What Norwegians Teach Us About Winter & Mindset
Mindset Monday
Takeaway: Norwegians, compared to Americans, are less depressed in the winter because they’ve shifted their perspective. They find ways to be excited about the cold months.
A change in perspective can make a world of difference.
In some parts of Norway, between November and January, the sun doesn’t rise for two whole months.
In these parts, residents experience just a few hours of indirect sunlight each day. Yet, they have lower levels of seasonal depression than most places in America.
A big contributing factor to this difference is in how Norwegians have shifted their perspective on winter. Instead of dreading the cold, dark, and dreary time of year, they’ve learned to embrace it.
Norwegians have shifted their perspective to find the good.
Families cozy up around the fireplace for books, movies, games, and warm beverages. They embrace winter activities—sports like skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and snow-shoeing.
Norwegians get less depressed in the winter because they’ve chosen to find ways to enjoy winter, giving themselves something to be excited about.
Whether it’s the winter weather or some other aspect of our lives here in the states, how can we shift our perspective to improve our overall sense of wellbeing?
~ Coach Alex
Click here to read the original NYT article about Norwegians embracing winter.