Norway is a land of snow and icy fjords. In the deepest part of winter, the country sees about five hours of full daylight each day. But just because it’s cold and dark, that doesn’t mean life stops there. People go to work. Kids keep going to school. Life goes on. The trick is to make it bearable.
According to the website mylittlenorway.com, Norwegians survival during this time is all about attitude. Rather than dreading winter and complaining about the weather, in Norway it’s seen as a special time filled with activity and get togethers. Shifting your own mindset can be as simple as refusing to participate in negative small talk and embracing the beauty of colors within sunsets found only this time of year.
While it’s important to watch out for Seasonal Affective Disorder during Fall and Winter – symptoms include overwhelming fatigue, oversleeping, craving sugary foods, and feeling depressed, anxious and guilty – here are a few ideas for making Winter more bearable.
Plan a quick getaway
It doesn’t have to be for a long time, or a long way away, but planning even a short midwinter trip can give you something to look forward to and a renewed perspective when you return. If you don’t have the budget to escape the cold to someplace warm, why not a quiet cabin in the woods somewhere? Between a roaring fire, some tasty food, and plenty of time to relax, you’ll be hoping for snow.
See this season as permission to rest more
Read a book or binge watch a tv show you’ve been meaning to see. Cook your favorite meals and invite a friend over to join you for a relaxing evening in.
Get outside
It sounds counterintuitive, but the act of bundling up and going out into the cold for a quick walk is not only a mood booster, but it gives your body a shot of fresh air and maybe even a little bit of vitamin D.
Reach out to someone
If you’re feeling lonely and isolated, there’s a good chance someone else is too. Pick up the phone and make a call (yes, an actual call, not a text) to that friend you’ve been thinking about. Put a care package together for a loved on far away, “just because”. Can’t think of anyone to reach out to? Send a letter to a deployed US service member by visiting amillionthanks.org.
Exercise
Ok, so maybe you’re not into skiing or ice skating, but that doesn’t mean winter is an excuse not to get your blood pumping. There are plenty of indoor workout options like yoga or riding a stationary bike that can be done anytime of year. As you work out, your body produces feel-good endorphins that can last for hours afterward and help you sleep better. Got kids? Don’t be afraid to get outside on snow days with them. All those trips up a sledding hill or tossing around snow balls will have you breaking a sweat in no time.