Already have an account?
Get back to the
Health

Còsagach Is All About Relaxing, Unwinding, and Getting Cozy

A popular wellness trend known as “hygge“— the Danish word for enjoying the simpler things in life — has been making the rounds on the internet for the past couple of years. Now, there is a new trend in town. Ladies, we’d like to introduce you to còsagach —the Scottish version of the feeling you get when you’re snuggled up by the fire with your loved ones.

What is còsagach?

The term “còsagach” is actually an old Gaelic word that’s been repurposed by VisitScotland as meaning “feeling snug, sheltered, and warm.” The original meaning of the word roughly translates into something more like “wet moss.” (But VisitScotland is a tourism board, so make of that what you will.)

Either way, we’re still kind of stoked for this “new” trend. còsagach involves “fluffy rugs, fire pits, outdoor hot tubs and burning stoves,” and — this is the best part — “eating and drinking.” The best way to get your còsagach on, according to the tourism board, is to pop into a pub (in Scotland) or rent a room in one of Scotland’s inns.

“Bundle up in the warmest of winter woollies by wrapping yourself in the finest Scottish textiles from the likes of Harris Tweed, Fair Isle, and Johnstons of Elgin,” the site reads.

Being Cozy Is Good for Your Health

We’re not just telling you to wrap up in a blanket for nothing. Getting cozy is actually healthy for you. If you need proof, just check out the Danes (reminder: inventors of hygge). In 2016 and 2017, the Danes were reported as one of the happiest people in the world.

“I think of hygge as mindfulness wrapped in a blanket,” Lauren Garvey, MS, CRC, NCC, a counselor and facilitator at Thomas F. Chapman Family Cancer Wellness at Piedmont said in a statement. “The whole concept is geared toward contentment, being present and being comfortable in your body, mind and space. In our culture, we are often hustling and striving, moving forward at a fast pace. If you are practicing hygge, you are embracing presence over productivity.”

Practice Còsagach at Home

But getting obtaining prime còsagach status doesn’t mean you have to visit Scotland. You can practice còsagach right in your home. And while it may not be authentic, or whatever you’d like to call it, it’ll still be nice.

Just envelope yourself in a pile of blankets (tartan, if you really want to add a Scottish flare to it), put on a pot of tea (or make some hot toddy), and light a few candles. Voila! You’re all set to còsagach.

More from FIRST

This 2-Minute Trick Is Your Secret Weapon Against Stress

Women Are Twice as Likely to Have Anxiety as Men

5 Choices You Will Regret in 5 Years (If Not Sooner)

Use left and right arrow keys to navigate between menu items. Use right arrow key to move into submenus. Use escape to exit the menu. Use up and down arrow keys to explore. Use left arrow key to move back to the parent list.