Updated on
09th Nov 2026
With Norway offering a different perspective on embracing winter, SpaSeekers shares four tips beauty and spa professionals can pass on to clients to help prioritise wellbeing
Google searches for “seasonal depression” are up 95% in the past three months and 55% in the past month, highlighting growing concern around mental wellbeing as the darker months arrive, SpaSeekers reveals*.
Shorter days and darker evenings have arrived, and many Brits are already feeling the impact. Beauty and spa professionals can use this to look beyond traditional treatments and encourage clients to think about their wider wellbeing.
Whether through conversations during consultations, personalised treatment recommendations or aftercare advice, small lifestyle changes can help clients make more time for themselves during the colder months
What can beauty professionals learn from Norway?
In Norway, residents have developed a more positive relationship with winter, despite experiencing some of the longest periods of darkness in Europe. Research by psychologist Dr Kari Leibowitz, author of How to Winter, found that people with a positive ‘wintertime mindset’ report greater life satisfaction and more positive emotions
Rather than viewing winter as something to endure until spring, many Norwegians actively embrace the season through the concept of Koselig – a Norwegian approach to cosiness, warmth and wellbeing
Maddie Evans, wellness expert at SpaSeekers, says: “Norwegians see winter as a chance to slow down rather than something to survive, and that’s the mindset we could all take inspiration from in the coming months
“Beauty and spa professionals are in a great position to encourage clients to prioritise their wellbeing, whether that’s through recommending relaxing treatments or simply sharing small ways to make the colder months feel more enjoyable.”
Four Norwegian-inspired wellbeing tips to share with clients
1. Encourage clients to embrace Koselig
Much like the Danish concept of hygge, Koselig is all about creating a sense of warmth, comfort and contentment. Beauty professionals can encourage clients to recreate this feeling at home by swapping harsh overhead lighting for softer lamps and candles, layering up with blankets and keeping hot water bottles close by for cosy evenings
It’s also about connection, not just comfort, so suggest clients make time for friends and family, whether that’s hosting a relaxed evening at home or arranging a catch-up over a hot drink
In the salon or spa, therapists can bring the same principles into the treatment environment through softer lighting, calming surroundings and an emphasis on creating a welcoming space where clients can properly unwind
2. Recommend the restorative benefits of warmth
Saunas are an important part of Scandina and take time away from everyday stresses
Heat-based relaxation can also form part of a wider wellbeing routine. Research has suggested that regular bathing may help ease symptoms of depression, making a long, warm soak another simple recommendation to share with clients
For spa professionals, this is an opportunity to highlight thermal experiences, sauna facilities and relaxation treatments as part of a client’s winter self-care routine
3. Remind clients to slow down and switch off
Winter can be an ideal opportunity for clients to reassess their routines and make more space for rest and relaxation
Beauty professionals can suggest simple practices such as slow breathing, yoga and meditation to help clients create moments of calm during an otherwise busy day
For example, encourage clients to try gentle breathwork, focusing on making each exhalation slightly longer than the inhalation, or setting aside time for a short yoga or meditation session. These recommendations can also complement treatments, helping clients carry the feeling of relaxation beyond their appointment
4. Encourage clients to get outside, whatever the weather
Norwegians embrace the concept of friluftsliv, which translates as ‘open-air living’. The philosophy encourages people to spend time outdoors throughout the year, whatever the weather, with the belief that there is no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing
Beauty professionals can remind clients of the importance of getting outside during daylight hours, even when the temptation is to stay indoors. A short lunchtime walk, with the right layers, can provide a welcome change of scenery and an opportunity to enjoy natural daylight
This is also a useful opportunity to remind clients to adapt their skincare routines for colder weather, including maintaining hydration and protecting the skin barrier
Bringing winter wellbeing into the treatment room
For beauty and spa businesses, these small conversations can help position treatments as part of a wider approach to self-care, rather than simply an occasional indulgence
Evans adds: “The spa is the perfect place to embrace the colder months the Norwegian way. From thermal suites and saunas to relaxation rooms, it’s a chance to warm up, slow down and properly switch off from everything, including your phone
“Beauty and wellness professionals can help clients see winter as an opportunity to invest in themselves, prioritise relaxation and make their wellbeing a little more of a priority.”
*Google search data was collected using Google Trends and is correct as of October 2026
Sources
- https://internationaljournalofwellbeing.org/index.php/ijow/article/view/935
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5371197/
India Hurford-Jones
Published
09th Nov 2026
