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Cold and wind, snowdrifts and ice, short daylight hours and a constant risk of catching a cold. It would seem that in winter there are not so many reasons for joy. However, in Norway, where the climate is even harsher, most people are happy. How did they learn to enjoy winter?
In 2014, Stanford University graduate student Kari Leibovitz ended up in Norway, in the town of Tromso above the Arctic Circle. From the beginning of November to the end of January, the polar night reigns in Tromso: the sun does not rise above the horizon, the average temperature is -5 ° C, the streets resemble a skating rink, and snowdrifts grow taller than human height.
Kari was surprised that, despite the unfavorable climate and constant twilight, the level of depression among the inhabitants of Tromso is below the European average. The girl was interested in the secret of the psychological health of the Norwegians.
At first, Kari simply asked friends and classmates: “Why don’t you fall into seasonal depression? Maybe there are some special courses or support groups?” Kari herself was ready to visit them, feeling the first signs of winter blues.
The role of support groups in the north of Norway is performed by national communities. They organize festivals and holidays
However, the girl soon realized that her question in these parts was simply inappropriate. In the north of Norway, people have learned to perceive winter as a holiday, and not as an endless torment. The inhabitants of this country are sure that there is no bad weather, there are wrong clothes. And if you dress correctly, no frost and wind are not terrible.
Although in some ways Kari was right. The role of support groups in the north of Norway is performed by national communities. For example, the population of Tromso is about 60 thousand people. Moreover, among them there are representatives of more than 100 nationalities: the Sami, Kvens and even Russians. Everyone has their own clubs and communities that organize leisure activities, various festivals and holidays.
In addition, Kari found five more reasons why Norwegians enjoy the cold season.
5 Norwegian ways to love winter
All of these tips come down to one thing: instead of counting down the days until the start of summer, just enjoy the fabulous moments of winter.
1. Celebrate all holidays
Most of them in Norway (as well as in Russia. – Approx. ed.) occur during the cold season. All Saints’ Day, Father’s Day, Christmas, New Year’s Day, and Valentine’s Day are great distractions.
Come up with gifts and surprises for loved ones, decorate the house, cook your favorite dishes, even if deep down you consider the reason for the holiday far-fetched or insignificant.
2. Go in for sports
Norwegians love winter sports. The beginning of the ski season is another holiday and a reason for everyone to rejoice. Norwegians spend all weekends and evenings skating or skiing. So, if you also want to fall in love with the cold season, find yourself a winter hobby: hockey, figure skating, skiing, snowboarding or just sledding.
And remember: any physical activity is an effective means of combating the blues.
3. Create comfort at home
Another secret to a happy winter is hidden in the Norwegian word koselig, which means a feeling of comfort. This is a kind of analogue of the Danish hygge. People get together, prepare their favorite dishes, light candles and a fireplace, drink fragrant hot drinks and communicate. “It’s like the best part of Christmas, only for no reason,” Leibovitz explains.
4. Admire the beauty of nature
Norwegians love to admire winter landscapes. From November to January, you can take amazing pictures, and if you’re lucky, even see the northern lights.
5. Stop Complaining
We are used to talking about winter in a negative way: “It’s getting cold again. It’s such a nightmare outside. I don’t want to leave the house.” It’s hard to keep a presence of mind and stay in a good mood when everyone around is complaining. Instead of swearing, find an opportunity to have fun.
Of course, not everyone can ski near the house, and not everyone has a fireplace in the apartment. But everyone can make delicious tea, bask in cozy cafes and spend time at long family dinners. In the end, just remember that pleasant feeling when you return to a warm house from the cold.
“Change your habitual negative winter attitudes to positive ones,” advises Leibovitz. – If you live in a country with a harsh climate, you just have to love winter. Otherwise, 6-9 months of the year will be deleted from your life. That’s a whole lot of time! Can’t love winter? Move to warmth. Can’t move? Work on yourself.”
About expert
Kari Leibowitz is a graduate student at Stanford University studying mental health.