As the chill of January sets in and daylight remains scarce, many in Britain face a familiar seasonal slump. However, a more positive approach to the colder months can be found by looking north to Scandinavia, where populations excel at not just enduring winter, but actively enjoying it.
The Nordic Blueprint for Winter Wellbeing
Despite confronting freezing temperatures, heavy snowfall, and prolonged darkness each year, Scandinavians are renowned for their resilient and upbeat winter mindset. To uncover their secrets, we spoke with Danish cook, bestselling author, and ScandiKitchen founder Brontë Aurell, who shared her expert advice on navigating winter the Scandinavian way.
The foundational step, according to Aurell, is simple acceptance. "In Scandinavia we live in darkness for several months, so we know it’s coming and there’s no stopping it," she explains. Acknowledging the inevitable shift allows for proactive preparation rather than persistent discontent.
Illuminating the Darkness
Scandinavians master the art of combating gloom with light. Aurell fondly recalls winter lights and candles from her childhood. "Even the tiniest bit of light shines very brightly in darkness," she notes. A key tactic is to ditch harsh overhead lighting in favour of multiple lamps and candles to create a soft, cosy atmosphere.
"I’m not a fan of the big light in the living room," Aurell admits, revealing she uses six or seven small lamps alongside numerous candles, switched on at different times to craft varying moods.
Social Hibernation and Outdoor Pursuits
Aurell advocates for a penguin-like approach: huddling together for emotional and physical warmth. "Spend more time with family and friends at home and make more time for each other," she advises, turning potential isolation into shared cosiness.
Paradoxically, embracing the outdoors is equally crucial. Scandinavians are famed for winter activities like snow running and hiking. Aurell urges Brits to seek daylight and fresh air daily. "Getting a daily dose of vitamin D is really important... it’s amazing what difference just being outside can make," she emphasises, recommending a lunchtime walk even on short winter days.
Preparation is key, guided by the classic Scandinavian adage: "there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes." Aurell recommends investing in quality, layered winter gear—good boots, coats, and waterproofs—to enable comfortable time outdoors.
Cultivating Cosiness: Hygge, Food, and Comfort
Central to the Danish winter experience is the concept of 'hygge'—a conscious appreciation of the present moment. "You have to be present in that space, so can’t be on your phone or on a screen with other people," Aurell clarifies. This mindful cosiness is enhanced by ambient lighting, candles, and quality time with loved ones.
Comforting food plays a starring role. For Aurell, freshly baked cinnamon buns epitomise winter joy. "There’s something really comforting about the smell of cardamom, cinnamon and vanilla. Even on the most depressing day of the year, I think everybody’s going to feel good if they eat one," she says.
Further Nordic-inspired comforts include the invigorating practice of sauna sessions, common in Swedish households, and the simple pleasure of cosy blankets. "We all sit under blankets to watch TV in the winter and it’s so nice and cosy," Aurell shares, highlighting an easy way to enhance domestic warmth.
By adopting these Scandinavian principles—from acceptance and outdoor activity to intentional cosiness—the long, grey weeks of winter can be transformed into a season of contentment and connection.
