5 Scandinavian-inspired secrets to beating the winter blues

December 11, 2020

It’s that time of year again – the days get shorter, the temperatures drop, snow starts to fall, and many of us, faced with the long stretch of winter before us, begin to dream about spring. Add in a global pandemic and it might feel like this year, the winter blues have reached new levels of saturation, but don’t despair, there are ways to make it through the season with a smile. Take a page straight from a Scandinavian “bok” (that’s “book” in Norwegian) and let these five Scandi-inspired secrets help you embrace winter and beat the blues.

  1. Start with good design.

The Scandinavian countries receive some of the fewest hours of daylight during the winter months, yet they are frequently cited as some of the happiest places in the world. Why? Because they start with good design, just like the Scandinavian-inspired spaces at Nørdic.

Expansive windows and wide, shallow layouts help flood spaces with natural light. Organic materials like quartz and wood, pair with light, neutral colour palettes to create a calming background. Spacious balconies, protected from the elements, provide a connection to nature even through the winter months. These details combine to create a home that brightens every day.

  1. Get outside and connect with nature.

When temperatures drop below zero it may be tempting to hibernate under your duvet, but the best thing you can do is actually get outside. Scandinavians spend plenty of time outdoors in the winter months, embracing the concept of friluftsliv, a lifestyle based on freedom in nature and connectedness with the landscape.

At Nørdic that’s easier than ever thanks to architecture that allows for a series of terraced green roofs, where residents can get a breath of fresh air, or nearly 11,000 square feet of outdoor space across three communal courtyards. Connect with nature easily and often and watch your stress melt away.

  1. Soak up the sun.

Time outdoors isn’t the only way to soak up the sun. If you’re one of the many people now working from home, make the most of natural light during daytime hours. Set up your home office next to a window, something that’s easy to do at Nørdic where windows stretch across the entire suite. Or, grab a spot with a garden view in the lobby lounge, outfitted with lightning-fast wifi and enough space to brainstorm and collaborate from a safe social distance.

  1. Make time for exercise.

Winter is often the perfect excuse to indulge in deliciously rich dishes that will add an extra layer to keep us warm until spring returns. Of course, balance is key. Exercise will not only help counteract all those complex carbohydrates, it’s also a proven way to lower stress and boost your creativity and mood.

Bundle up and head out for a bike ride or a brisk walk (Scandinavians are even famous for taking a polar bear dip in the sea!). Grab your skates or your skis and enjoy the slopes of Earl Bales or the NHL-sized ice rinks at Scotiabank Pond nearby. Get your endorphins flowing in the state-of-the-art fitness centre. Find everything you need to beat the winter blues, close to home.

  1. Embrace the season.

We live in Canada, where winter is a simple fact of life, so instead of fighting it, embrace the colder months and celebrate what makes this season so special – comfort food and cozy nights; quality time with family and friends; the season’s first snowfall; long evenings curled up on the couch. Slow down and breathe it all in. That’s the secret to a Scandinavian-inspired winter – welcoming it, exactly as it is.