How to Winter

do you like winter? 

for many, it can feel like a challenging season with its shorter days, colder weather, and long stretches of darkness. but in certain parts of the world, people actually thrive in winter’s unique beauty rather than just enduring it – they adapt to the cold with a mindset that transforms the season into one of rest, connection, and reflection. instead of dreading the shift in weather, these communities embrace it, seeing winter as an opportunity for coziness, outdoor activities, and a slower pace that offers its own rewards.

in this chapter, you’ll learn how cultivating a winter mindset can change your outlook, bringing greater joy, resilience, and satisfaction to even the coldest months. from building positive expectations to practical tips for creating cozy spaces, enjoying the outdoors, and adapting your routines, these strategies can help you make the most of winter’s special qualities.

let’s start by taking a closer look at the wintertime mindset, and how you can bring it into your life.

in northern norway, the arrival of winter brings the polar night – a period when the sun dips below the horizon for months, casting only a soft twilight glow for a few hours each day. life here adapts to this rhythm, with people gathering in warmly lit spaces, skiing through snow-laden forests, and creating rituals around coziness and rest. for them, winter isn’t a hurdle but an invitation to embrace a slower pace and find comfort in the season’s unique moments. this approach is known as the wintertime mindset, and it can help transform the season into one of rest, connection, and simple joys.

the wintertime mindset is built around viewing winter not as a season to tolerate but as one to appreciate. rather than focusing on the cold and darkness as hardships, try seeing winter as a chance for relaxation, community, and reflection. this means shifting attention from winter’s limitations to its distinctive benefits – enjoying peaceful nights indoors, layering up for fresh air, and savoring cozy moments.

research shows that residents of extreme northern climates experience relatively low levels of winter depression. this goes against traditional beliefs about how latitude and sunlight impact mental health, and suggests that a positive wintertime mindset can make a difference. for these communities, the darkness doesn’t signify dreariness; it opens doors to unique experiences that define the season.

if you want to adapt this mindset, start with simple shifts: find joy in winter-specific activities, set up snug spaces, and take advantage of opportunities to slow down. embracing the winter mindset doesn’t require extreme conditions or constant darkness – only a choice to focus on winter’s positives wherever you are. winter can become a rewarding season, ripe with moments for quiet enjoyment and personal growth.

ready to start changing the way you think about winter? it begins with setting the right expectations. in the next section, you’ll see how a positive outlook can make winter a season to truly savor.

as the days shorten and winter looms, it’s common to feel a sense of dread. for many, the thought of early sunsets, cold mornings, and long, dark evenings brings on a heavy feeling. this reaction, shaped by cultural cues and past experiences, can lead to a cycle of expectation and disappointment. if we anticipate winter to be a difficult, dreary time, we often make it so – confirming our own beliefs in a self-fulfilling prophecy.

negative expectations about winter can affect everything from mood to motivation, with even small challenges like cold weather or early darkness seeming more significant than they are. studies show that these negative expectations often influence how we interpret what happens each day, setting us up to focus on discomforts rather than any potential joys. this habit can turn the season into one long endurance test instead of a time to embrace.

positive expectations, on the other hand, shift our attention to winter’s unique moments and can help create a better experience. by setting the mindset that winter can bring simple joys – like warm drinks, cuddly sweaters, and quiet evenings – each small ritual can help reinforce a more enjoyable view of the season. having a positive outlook about winter doesn’t mean ignoring real challenges, but it does mean choosing to prepare for and highlight the aspects we find comforting.

to make this shift easier, plan ahead for the transition. mark the start of winter, the end of daylight savings, or the first snow on your calendar, and make it an occasion with small rituals or cozy plans. recognizing the start of winter with intention can help adjust your expectations and set a gentler, more relaxed tone for the months ahead.

as winter arrives, rather than fighting its slower pace, you can embrace it as a time for rest and calm – a season to recharge instead of focusing on productivity. let’s look at this more in the next section.

