5 Tips for Loving Winter the Scandinavian Way
Winter is coming, but we don’t have to be depressed about it.
By now, we’ve all heard, indoor gatherings are risky. If we’re going to get together with other people, we are safer outdoors where the virus particles evaporate or disperse at a faster rate. But winter is coming, and I have begun to dread the thought of being cooped up in my home for many cold months.
But there is an answer. Rather than dread the winter, we could embrace the cold.
It’s how they do it in Scandanavia, which is known as the happiest place in the world, despite the fact they don’t get much sunlight or warmth in the winter. Of course, it likely has something to do with the comprehensive healthcare system, paid parental leave, and gender equality. But the fact remains, much of their winter is frigid without a lot of sunlight, and they are still happy.
Psychologist Kari Leibowitz has a theory that the key to winter happiness in the Nordic countries is directly related to their positive mindset. In an article in the NY Times, Leibowitz suggests that the difference is in our attitudes. Scandanavians view winter as a special time. They don’t dread it, they look forward to it, and this attitude makes all the difference.
There is no reason we can’t embrace the winter as well. And this winter, it will be the key to keeping our stress levels down and maintaining well-being.
5 Ways to embrace winter
With the right preparation and attitude, we don’t have to be resigned to being isolated indoors when the weather turns frigid. Here are some tips for embracing the cold.
Tip #1: Get outside.
Yes, it’s cold. But there are countless benefits to getting outdoors. Sunlight increases mood and improves Vitamin D levels. Research has shown spending time in nature improves our immune system. Going for a walk helps you prevent disease, improve your mood, and maintain a healthy weight.
If you dress warmly, going outside in winter can feel invigorating and boost your energy levels, which leads us to the second tip.
Tip #2: Dress the part.
When I first moved to Chicago, famous for its bracing wind and cold winters, I thought I was well-prepared with a warm winter coat. But the first time I walked down the street and that wind whipped around the skyscrapers, I realized my wool coat had a serious flaw. It had a slit in the center back, which may have looked nice, but the wind blew right through it and froze me.
As I noticed the people around me, nobody had stylish slits in their wool coats. Their coats were long, down to their ankles, and did not allow the wind to get inside.
If you plan on spending extended time outdoors, don’t make my mistake. Dress warmly, wear layers and keep your skin covered. Choose coats that keep the wind out. Don’t skimp on this. It can make the difference between a fun winter outing and a miserable day spent shivering.
Tip #3: It’s all about hygge.
Hygge (pronounced “hoo-ga)” means cozy in Danish. But it’s more than a word. It’s a lifestyle. Think of cozy fires, candlelit rooms, chunky sweaters, fuzzy scarves, hot chocolate. There are entire books written that will teach you how to hygge for those of us unfamiliar with it.
Hygge is subjective, and it can mean different things to different people. For some, it’s cozying up on the couch with a knitted blanket and a hot drink while binge-watching Netflix. For others, it can be a candlelit dinner with a roaring fire in the background. Maybe for you, it’s baking cookies or sipping on hot tea.
The point is, instead of lamenting an ice storm or an overcast day, find what makes you feel happy, cozy, warm, and loved.
Tip #4: Make winter special.
Instead of being sorry the warm days of summer are long gone, you can find ways to make the season special. Take your kids sledding, put up twinkly lights in your backyard, roast marshmallows in the firepit. Turn your mindset from being depressed that it’s winter to finding happiness in the little things.
I’ll admit, this one is easier to do early on, but gets harder as the cold months drag on past the holidays. With many indoor gatherings off the table, we may need to get extra creative this year to find the special in the season.
Tip #5: Try light therapy.
If you suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD) you may want to give light therapy a try. Experts suggest using a light therapy box when you first wake up in the morning to simulate morning sunshine. This can help you increase your energy and improve your mood. It’s not a cure-all for SAD, but it can help relieve symptoms of depression and improve feelings of well-being.
What have we got to lose? We can either dread this season during the pandemic in which we are isolated at home, or we can change our mindset, find our inner hygge, and embrace the cold.
As soon as the temperature dips, I plan on pulling out the chunky sweaters and filling up the crockpot with spiced apple cider. We’ll see if I’m still as positive mid-February. Here’s to hoping we can make our hygge last until spring.
