Embracing the Scandinavian Winter Mindset
While many people dread the arrival of winter with its shorter days and colder temperatures, Scandinavians have mastered the art of not just surviving but genuinely thriving during the frigid months. Swedish writer Jonna Dagliden Hunt recently shared invaluable insights that could transform how Britons approach the winter season.
Having always counted down to summer herself, journalist Lauren Gould found her perspective shifting dramatically after consulting with Scandinavian experts. The key lies in adopting specific habits, clothing choices and home rituals that make winter an enjoyable rather than endureable experience.
Wellbeing Practices for Darker Days
Scandinavians actively welcome the contrast between hot and cold as part of their winter wellness routine. Many incorporate sauna sessions into their lunch breaks, alternating between steam rooms and cold baths. For those without access to saunas, a simple cold shower followed by a hot one provides similar benefits.
Dagliden Hunt emphasises the crucial importance of daily fresh air and natural light exposure. "Being outdoors and getting that light is so important," she advises, highlighting how Scandinavians prioritise outdoor time regardless of temperature.
Creating Cosy Comfort at Home
After braving the elements, Scandinavians understand the value of transitioning into comfortable indoor wear. Dagliden Hunt recommends swapping heavy outdoor coats for warm wool sweaters, like those from Stutterheim, along with knitted socks for extra warmth. When ready to retire for the evening, she favours soft pyjamas from brands like Magniberg.
Transforming your living space into a cosy sanctuary proves essential for enjoying winter evenings. "The homes are, I think, very important to at least the Swedes... it's that feeling of being cocooned," Dagliden Hunt explains. Her recommendations include scented candles from Swedish brand L:a Bruket and vibrant, folklore-inspired throws from Klippan.
Community Over Screentime
Perhaps the most significant difference in Scandinavian winter approach involves social habits. Rather than spending evenings doomscrolling, many Scandinavians prioritise in-person gatherings through family game nights or weeknight dinners with friends.
This sense of community has proven crucial to surviving Sweden's long winter season, creating warmth through human connection rather than digital distraction.
Additional Winter Essentials
The original newsletter also featured several product recommendations perfect for the winter season, including comprehensive testing of toaster ovens by recipe developer Kiki Aranita, who identified one model as "basically perfect" after months of evaluation.
For those counting down to Christmas, food writer Bernadette Machard de Gramont recommended 19 unique Advent calendars featuring everything from mouthwatering marshmallows to Moonshine Minis, alongside beauty treats and toys.
Entrepreneurs received special attention too, with gift recommendations ranging from silk eye pillows to temperature-controlled coffee mugs, gathered from 25 business owners including ghostwriters and home decor designers.
Interestingly, the newsletter also explored how Apple AirPods Pro 3 might serve as an affordable alternative to traditional hearing aids, based on testing by journalist Christopher Albritton, who discovered their surprising effectiveness for certain populations.
Readers were also invited to share stories about their pets' best gifts ever for potential feature in future editions, acknowledging how pets become honorary family members during cosy winter months.
