Does winter always get you down? If you tend to get the winter blues when you pull out your sweaters and outerwear, it's time to take a page from those in far more blustery conditions.
In Scandinavia, they have a concept known as 'koselig.' The closest term in English that can explain it is something of coziness. It goes far beyond merely being cozy, though. It revolves around embracing winter for the beautiful things it gives us. Yes, it's freezing outside, the snow can pile up, and you probably miss the warm sunshine. But there are treasures to be found in this season too, and that's what koselig is all about.
This Scandinavian concept reminds us to look for the positives in things we find negative, and the best part is that there is no wrong way to do it. Scandinavia is known as one of the happiest countries globally despite having winters that plunge the Scandinavians into darkness while subjecting them to harsh low temperatures.
So let's take a look into their mindset and see what we can learn from the Scandinavians.
Ideas for Embracing Koselig
How can you possibly learn to like and even love winter? Approach it as the Norwegians do, and you'll beat those winter blues.
Don't Shut Yourself In
We tend to retreat away when the cold comes on, but with koselig, keeping together with friends and loved ones is an essential part of the season. If you're isolating yourself, find a way to meet with people that fill your heart up.
Find Joy In Little Pleasures.
Koselig is so many different things to everyone. That feeling you get when you discover a new café brimming with delicious aromas and taking the first sip of your coffee after coming in from the cold also counts. Find those simple joys and relish them.
Do Something Wintery
Who says winter needs to be a season of misery? Look at how children perceive snow. It's fun and magical. Take that back for yourself and head out to go ice skating with friends, build a snowman, have a snowball fight, or something else that you can't do without ice and snow. As a bonus, being active will help you feel better, both mentally and physically.
Get Winter Wear That You Love.
If you can't remember the last time you bought a new sweater, go out and buy one that makes you feel incredible. Get a new scarf or overcoat -- something that will motivate you to leave the house to meet friends and family.
Koselig is all about tuning those winter blues into warm and cozy feelings. If winter has historically gotten you down, it's time to rewrite your history and find something to love about it -- take one look at the Scandinavian and see that it's possible.
Let me know in the comment section below what you do to beat the winter blues.
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