxious or deflated in the evening, light a few candles and monitor the impact on your mood. 

Warm colours and textiles – Incorporate cosy warm colours (such as yellow, orange, and red) to breathe energy and positivity. If you’re willing to make semi-permanent changes to your room’s interior, repaint your walls using these colours; alternatively, make smaller adjustments by adding a warm-toned rug, cushion, or vase.

Welcome nature into your space – To further create a koselig atmosphere, experts recommend placing little handfuls of nature around your space. This could include plants in the living room, furniture made from natural materials (such as wood, bamboo, or stone), and a water feature in the hallway. 

Add personal touches – Reinforce the connection between you and your home by dotting plenty of personal touches around the space. Hang up artwork by your favourite artists, and place framed photographs of family and friends on the windowsills.

Spend time with loved ones
Spending time with those closest to you is invaluable no matter the season, but it becomes especially so when it’s cold outside. Being around loved ones can help reduce feelings of loneliness and depression, as well as anxiety and stress. Here are some activities you can do together:

·       Go for a meal in your favourite restaurant 

·       Host a dinner party

·       Play board games

·       Have a movie night

·       Go for a walk or hike

·       Volunteer together

·       Start a DIY project together.

It’s crucial you carve out time to spend with family and friends, no matter how packed your schedule seems to be. It’s a key part of koselig, and your mental health will thank you for your efforts.

Relaxation and self-care
Self-care can improve your physical health as well as protect your mental health, which is why it’s classed as a fundamental element of koselig. When life is feeling a little too overwhelming, put the brakes on and steal some time for yourself.  Ways you can unwind, ease up, and look after yourself include:

Long bubble bath – Instead of jumping in the shower after a busy day, take the time to draw a hot bath (with plenty of bubbles!), light a few candles, and have a long soak. You can prep dinner while the bath is running for added practicality. 

Read a good book – Is your TBR list getting out of control? The books aren’t going to read themselves! Dedicating just 10 or 15 minutes of your day to reading a book can do wonders for your health. 

Watch your comfort movie or series – We all have a television series or movie that serves as a type of comfort blanket for us. Maybe it’s a childhood favourite that transports you to a happier time in your life, or perhaps already knowing how things pan out soothes any anxiety. 

Journalling – To experiment with koselig, save yourself 30 to 60 minutes each Sunday to reflect on the week behind and the week ahead. Writing down your thoughts and feelings is a good way to process and control them.

Do all the above from the comfort of your home, or take things one step further by packing a travel bag and escaping to a quiet cabin to truly relax and catch up with yourself. 

Embrace the outdoors
Although the UK is notorious for its cold and miserable weather, being outside is great for your physical and mental health. Your body will burn more calories, you’ll expose yourself to vital vitamin D from the sunshine, and you can even develop a stronger immune system. Why should we limit ourselves to only three seasons of outdoor enjoyment, when we can have four?

Providing you wrap up warm and pack plenty of useful supplies, such as water and snacks, there’s no reason why you can’t still find joy in going for long walks, playing in the park with your kids, having a picnic on a Sunday afternoon…even a night of stargazing!

Koselig is the way forward
Koselig is a feeling that will be perceived differently by different people. Don’t chase other people’s ideas of warmth and cosiness; instead, experiment with different elements to determine what works best for you. Once you’ve discovered the right formula for your own needs, incorporate these thoughts and actions into your daily life and watch how you flourish. 

Article by Cath Kidston


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