“Koselig is a feeling of tranquility, happiness or calm that is associated with an environment without any type of stress and sharing time and space with family, friends or trusted people.” When I ask Ole Skuggevik what exactly this concept means, it doesn’t take him two seconds to answer that it is one of the keys to the well-being that characterizes the majority of Norwegians. “It is something very much ours, which permeates most aspects of our lives. We practice it daily. It is simply about living in the present moment and enjoying yours.”
That the Scandinavian countries are one of the happiest places in the world is not news. Or, at least, this is what emerges from some of the studies on the subject. This is certified, among others, by the World Happiness Report, probably the best known of all of them. It is based mainly on data obtained through the Gallup World Poll, in which up to 143 different countries are analyzed. In the case of Norway, the key to this success is explained through koselig. Although at first it may sound somewhat confusing, more than a concept or practice, it refers to a way or philosophy of life. “It can just be a place. For example, spending a few days in a rustic cabin in the woods (very popular in Norway) accompanied by a simple fireplace, simple furniture and no Internet access or running water,” Ole continues.
This lifestyle also has a name in other countries, such as Denmark: hygge. In this case, it refers more specifically to taking care of the decoration of the home and the environment to feel comfortable and at peace. In Sweden, its counterpart would be the “mys”. The concept, broadly speaking, ends up being the same: being able to embrace the present and appreciate the simplicity of what surrounds you. The closest translation into English would be “cozy”, whose definition refers to “giving a feeling of comfort, warmth and relaxation”. Of course, many of the aspects that are essential in Norwegian koselig are left out: connecting with your loved ones, being in harmony with nature and enjoying the present.
The origin lies in the need to accept as best as possible the harsh winters that hit the region so as not to fall into depression and anguish during half the months of the year. To cope, Scandinavians have developed a way of life that allows them to appreciate every moment regardless of the circumstances surrounding it.
Sten has a Spanish mother and a Norwegian father. For him, this concept defines practically everything he does throughout the day. “Do “kos” on the couch watching a movie, go do “kos” downtown (go for a walk around the city to spend the afternoon with your partner) or give a hug to someone you love. It is difficult to define it specifically, but it can be applied to everything that has to do with well-being and calm. “Even coming home and seeing your whole family after a long day is completely kos.”
It might seem contradictory that countries with the most aggressive climate in winter become the happiest places on the planet. But this difficulty is precisely the reason why they have managed to get closer than anyone else to emotional well-being. One of the keys to the application of koselig, according to the Norwegians themselves, is the reduction of stress and anxiety. “For us it is important to be in a state of “koselig” from time to time to be able to disconnect from daily routine and stress,” continues Ole. “It is the way to recharge the batteries to face the day to day more easily.”
Another of the secrets to the success of this philosophy of life is related to connecting and merging with the nature that surrounds us. Taking a walk in the forest, going on a hike or reading a book in the garden in the sun would be some examples of this. “If you look at my Instagram stories, for example, you will see that today I did something that falls under koselig. “I spent the afternoon in the park, eating strawberries and something to drink while reading, with no other intention than to be with myself and find happiness in simplicity.” Ayman B. is not Norwegian, but he has lived there for more than a decade. “For us it is very important to find something to do to get out of the routine, since the weather can be very adverse. And if it can be socializing, even better.”
Someone who practices koselig ends up being more sociable and easier to get along with, most of those interviewed agree. “In my case I practice it every day, especially at home. Putting on a dim light, lighting some candles, cooking something I like and listening to calm music is something I do a lot when I come home from work.” Marte is a nurse, and for her it is essential to follow this philosophy of life to deal with stress at work, especially when she has to cover night shifts. “Another example could be the opposite: going for a walk around town with the family when it’s very cold instead of staying locked up at home all day and learning to enjoy it.”
Although it is a way of life that most Norwegians practice throughout the year, it is even more important to learn to do it in the harshest winter months. “There is no such thing as bad weather, but rather inappropriate clothing.” This phrase with which Ayman concludes the interview would be one of the definitions that comes closest to the essence of this very characteristic way of seeing the world. Even if there are temperatures below zero, the street is covered in a thick layer of icy snow and the sun only shines for a few hours during the day, the beauty is still present. It’s just about learning to enjoy it. The pleasure of the little things. That is what living through koselig is all about.