A Guide to Mysig - The art of being cosy

Seasonal blues affect many of us but incorporating cosy rituals into our everyday through the Swedish concept of mysig can help boost positivity through the darker, colder months.

Literally the Swedish word for cosy, mysig describes anything affording comfort and warmth. It’s a mindset, acknowledging and celebrating small, everyday moments that spark joy throughout the day to bring a sense of cosiness and contentment - That first sip of hot coffee in the morning, a warming soup following a blustery walk, relaxing into a soft sofa at the end of the day and wrapping up in a warm fluffy robe... It’s a feeling of pure and utter contentment that can’t help but result in a smile.

To enjoy mysig moments this winter:

• Wake up cosy

Even the most steadfast morning person will admit that in the darker, colder months, getting out of bed becomes that much harder. Whilst there’s no magic pill to make waking up each morning easier, there is one simple trick that can help make it a little less arduous and a little more mysig.

Set your heating to come on forty-five minutes before you wake, place your clothes on the radiator or in an airing cupboard before bed and, come morning, bounce from bed to shower to warm and cosy clothes in no time. Bliss!

• Daily fika

The tradition of fika – taking time to pause, enjoy a hot drink and a snack – is an important daily ritual and a non-negotiable for Swedes. It affords you time to take a break from the grind and socialise with those around you whether it’s colleagues, family or friends.

Whilst often enjoyed with coffee and a cinnamon bun, opt for whatever gives you comfort - a cup of tea and a muffin, hot cocoa and a hobnob, or a coffee and a buttery croissant. The key is to enjoy a moment of pleasure as part of your everyday.

• There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad cloths

Nothing dampens spirits quite like spending the day freezing cold or wet due to ill-advised clothing. In Sweden we have a saying ‘there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes’ and it’s a phrase that should be embraced by all!

Ensuring you have the right clothing is the key to enjoying yourself at this time of year. Waterproof boots that will keep your feet dry in a downpour, thick socks to keep toes cosy, chunky knits that can be layered, weatherproof jackets that can be folded up small and stowed in even the smallest handbag or backpack and, for when temperatures really drop, the full-length puffer jacket.

And as a bonus, wearing season appropriate clothing will make it easier to enjoy more time outdoors – key to physical and mental wellbeing at all times of year. There’s nothing like an autumnal walk in nature when you’re suitably wrapped up and shielded from the elements!

• Hearty food is King

Warming stews, bubbling soups and mouth-watering pies are what your body craves in the colder months. And what better way to bring a smile to your face than knowing you can have comforting mid-week meals ready at the drop of a hat?

Prep ahead and make the most of quiet Sunday evenings by chopping and roasting root vegetables to be re-heated mid-week to go alongside pies and sauteed leafy greens. Fill jars with oats, milk and fruit ready to be warmed for porridge each morning and make a delicious soup that can serve as a quick and easy lunch throughout the week.

And don’t forget to fill your freezer too. Make the most of the space you have available by batch cooking and freezing soups, stews, chillis and vegetable curries – always useful when tight on time mid-week.

Whilst it may sound like a lot of prep, once you’ve chopped and weighed ingredients, it’s mostly a case of waiting for the oven or hob to work its magic. Your future self will thank you.

• Schedule mysig downtime

As we approach the festive season, it’s easy to get sucked into a never-ending stream of parties and social events leading to us feeling frazzled come January. So, make sure you’re scheduling downtime into your diary at least once a week and use it as an opportunity to embrace mysig.

A night spent relaxing on the sofa in front of a crackling fire while catching up on the latest must-see series, an afternoon spent enjoying a new hobby that fills you with joy, or even just the simple bliss of fresh sheets and an early night. The key is to make use of what time you have and do whatever brings you that sense of comfort - whether that’s a ten-minute dance party to your favourite album or a long soak in the bath.

• Remember to be thankful

Whilst the shorter, darker days coupled with grey skies and colder weather may make you feel a little deflated at this time of year, it’s important to remember that there is still so much to be grateful for. Cultivating a nightly gratitude practice is the perfect way to remind yourself of all the moments of joy you’ve experienced throughout the day.

Get cosy with a cup of chamomile tea or a glass of wine and list 5 things you’re grateful for. This could be moments or people that brought you joy – that first sip of hot coffee, a funny story that your colleague told you, the crunch of leaves beneath your feet, curling up on the sofa with a beloved pet or a delicious home-cooked meal at the end of a long day.

• The ritual of fire

A warming fire brings cosiness to any home and is the perfect way to enjoy quality time with loved ones.

Taking time to build your own fire is a wonderful way to slow down and root yourself in the moment. Mysig is all about carving out time away from the stressful outside world to sit quietly and enjoy some moments of peace, and doing this beside a lit wood burning stove is ideal as it offers not only physical warmth but also the sensation of comfort and security.

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It’s easy to feel overwhelmed at this time of year, but by acknowledging the everyday moments of joy and comfort, you can foster a more positive mindset and focus on what makes the season truly special.