Sweden’s winter is cold and dark, starting in November and extending till March, and sometime it may extend till May. To deal with it you would need to follow certain tips and tricks. The layering of clothes and a few activities to fight against darkness are the two main solutions for winter.
Clothes: Sweden is a cold country where the average winter temperature ranges between -2 to -11 degrees Celcius which is harsh for people coming from warmer places like India. So, you should always have good winter clothes when you come to Sweden. There is a proverb in Sweden “Det finns inget dåligt väder – bara dåliga kläder” which means there is no such thing as bad weather – just bad clothes. So always use layering of clothes (were several clothing items) and good winter jackets in Sweden.
- Layering: Layering is key, as it allows for flexibility in regulating your body temperature. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add a mid-layer for insulation, and finish with a waterproof and windproof outer layer.
- Jackets: You can buy good winter jackets from India or can buy them after coming to Sweden. A good winter jacket will cost you between Rs. 5,000 and Rs. 10,000 in India. You can buy from Decathlon or any other winter garment shop. But while buying, check the temperature mark on it and always go for a puffer jacket. Jackets you can buy in Sweden will however be better suited for the climate here. Another thing you would see in jackets in Sweden is that they come with padded necks which makes them more comfortable in winter and also removes the requirement of wearing a muffler. You can get a good jacket for about 2,000 SEK (Rs. 16,000). Costlier ones such as a Canada Goose jacket can cost over 15,000 SEK (Rs. 1,20,000).
- Shoes: In winter, you should be extra careful while walking in the snow. Get shoes that will prevent falling or slipping. You can buy leather boots or shoes with good grip. If you are looking for budget-friendly shoes then you can buy spikes separately and attach them under your shoes. A good leather boot will cost you 1,000 SEK to 3,000 SEK (Rs. 24,000). A spike that will cost you about 300 SEK.
- Other stuff: You can buy thermal innerwear, woolen caps, mufflers, socks, and gloves from India so you can save a good amount of money. You can buy the ones with a varied amount of thickness.
Darkness: Sweden’s winter means short days and long nights, so to fight darkness you need to follow a few tips and tricks:
- Lights: Besides being cold, Swedish winter can feel very dark, especially if you come from India. From November to February, the sky is grey for weeks at a time even during very short days. Even when Sun does appear, it appears for a very short period of time in a day. So make sure you have plenty of lights at home to overcome the situation. It will brighten your mood and take your mind away from the darkness outside. You can also buy sunlamps.
- Medicines: To combat the lack of sunlight in winter you should take vitamin D regularly (If possible take multivitamins) otherwise you may suffer from vitamin deficiency symptoms, including depression, fatigue, hair fall, bone pain, etc. You may not get all the medicine brands that you are used to getting in India, but that doesn’t mean you can get ones with similar compositions here. Use a moisturizer for the face and lip balm while going out.
- Depression: Depression is very common in Sweden due to less sunlight, so you should always keep yourself busy with friends and activities. Join meetup groups, Indian associations, or cultural activities. An engaging chat with a friend goes a long way to brighten your mood.
- Activity: The shorter days and longer nights can make it easy to become sedentary, but regular exercise is important for both physical and mental health. Make sure you go out at least once a day, even if it is for a walk. Try to acclimatize to the weather. You can also choose from a bunch of outdoor activities like skiing, skating, gym, indoor games, paddle, badminton, etc.
- Food: When it comes to eating, it’s important to make sure you’re consuming enough calories to keep your body warm. This can include eating warm, hearty meals such as soups and stews, as well as foods high in healthy fats like nuts and avocados. Add orange juice or fishes like salmon in the mix which are good sources of natural Vitamin D.
- Mental Health: Finally, it’s important to take care of your mental health during the winter months. This can include making sure you’re getting enough sleep, spending time with friends and family, and engaging in activities that you enjoy. It’s also important to be aware of the signs of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and to seek help if you’re experiencing symptoms such as depression, anxiety, or feelings of hopelessness.
Home Accessories: You would need to get some accessories that help you better survive the winter in Sweden and make a comfortable living.
- Heater: In winter, you will have a radiator in your rooms to maintain a temperature as comfortable as possible but sometimes when the outside temperature is very low or the housing association doesn’t start heating, you can buy a heater to keep the room temperature as comfortable as you want. You can buy one from Clas Ohlson or Amazon.
- Humidifier: Humidifiers are a very useful accessory, especially in winter. When the room temperature is shallow and the inside air gets dry, it causes illnesses such as itchy and dry skin, allergies, asthma, bloody nose, etc. Humidifiers maintain a healthy humidity in the air so that germ-related issues go away. Please do not make it run all the time though as excess humidity can also lead to moldy walls.
- Thermometer: A room thermometer not only tells you the temperature, it also lets you know the humidity in the room. Try to keep your room humidity between 30 and 50. Humidifier level always depends on outside temperature, so use as and when required.
- Plants: Get some indoor plants to improve air quality, reduce stress, support cognitive health and make your house look better at the same time. You can buy plants that can survive the winter from places like Plantagen or Bauhaus. Do water them regularly.
MSH Opinion: Surviving a Swedish winter requires the right combination of warm clothing and gear, staying active, and taking care of your mental and physical health. With a positive attitude and the right preparation, you can enjoy the winter months and make the most of the unique beauty and natural landscapes of Sweden.
