For over two millennia, people in the Nordic countries (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland) have not just survived the long, dark, cold winters; they’ve learned to thrive in them. Rather than resisting cold and darkness, Nordics embrace it, fostering resilience, connection, and well-being. The result? These countries consistently rank among the happiest in the world, even during the deepest winter months.
If you find yourself dreading the short days and chilly temperatures ahead, adopt some of these time-tested Nordic habits to transform your winter experience.
Cozy Cave
The Danish concept of Hygge (HOO-gah) focuses on creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that promotes contentment and peace. It’s about feeling safe and comfortable in your cave while the storm is raging outside.
The Danes snuggle under blankets, light candles, and enjoy the comforts of their cozy cave all winter long.
The next time the weather gets difficult, try creating your own winter nest. Put on your softest sweater. Find a favorite blanket or chair and cozy up with loved ones or a good book. Turn the lights low and set a steaming mug filled with your favorite drink nearby. Settle in for an evening of comfort and relaxation. A cozy cave comforts the soul.
Determined Mindset
The Finnish concept of Sisu (SEE-soo) describes a resilient mindset. It promotes courage and optimism in the face of great challenge.
It is difficult to endure a month with no sun. Finns adopt this attitude of relentless pursuit, along with a large amount of grit, to push through and get on with everyday life.
The sun may not disappear for weeks at a time at our latitude, but we can still experience a sense of endless gloom when the world around us feels lifeless. Choose to be resilient and hearty as you make your way through these darker days. Find courage in being prepared for winter weather or outages. Focus on finding solutions rather than feeling overwhelmed. Adopt an “I think I can” mindset and keep that positive outlook no matter what the season throws at you.
Open Air Living
The Norwegian philosophy of Friluftsliv (FREE-loofts-leev) encourages immersion in nature all year long, no matter the weather. A famous Nordic proverb captures it perfectly. There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.
Nordic cultures love nature and allow no excuses when it comes to getting outdoors. They consider getting outside daily an imperative, and all aspects of society are modeled to support this goal, including schools and daycare.
The cold weather is rejuvenating when approached properly. You can start by dressing in a way that makes the outdoors inviting. Begin with moisture-wicking base layers, add insulating mid-layers (like fleece or wool), cover extremities with hats, gloves, and quality socks, and finish with a waterproof, breathable outer shell suited to your activity.
Once you are prepared for the weather, winter holds endless possibilities; skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, fishing, ice skating, sledding, tubing, building snow forts or igloos, or simply brisk walks in the bracing air. You can be as active as in summer, boosting mood and health through fresh air, exercise, and the crisp beauty of snow-covered landscapes.
Ritualized Warmth
Sauna (SAO-nah) is a cultural tradition focused on increasing and maintaining your core body temperature. Finns have elevated the need to stay warm into a mindful ritual that can invigorate the body, improve circulation, reduce stress, and promote mental clarity.
In Finland, sauna is recognized as a UNESCO cultural heritage item. The practice is integrated into daily life and holds cultural memories as a place for birth, death, and healing. Sauna customs and rituals are strictly followed, passed down from generation to generation.
There are many warming rituals available, not all of which require a sauna. The traditional sauna experience increases energy flow by raising your core body temperature; this is typically followed by a cold plunge to re-acclimate the body to outside temps. For mindfulness, try resting in a hot tub surrounded by snow and ice. For relaxation, layer warmth using clothing, light, and textiles. For internal warmth, indulge in hot drinks or hearty stews.
When we turn our most pressing winter need into a ritual, we achieve an appreciation for the contrasts in life and the richness they add to our experiences.
Just Enough
For Nordics, balance and pacing are paramount. The Swedes embody this in their concept of Lagom (LAH-gum) which encourages just the right amount, or just enough, of things.
In winter, this concept can be applied to find a slower pace, allowing our bodies and minds to intentionally conserve energy as we find just the right amount of effort to expend.
Value the silence found in this season, bringing just enough energy to complement nature’s mood. Allow yourself to slow down. Eliminate unnecessary tasks. Be still. Embrace quiet activities such as reading, crafting, or pondering. The slow pace and quiet energy of winter can bring you back into balance with yourself.
Pause and Connect
While all Nordic countries have strong coffee cultures, the Swedes have turned it into a social ritual. Known as Fika (FEE-kah), this practice provides a deliberate pause in their day to connect with a friend over coffee and pastries.
Fika is common practice in workplaces, homes, and cafés; a scheduled break that allows individuals to pause their daily routine and connect with others. This focus on informal interactions allows teams to bond organically, and can foster a greater sense of community. Friends can also meet for fika, giving caregivers an easy way to maintain their social networks.
This way of maintaining relationships is especially fitting in the winter. The coffee combats both the dark and cold, while the physical interaction feeds your soul. Connection doesn’t have to happen over coffee. Winter is a wonderful time to strengthen bonds with those you love. Reach out to a friend or family member you haven’t seen in a while and schedule a time to talk, whether in person or over the phone. Fill your evenings with traditions that encourage you to share stories, time, and laughter. Make spending time together a priority.
Adapt to Winter and Thrive
By designing your life around the season, embracing its rhythms rather than fighting them, you’ll find winter easier to enjoy. Follow the Nordics’ lead. Lean into the cold, dark months with coziness, resilience, activity, ritual, rest, and connection. You’ll not only survive winter but thrive in it.