Surviving Cold Season Confinement: The Nordic Way
The dreaded Canadian winter is nigh. We know that means short, cold days, with darkness waiting for us by the time we finish work. You may already be wondering how you’ll cope, especially this year with the additional difficulties we’re facing. I was wondering the same thing, so I decided to take a page from someone else’s book.
Those living in the Nordic countries, despite experiencing some of the least desirable climates, are persistently at the top of surveys in terms of happiness and quality of living. What are they doing differently? It turns out that their positive approach may be the key to helping us enjoy the season as well.
Nordic Inspiration When We Need It Most
I’m not trying to convince you that what we’re experiencing is easy: it’s not. We still need to protect ourselves and others, and take this virus seriously. Many of us have been going through, well, A Lot, over the past year – I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you. There’s no shortage of things about winter, and especially this winter, that are out of our control in really difficult ways. But, if we try to accept and reframe that difficulty, we can change what we do have control over – how we choose to see it. So, below I’m sharing some of the things that make the darker days special and worth feeling good about.
On the Bright Side
There’s a lot to enjoy about the fall and the winter, even while being confined. After all, fall has always been my favorite season, and even a pandemic won’t change that! Here are some ideas:
- Embrace the cozy season! Norwegians call it “koselig”, the precursor of “cosy”, and Danes call it “hygge”, which became “hug”!whatever you call it, it’s the perfect time to enjoy lighting candles or fireplaces, blankets, pillows and other fluffy accoutrements, and warm drinks to share.
- Cook up some fall food: Fill your home with the comforting smell of soups, fall harvest vegetables, or breads and other baked goods. Consider it comfort food season!
- Admire the beauty of nature: If you live in Montreal like me, you’re lucky enough to be able to fully experience the changing of the seasons. From the colored leaves to the first snowfall, and even appreciating the stillness and calm of our winter evenings, there is a lot to love about the twilight months.
- Try outdoor socializing and exercising: Don’t let the chill stop you from taking a walk or jog outside, either while chatting with a friend, or alone to get your heartbeat up.
- Listen to your body: Pay attention to your mood. If you’ve been stressed and rushing lately, maybe it’s time to slow down. If you’ve been feeling tired and lethargic on the other hand, it could be a good time to plan new projects for the coming year. Do what feels right for you, and don’t pressure yourself.
Remember, it doesn’t have to be complicated! The main idea is to start thinking more positively and see what happens. Being in a second confinement also means we know what did and didn’t work last time, so it can hopefully be easier to figure out what we need this time around. And don’t stress yourself out over it, or set unrealistic expectations for yourself. It’s always better to be able to make a little change consistently, than try to make a big change and just get overwhelmed at the whole prospect. I think you’ll surprise yourself with how much of an impact small adjustments can make!
I hope that this wisdom from our Nordic cousins can prove helpful as we get ready for our long, dark, winter months. I hope you can feel more able to welcome the cold as an opportunity to bundle up and get “koselig”, instead of dreading it. Stay positive, and stay safe!
