10 Tips on How To Ease Winter Blues in Norway

Lifehack №1: Eat more food rich in vitamins and minerals

Fruits and vegetables are your best friends all year round, but especially in colder seasons. Think through your menu carefully and make sure your diet is balanced and nutritious. In autumn and winter your body has an increased need in energy and strength, so do not avoid proteins and healthy carbs. Of course, is it okay to spoil yourself with some junk food, but remember that a cheat meal should not turn into a cheat life.

«A spoon of Tran a day keeps the doctor away» – could be a Norwegian version of a famous proverb about apples. So what is Tran and why are Norwegians so obsessed with it? Tran is a nutritional supplement in Norway, which has been produced and consumed by Norwegians for centuries. It is rich in Omega-3, vitamins D, A and E that are especially important for your health, when the immune system is weakened by the seasonal changes.

Nowadays you can find it in every pharmacy, beauty or grocery store. Tran is sold in the form of pills or liquid – choose what is the best for you. Liquid fish oil has a very specific smell and taste, but who knows maybe you will like it and find it interesting (I'm serious).

Lifehack №2: Don't forget to work out

Now that corona-related restrictions have been lifted, you probably need another excuse for why you cannot go to the gym. Yes, when it is so dark and cold outside you do not feel like going out, you'd rather stay in bed under the blanket feeling a like a big toasty cinnamon bun. All jokes aside, working out indeed helps to keep physical and mental health in a good condition. When saying «work out» I do not mean exhausting exercises, after which the next morning you feel like a 90-year-old.

There are so many cool sports you can do - from joining a jogging group to shaking it up at Zumba. Yoga, dances of different styles and cultures, weightlifting, martial arts, personal classes with a professional coach who will work out a unique training system for you – all these activities are available for you at Athletica gyms at student-friendly prices, because Athletica is a part of SiO (Foundation for Student Life in Oslo and Akershus).

Lifehack №3: Discover cultural life

We have already talked about the importance of taking care of your body in cold and dark seasons. Now it is time to bring up the subject of a healthy spirit. It is much easier to survive autumn and winter in Norway, when you follow Inter Universitas' [Cultural Calendar.](aa) Classical or modern art, metal or rap music, impro shows or theatre performances – cultural life in Oslo is so diverse! The numerous museums, galleries, concert halls and platforms have opened their doors to the public again. Instead of spending free days and evenings at home diving into the depth of seasonal melancholy, why not to go out and experience what the cultural side of Oslo is offering to you.

Lifehack №4: Go on a mini trip

Oslo is the place where you are studying almost every day, so it is absolutely understandable if you need some time away from the city. Even a one-day trip can make a difference and give you plenty of wonderful memories. Oslo is surrounded by cute little towns that you can reach by train, ferry, bus or even a bicycle. New beautiful surroundings could be a great source of inspiration for the rest of the semester.

Let me give you some examples: you could visit the Twist Art Gallery that looks like a scenery for a sci-fi movie in Jevnaker, have a walk at the ancient fortress in Kongsvinger, see the Viking graves and attend history museums in Tønsberg or get acquainted with the zoo that is open all year round in Kristiansand. Have a look at google maps and plan an unforgettable trip.

Lifehack №5: Feel free to fool around and search for yourself

A costume party? Thrilling quests and crazy games? A funny photoshoot with friends? Naughty pranks on your fellows? Maybe a night at a karaoke bar? Do not let prejudice and the eyes of others prevent you from having fun! You are young and have the world at your feet. If you feel depressed or despondent during autumn and winter, do something hilarious that will make you crack up. Laughter is the best medicine!

It could be a chance to try and do something you've never done before. Who knows, probably you will discover new talents in yourself. For instance, you could become one of very few people, who can tolerate surströmming, a Swedish delicacy that is made of fermented herring.

Lifehack №6: Reorganize your room and working space

Some girls are used to say «new hair, new me» after each visit to a hairdresser. How about testing this formula in relation to your room? If you make your room look fresher and more modern, it could help you feel nicer. When days get shorter and nights longer and darker, it is especially necessary to provide access to sunlight at your working table at home. Make sure that your table lamp is good enough not to expose your eyes to an excessive tension. With some plants and flowers your room would look much cosier. Probably a lovely soft rug and a couple of new cushions would make your stay at home more comfortable and enjoyable. You could visit some furniture stores to search for inspiration.

Lifehack №7: Have yourself an informational detox

It can really be helpful to rest a bit from social media. Looking at the pictures of people who drink cocktails lying on sandy beaches, while you sit on a chair in rainy Oslo does not make you feel better. Turn off the mobile data on your phone and spend a day with yourself. You could have a pleasant walk at the Vigeland`s Park, have a magical time at the spa at the Well, go on a hike at Vettakollen, enjoy the views of the Songsvann lake, discover a fascinating world of literature at the new Deichman Library at Bjørvika.

Lifehack №8: Help those who can't speak for themselves

When you read the title of this lifehack, you may think I am talking about your shy friend, who can't talk to girls at the bar. However, I mean animals, which ended up in the shelters. If you live on a student campus or can't have a pet due to other reasons, you can always become a volunteer at the shelter to help taking care of dogs and cats that had tough times. You could play with them, feed them, take dogs for a walk, give them all the love and attention they deserve.

Lifehack №9: Talk it out!

Do not hesitate to turn to mental support services. The first winter in Norway can be difficult, so keep in mind that your university has a board of professional therapists, who are ready to discuss all the matters that might be bothering you. People who came to Norway from countries with warm and mild climate are to a greater extent exposed to a seasonal affective disorder. This is a sort of depression that gets triggered by a change in seasons, usually when fall starts.

A person who has seasonal depression may:

• feel hopeless and depressed nearly every day;

• lose interest in activities he used to enjoy;

• have low energy;

• experience insomnia;

• have extremely low/high appetite;

• have thoughts of death or suicide.

It is normal to feel a bit down during autumn and winter. However, if you have the above-mentioned symptoms on the everyday basis, you should consult your doctor. Mental health is extremely important.

Please do not keep all your problems inside.

You can book your appointment here

SiO has also a special service called «peer support» for students who meet emotional, social or practical challenges and need someone to talk to. For more information please visit this website. Both services are totally free of charge.

Lifehack №10: Love and be loved!

Love is the answer, folks, no explanation needed here.

We truly hope that the tips given will help you to have a more pleasant and exciting time in Norway during autumn and winter. Dress well, take care of yourself and try to enjoy the beauty of Norwegian cold seasons. Good luck!