in places where winter brings shorter days and colder weather, a natural slowdown can feel like a welcome pause rather than a hindrance. embracing this shift allows you to align your lifestyle with winter’s natural rhythms – and research suggests this approach can actually boost your well-being. 

studies show that humans, like other animals, may need more sleep in winter. one study found that rem sleep, which is essential for emotional regulation and memory, extends by up to 30 minutes in winter compared to summer. rather than seeing this extra sleep or winter tiredness as laziness, think of it as a natural response to the season’s reduced daylight.

accept this slower pace by adjusting your routines to meet winter’s gentler demands. this could mean going to bed earlier, reducing commitments, or finding indoor activities that allow you to unwind. knitting, baking, or other creative hobbies align well with winter’s quieter energy and can reduce stress by giving your mind a chance to rest. research supports this, in fact: making time for rest has been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, and improve overall happiness.

there’s a common notion that reduced energy is inherently negative, but is this really true? natural cycles in the plant and animal world show that winter is a time for restoration. just as plants need dormancy to bloom in spring, people can benefit from embracing the season for rest and maintenance rather than expecting nonstop productivity. taking small steps – like setting aside an evening for a quiet, screen-free activity, or trying a “winter sabbath” where you pause nonessential tasks – can help create a restorative winter routine.

in the next section, you’ll see how the language you use around winter – whether you describe it as dreary or cozy – can also significantly shape your perception and experience of the season.

cold air swirls in as someone steps back inside, bringing with them the fresh, clean scent of winter. for those in iceland, this kind of smell even has a name: útilykt, a special term that captures winter’s crisp, energizing essence. in cultures across northern climates, such evocative words highlight winter’s unique qualities rather than its discomforts. this approach is a reminder that the language we use shapes our experience. how we talk about winter doesn’t just reflect how we feel about it – it also shapes our perception and enjoyment of the season.

that’s right: shifting your vocabulary from complaints to appreciation can actually change your mindset and make winter feel more enjoyable. so instead of talking about a “frigid day,” for example, reframe it as an opportunity for warm layers and hot drinks. positive language can help you tune into what’s beautiful about winter, from a mug of coffee enjoyed on a brisk morning to the quiet peace of snowfall. words like the danish hygge or the norwegian kos describe cozy contentment. and for many, such language helps create an atmosphere of glowing calm even in the coldest months.

in fact, splitting winter into phases – early winter, midwinter, and late winter – can make it feel less endless, giving each stage its own personality and helping you appreciate how it evolves. language helps anchor these changes. early winter is about embracing the darkness and quiet, midwinter brings holiday warmth and rest, and late winter is a time to notice the lengthening days and a slow return of energy. by tuning into each stage’s specific qualities, you can move through winter with greater awareness and enjoyment.

with positive language, winter becomes an invitation to savor its quiet beauty. in the next section, you’ll learn more about the concept of hygge and discover how creating a cozy winter atmosphere can brighten your outlook.

in the dim light of a winter café, with soft lamps and a warm glow from candles, winter feels welcoming. embracing hygge – a sense of coziness and warmth cherished in scandinavian culture – transforms winter’s chill into an opportunity for comfort, connection, and calm. there, hygge is a central part of life, especially in winter when long nights and cold temperatures invite people indoors.

lighting is the first step in achieving a hygge atmosphere. scandinavian homes and cafes often avoid harsh overhead lights, instead using warm-toned lamps, candles, and indirect lighting that complements winter’s natural darkness rather than pushing it away. this cozy lighting encourages relaxation and creates a quiet, reflective ambiance – what some might call big light off, where you rely only on small lamps, string lights, and candles to create a tranquil mood.

hygge is also about physical comfort. having a warm space to step into from the cold is important, as is creating inviting spaces with blankets, comfortable chairs, and a spot for hanging coats. many spaces in nordic countries, from coffee shops to homes, make a point of ensuring warmth and comfort, allowing people to fully unwind and enjoy the slower pace that winter offers.

another key element of hygge is the community. spending time with family and friends in relaxed, cozy settings – like shared meals or board games by candlelight – adds a social aspect to this winter practice, transforming the season into a time for quiet, intentional togetherness.

