The Norwegian Secret to Coping With Long Winters

Indeed, this is exactly what the Norwegians have done. Instead of looking at long winters as a burden, they take it as a source of joy. And that is the secret code we’ll be deciphering today.

A change in perception

It’s not the winter season itself that the Norwegians get excited for. It’s more about what it allows them to do. Think in terms of outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, or snowboarding. Add the fact that outdoor activities are known to lift your spirits. If you think it’s too cold outside, what’s stopping you from putting on another layer of clothing?

Winter means coziness

There is something outer-worldly about curling yourself up to the fireplace and appreciating the fact there is a roof over your head and you’re in the company of people you love having around. The magic of lighting a candle and the smell of hot cocoa. This is a unique kind of warm and fuzzy feeling you can’t get anywhere else. It’s also an opportunity for families to get together for some good old fashioned family bonding. Board games? Check. An evening spent watching movies? You got it.

Denouncing the negativity

It’s easy to fall into the trap of complaining and fostering negative feelings about the situation you’re in, even if it’s something as superficial as the weather. When other people around you do the same, in a way, you’re almost obliged to reciprocate and take part in this toxic exchange. Next time someone mentions the snow outside, ask them when was the last time they took the sled out and went for a ride down the slope? If they say they prefer doing something less action-packed, invite them out to make a snowman together. And if they don’t cave in, say you’ll make tea afterwards. So in short: fight negativity with a positive attitude. Just like Norwegians would.

What translates across the borders

Since not everyone lives in Norway, the idea is not to move there (unless you can afford it and it fits into your overall life plans). Changing your perception is a far easier feat to accomplish, and that works in every nook and corner of the world. A good way to start is to immerse yourself in an interactive activity like blackjack or something similar so you forget about the boredom you may be facing. And if the air is too cold outside, you can always spend quality time indoors by reading a book, chatting with your friends online, or learning something new.

Conclusion

Norwegians are no different than you and I. But they do tend to respond differently to certain things, with winter being one of them. By studying their ways, you may very well find that the long winters are only as bad as you make them out to be.