You’ve heard of hygge and come across colsie – but what about the Nordic concept of koselig? Sometimes written “koselige” or “koseligt” in Norwegian, it is a word that describes a feeling of warmth and comfort, both physical and mental.
So what makes it so special? Cath Kidston’s lifestyle department explains: “Koselig is a Norwegian word that describes a feeling of warmth, coziness and contentment that comes with enjoying life’s simple pleasures.
“It’s not just about physical comfort, it’s also about creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that fosters a sense of belonging and happiness. In essence, it’s about finding joy in life’s ordinary moments and savoring them fully.”
Koselig is a feeling that will be perceived differently by different people, so don’t chase other people’s ideas of warmth and coziness; instead, find what works best for you. That’s how it becomes self-care.
Keep reading to learn more about how you can introduce a little koselig into your life this spring…
The atmosphere in your home is crucial to achieving the perfect koselig feel, and you want to create a warm and inviting home feel that suits your lifestyle and style of relaxation. Start with the basics and lots of luxuriously textured blankets, throws, and rugs. We also suggest avoiding overhead light and opting for the comforting glow of lamps and candles.
For many, the warm light and calming flicker of a candle can create a sense of calm. Cath Kidston’s Lifestyle Department suggests, “If you’re feeling particularly anxious or down at night, light a few candles and monitor the impact on your mood.”
We recommend choosing scented candles with calming fragrances, such as those with notes of jasmine, mimosa, rose, freesia, and peony. They are ideal to help you relax and are perfect for spring.
Cath Kidston experts also suggest incorporating warm tones (such as yellow, orange, and terracotta) into your interior, as these colors breathe energy and positivity into your space. They say, “If you want to make semi-permanent changes to your bedroom interior, repaint the walls using these colors; alternatively, make minor tweaks by adding a warm-toned rug, cushion, or planter.”
Warmer tones are also the perfect antidote to gray and rainy spring days and create a cocoon effect.
It is well known that time spent in nature is not only time well spent, but also a great way to improve our mood, cognitive function and sense of creativity. While April rains may keep us indoors, there’s a lot that can be done to bring the outdoors in.
To further enhance the koselig atmosphere, experts at Cath Kidston recommend placing small pockets of nature throughout your space. They advise, “This could include plants in the living room or furniture made from natural materials (such as wood, bamboo, or stone).”
If you work from home, try to position your desk facing a window and make sure you get plenty of natural light by opening the blinds or curtains as much as possible. Natural light boosts your energy levels, while a view of the great outdoors is calming and terrifying, even on stressful days.
We’re all busy – it’s just a fact. However, time spent with friends and family is crucial to maintaining our mental health and combating feelings of isolation – something that hits us particularly hard in the post-Christmas, spring hibernation months.
We have to make time to spend time with our loved ones – even a fifteen minute walk with a friend is better than nothing. Cath Kidston’s team explains, “Being close to loved ones can help reduce feelings of loneliness and depression, as well as anxiety and stress.”
You could:
Go for a meal at your favorite restaurant
organize a dinner
play board games
Have a movie night
Go on a group walk or hike
team volunteer
Start a DIY project together
When life becomes overwhelming, it can be difficult to unwind and find time to unwind. However, carving out time exclusively for yourself—whether doing crafts, yoga, or sitting down for some peace and quiet—is vital to preventing burnout. This is where self-care comes in.
“Self-care can improve your physical health and also protect your mental health, which is why it’s ranked as a fundamental element of koselig,” says the team at Cath Kidston. In essence, self-care reduces stress levels and, in doing so, improves our overall health.
A classic form of self-care is a nice long bath. A warm, soothing bath not only encourages us to relax, forcing us to slow down, it also has many health benefits (including improving mood, improving sleep quality and stimulating circulation). Add essential oils, scented candles and your favorite playlist – voila, you’ll have a spa-quality treatment without leaving your home.
Crafting is also a wonderful, friendly form of self-care. Firstly, they are an engaging way to spend time away from screens and help us to reach a meditative state. They are also an excellent way to raise our self-esteem.
You can also try journaling to track your thoughts and feelings, record memories, and plan future adventures. Journaling makes us feel more grateful and also more grounded. Putting our thoughts down on paper is often incredibly freeing, and many people find it helpful in problem solving.
While spring can be pretty unpredictable when it comes to the weather — rain showers one minute, glorious sunshine the next — it’s still worth getting outside. You know what they say, there’s no such thing as bad weather – only bad clothes!
Time spent in nature is a guaranteed way to spark joy – an important part of koselig. The Cath Kidston team agrees: “While the UK is known for its cold, miserable climate, being outdoors is great for your physical and mental health. Your body will burn more calories, you’ll be exposed to vital Vitamin D from the sun, and you may even develop a stronger immune system.
“As long as you dress warmly and pack plenty of useful supplies like water and snacks, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t find joy in taking long walks, playing in the park with your kids, having a Sunday afternoon picnic… even a stargazing night!”
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