embracing hygge can make winter less about enduring the cold and more about enjoying a season rich with low-key pleasures. this cozy approach encourages a positive mindset toward winter, helping you find satisfaction in its unique rhythm.

but adapting your indoor lifestyle is only one option – stepping outside for winter activities is another way you can enjoy the season. let’s look at that next.

heading outside on a chilly morning might not sound appealing at first, but the reality often proves far more rewarding. stepping outdoors in the cold can deliver a surprising boost in energy and mood, leaving you feeling refreshed and even exhilarated. research shows that with the right preparation and warm layers, engaging with the winter environment can be one of the best ways to care for both your physical and mental health during the colder months.

spending time outside in winter is a natural, effective way to counter stress and low moods. fresh air and movement have proven physical benefits, such as better circulation, improved cardiovascular health, and a strengthened immune system. and mentally, winter excursions help break the routine of staying indoors, bringing a refreshing perspective that reconnects you with nature’s beauty, even in the most unlikely weather. 

cultures accustomed to long winters have adopted helpful approaches for making this time of year active and fulfilling, from dressing properly with layered clothing to adopting a positive winter mindset. in norway, the concept of friluftsliv – or “open-air life” – promotes daily outdoor experiences as a way to stay grounded and rejuvenated, helping people shift their focus from weather discomfort to the benefits of fresh air and movement.

to build motivation, you need to replace avoidance habits with positive associations. take small steps, like bundling up in warm layers, bringing along a thermos of tea, or asking a friend to join you. short-term rewards like better focus, improved mood, and a renewed sense of vitality make outdoor time enjoyable, even when it’s brisk or rainy. and recognizing these positive outcomes from each outing will make it easier to build lasting habits that you’ll look forward to each winter.

by cultivating a balanced approach, winter’s outdoor activities become opportunities for connection, joy, and growth. in the final section, you’ll discover a few more practical self-care strategies to further enhance your winter experience.

winter’s unique beauty often comes with its own set of logistical challenges, from navigating snowy streets to transforming indoor spaces into cozy retreats. think of the northern cities where snow is part of everyday life, but where thoughtful planning makes winter manageable and enjoyable. these cities clear streets quickly, light up dark paths, and create community spaces that invite people to connect despite the cold. 

this blend of preparation and perspective can also be applied to your own life to help you thrive in winter. first, equipping yourself with proper winter gear – from woolen layers to sturdy, waterproof outerwear – means you can face winter’s elements with ease. indoors, create warm and organized spaces with soft lighting, dedicated spots for outerwear, and extra blankets, turning your home into a sanctuary from the chill. by thoughtfully organizing your gear, you can keep clutter to a minimum and make each transition outdoors smoother and less stressful.

winter events and gatherings also play a role in shaping a positive seasonal mindset. cities with vibrant winter festivals, like edmonton’s silver skate festival or tromsø’s film festival, show how community gatherings help people reframe winter as a time for celebration rather than isolation. you can bring this spirit into your own life by organizing small winter gatherings with friends or family – whether it’s a bonfire, a brisk walk, or an evening hot chocolate outdoors. sharing these moments can make the season feel communal and joyful.

by practicing these winter strategies, you’ll also build resilience that extends well beyond the season. effective planning, organizing for comfort, and embracing winter’s possibilities are all skills that’ll strengthen your adaptability, readying you for any season’s challenges.

the main takeaway of this chapter to how to winter by kari leibowitz is that winter doesn’t have to be a season to endure; it can be a time for connection, rest, and joy. 

you can transform winter into an opportunity for both comfort and renewal with the right mindset and simple preparations – like adjusting your expectations, savoring cozy indoor moments, and embracing outdoor activities. by adopting these strategies, you’ll enrich your winter experience while building resilience, helping you face future challenges with a positive, adaptable outlook.

ok, that’s it for this chapter. we hope you enjoyed it. if you can, please take the time to leave us a rating – we always appreciate your feedback. see you soon!