The Finns have been crowned for the sixth consecutive year as the happiest country in the world according to the World Happiness Report 2023 (World Happiness Report). The Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden) have become the big winners this year, with all five of them in the top ten.
Since it seems that they are doing great and Spain is at number 32 on the list, we have taken a look at what makes them so happy and we have found the koselig, a norwegian method to live longer and reduce stress.
What is koselig
Before telling you what koselig is, we have to talk about a term originating in Denmark, the hygge. Together with methods such as the “mys” from Sweden or the “gezelligheid” from the Netherlands, it is a way of life that seeks to experience everyday moments with more joy.
Hygge tries to modify the external environment to generate internal well-being thanks to warmth, comfort and security. The koselig, on the other hand, speaks of something deeper, of habits that you can incorporate into your life and that will focus on you.
Pronounced as “koosh-lee”, its closest definition in English is the word “cozy”, which in Spanish means cozy and focuses more on a connection with nature and social relationships. So, the koselig seeks that we lead a more active life and outside our homes (despite the cold that plagues Norway in winter). Get rid of laziness and look for activities outside the home. Do not give up that walk even if it is cold, for example.
In fact, science already points out that the lightest daily physical activity makes us happy. The koselig looks for that on a daily basis, in addition to having a more positive, proactive and optimistic attitude in life despite our surroundings. Immersing ourselves in nature, spending time with our family and friends to achieve a sense of belonging, support and support, and staying active whenever possible, are the pillars of this method that seeks to reduce stress and thus lengthen our lives in a very similar to shirin yoku, the japanese technique to embrace nature and be happier.
Stress and low physical activity are habits that can accelerate aging according to the Vitónica experts, and the koselig fights against just that. An excellent way not only to live longer, but to live better and to feel that every day can be wonderful.
Photos | Sasha Freemind, Olga Nayda and Priscilla DuPreez in Unsplash
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