Nordic Secrets to Beating the Winter Blues

Nordic countries face long, dark winters with mental resilience strategies. Experts suggest maintaining sleep and social habits, light therapy, and a positive outlook. Embracing sunlight and activities, both indoors and outdoors, help maintain mental health. Seasonal affective disorder is tackled with morning light therapy and lifestyle changes.

The Nordic countries, accustomed to long, harsh winters, have developed resilience strategies for the annual winter blues. Experts in Norway, Sweden, and Finland emphasize maintaining sleep and social connections, along with light therapy, as crucial solutions.

Seasonal depression, known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), typically begins in fall and subsides in spring. Key recommendations include using dawn simulators, engaging in morning light therapy, and keeping active to combat winter-related symptoms such as tiredness and social withdrawal.

Adopting a positive mindset is essential. Embracing winter, finding joy in seasonal activities indoors and outdoors, and prioritizing mental well-being can significantly impact one's experience of the dark winter months. Experts further suggest outdoor activities, even during limited daylight, and cultivating a culture of coziness, known as hygge, to stay resilient.

(With inputs from agencies.)