Scandi lifestyle expert shares guide to using mysig to create balance this autumn/winter.
With the clock change upon us, so too are the darker, colder and shorter days of autumn/winter. Whilst the seasonal blues are real, Scandi lifestyle expert at Contura, Catharina Björkman, believes the Swedish concept of mysig could be the answer to finding joy in the everyday.
Catharina says: “In Sweden we know all too well that the darker days and colder weather can make things feel a little bleak but, by focusing on the small moments that spark joy throughout the day, it’s much easier to find contentment and balance.
“Mysig is the Swedish word for cosy, it describes anything affording comfort and warmth. 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 dressing gown. It’s that feeling of pure and utter contentment that can’t help but result in a smile.
“By acknowledging and celebrating these small, everyday moments of mysig, we’re able to shift our mindset to focus on positivity and champion the journey. It’s truly a balm to the soul.”
Read on for Catharina’s guide to enjoying mysig moments this winter…
Wake up cosy
Even the most stead-fast 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. Pure 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 you most enjoy – a cup of tea and a digestive or hot cocoa and a hobnob or an espresso 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 clothes
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 really is the key to enjoying yourself at this time of year. Warm boots that will keep your feet dry in a downpour, cosy knits that can be layered, waterproof 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 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 and joy – 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 thankful 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.
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.
For more information, please visit www.contura.eu.
-Ends-
Notes to editors:
- Rooster will coordinate comment, interview and profile opportunities for Contura UK Country Manager, Phil Wood.
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About Contura:
Contura is Europe’s leading manufacturer of wood burning stoves, offering an extensive range of classic and contemporary wood burners; from traditional insert stoves suitable for existing fireplaces, to freestanding statement models made with innovative materials such as soapstone.
Starting at £1,295, Contura stoves are premium yet affordable. Award winning, timeless Swedish design means the products complement or enhance any style of home, whilst also offering outstanding performance, maximum efficiency, practicality and ease of use.
Designed and assembled at the factory located in Markaryd, Sweden, and manufactured to the highest standards, Contura stoves are highly energy efficient, offering powerful convection, superior combustion technology and clean burning systems. All Contura stoves are DEFRA Clean Air Act exempt and thus approved for use in Smoke Control Areas.
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Contura is part of the NIBE group, a Swedish manufacturing company producing world class solutions in sustainable energy across Europe, North America, Asia and Australia.
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Contura is a proud supporter of Eden: People+Planet’s efforts to restore and monitor over 241,150 hectares of land, creating jobs to support local communities and the environment in the long-term. Since 2018, Contura has funded the planting of over 170,000 trees.
For more information, please visit www.contura.eu
