I love being in the cold place, but sometimes it gets too much when the temperature drops to -20 and beyond.
Its been at least two weeks now we have been experiencing icy weather and coldness that penetrates the thick clothes we wear down through the skin. At least for me, it feels this way, but with the right clothes, this can be okay. I would say that although I have been living in Finland for the past 5 years, I still can’t get rid of the laziness waking up early in the morning during winter when it is dark, frosty and snowy. The good news is that, when there is a lot of snow, the dim surroundings start to get some light and good vibes from people enjoying the walk with their dogs and sharing laughter with their kids. I think the biggest challenge for me is the darkness rather than the coldness.
I begin to understand what my friend used to tell me – I moved away from my home country not because of the coldness of winter, but because of the darkness that I can’t handle. This is something I can relate with now that I am experiencing it. I don’t mean to discourage all who wish to come to Finland, this is a personal experience I am talking and with this, I can also tell the ways I do to handle this challenge. This might work for others, but also this might not be for everyone.
How to Deal With Winter Gloominess (Easy Tips for Expats)
Living in a cold, dark winter country can feel difficult, especially if you come from a warm and sunny place. Many expatriates feel sad, tired, or unmotivated during winter. This is normal. Here are easy ways to feel better:
1. Get as much sunlight as you can
Go outside during daytime, even for 10–15 minutes. It is common to see people walking daily and so you can try it too. We actually walk daily around our area for 4 kms. or about an hour time. This helps us sleep better at night. When I am studying at home or working, I always position my computer facing the window so I can always have a glimpse of the outdoor and if I get lucky, I can see either a fox, a squirrel or rabbit hopping by. In addition, let some sunlight inside your house, it doesnt only brighten the room but also lighten the mood. Make use of natural light to elevate your mood.
2. Use a bright light (Light Therapy)
In Finland, quite many are using this artificial light called SAD Light Therapy, in many forms and sizes. This is according to some of my friends who used it is very effective, similary to waking up when they were in their tropical home country.
Many expatriates ask if the bright lights used to improve mood during winter are the same as the lights used for growing plants. The answer is no—they are designed for very different purposes. Light therapy lamps for people are made to copy natural daylight and help the brain feel more awake, energetic, and positive during the dark winter months. These lamps give off a bright white light that supports your body clock and improves your mood. Plant grow lights, on the other hand, are made to help plants make food. They often use red or blue tones of light that plants need for growth, but these colors do not help with mood. Grow lights are great for keeping indoor plants healthy, but they are not meant for your eyes or for treating winter sadness.
This light is very helpful and worth trying for. You can purchase online or in an electronic shop in your locality. Just ask and explain the purpose.
3. Do things you enjoy
Even during winter, spending time outdoors can greatly improve your mood, energy, and overall health—especially if you come from a warm country and are not used to the cold. The key is wearing the right clothes so you can enjoy the fresh air comfortably. You can either do any of the following depending on your situation:
- Hiking in the snowy forest
- Hunting for animal footprints and discover where they live
- Walk your dog or pet
- Go skiing or skating with friends or families
- Enjoy taking pictures of the surrounding
- Grilling outdoor- yeah, look at me.
- Go camping if you dare the extremes
- Go to the public sauna and pool
To enjoy the outdoor, remember that proper clothing is needed. Dressing in layers helps your body stay warm: start with a thermal or wool inner layer, add a warm sweater, and finish with a windproof and waterproof jacket. Don’t forget a hat, gloves, scarf, and warm socks, because a lot of heat escapes from your head, hands, and feet. With proper winter clothing, you can safely enjoy simple outdoor activities like walking, hiking, playing in the snow, or even just sitting outside with a hot drink. Natural daylight and fresh air can reduce winter gloominess and help your body feel awake and refreshed, even if the sun is weak or the days are short.
In Finland, there are many camp sites where you can spend time grilling if you do not have your own space to do it. Never do the grilling in your terrace. Read about the law concerning moving around and doing things outdoor. Public saunas are always available to enjoy. You can buy your ticket straight from the club or ahead of time. Look up in your local website using your mobile, I am confident you will find a lot of information related to it.
The idea is to take some time to do something you like so you don’t feel gloomy. Freezing winter is the same for everyone but some are able to deal with it well and some particularly newcomers have a bit of a shock. Hopefully, you get to enjoy your winter as much as I do now.