Embracing Nordic Concepts for a Mentally Healthy Winter

As we navigate through the remaining winter months, I wanted to share some thoughts on how we can take care of our mental health. Being a consultant clinical psychologist and in the process of building my own mental health company, it's a topic close to my heart.

When it comes to surviving winter, the Nordic countries have some valuable concepts that we can learn from. We often hear about hygge, the Danish concept that promotes coziness during the colder months. But let's explore a couple of other Nordic ideas that I discovered during my time in Norway.

First is "kos" - a Norwegian term that encompasses cosiness and finding joy in simple, everyday pleasures. Originally used to describe moments of solace during harsh winters, it has now transformed into appreciating the beauty of nature and the little things in life. Whether it's the crisp sound of frost under your feet or the warm sunlight streaming through your train window, embracing kos can bring us comfort and contentment in 2024.

Another concept is "lagom" - a Swedish principle of creating balance in everyday life. It dates back to the Viking times and encourages us to find the right amount of everything, not too much, and not too little. If you're looking to adopt lagom in 2024, consider starting with better work-life boundaries. Establish set working hours and create dedicated time for activities outside of work that bring you joy, like meeting a friend or attending a yoga class. By respecting these boundaries, you can avoid overworking and prioritise your mental wellbeing.

Remember, finding kos in the simple pleasures or embracing lagom in our daily routines is something everyone can do. Whether it's a meaningful conversation, the aroma of a cake shop, or a peaceful moment of reading in bed - let's keep it simple and nourish our minds with these moments.

Wishing you all a mentally healthy winter season ahead!