How to Survive the Swedish Winter - Part 1
There is no bad weather, only bad clothing. This famous Swedish phrase in Sweden embraces our thoughts when we think about the winter here. For individuals like me, born in South America, particularly Brazil, bad weather means staying home.
Last week we had a snowstorm and I took the phrase "There is no bad weather, only bad clothing" very seriously I thought I needed to wear my best clothes, so I went to the office wearing snowboarding clothes (a little bit exaggerated on my part, yes!) but at least I learned that I don't need too many clothes when this happens again.
In this article, I'll share my experience and offer practical tips on surviving the Swedish winter while staying productive at work. So, prepare your coffee for our FIKA.
Understand the Swedish Winter
Before talking about survival strategies, let's discuss the winter climate in Sweden. From December to February, Sweden experiences cold temperatures and snowy conditions, due to the winter solstice. We endure three months of intense cold, and some years even the autumn weather is colder.
Embracing the cold
Cold weather always means to me to stay in the comfort of my home. However, living in Sweden has taught me to embrace the cold, especially since spending three months confined indoors is NOT an option. So, how can one navigate this challenging yet beautiful season while remaining productive at work?
Acceptance and Adjusting Productivity Expectations
The answer is simple: accept that you may not be as productive, and that's perfectly fine! While you may have anticipated a resounding "yes, you can," trust me when I say otherwise.
So, Tai, if I acknowledge that my productivity might dip, what do you suggest?
Identify the times of the day when you feel least energetic. For instance, during the mornings, I tend to be lazy, so I tackle routine tasks that don't require creativity or problem-solving skills during that period. I reserve the afternoons for more demanding work because I find that the midday break provides clarity and exposure to more sunlight.
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To combat lethargy and improve sleep quality, I began boxing and strength training at the gym in August 2023. Recently, I've also incorporated Zumba into my routine. These activities have helped me feel more invigorated in the mornings and remain alert even in darker conditions.
Building a Supportive Routine
Establishing a routine that respects your needs is essential. I strongly recommend adopting the following recommendations to enhance your well-being during the winter:
Conclusion
As you navigate the Swedish winter, remember that adapting to new climates takes time. Embrace the challenges, adjust expectations, and build a supportive routine. By prioritizing your well-being and seeking professional support, you can not only survive but thrive in the winter months.
Stay connected with positive influences, and make each day an opportunity for self-improvement. Follow me here in our weekly articles; I am here to help you and share my experiences.
And you, how are you surviving this winter? Do you have any tips? Leave in the comments!
Remember that Part 1 reflects what works for me, stay tuned for Part 2, where I will write recommendations provided by the Swedes for this challenging period.
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1 年I always think of nature's cycle when it comes to autumn and winter. Nature slows down, doesn't produce so much new things and goes into hibernation. Maybe we should take a tip from nature and take time to take a step back, embrace that we are a bit more tired, focus on recovery, and reflection (but not go into hibernation and stay indoors for 3 months as you already said Tai ;)). We all need periods of rest and recovery and reduction, to be able to later grow and expand, just like nature :) Also, embracing the cold, you are ready for your next winter bath Tai! ;)
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1 年Amazing! I always learn a lot or things with you! ??