PUT THESE FIVE SCANDINAVIAN MAXIMS INTO PRACTICE
‘By staying engaged with life, you counteract that sense of hibernation turning into isolation.’
There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing
If you’re a Brit, this maxim is likely to make you guffaw, as it goes against centuries of British cultural wisdom. But it’s deeply ingrained in Scandi culture. ‘In Sweden, you’re expected to go outside regardless of the weather,’ says Thomas. That cultural conditioning starts early. At my daughter’s nursery in Oslo, all the babies and toddlers were bundled up in their prams outside for their afternoon nap — no matter how low the temperature went. Studies have shown that the cold air can boost children’s immune systems, regulate their circadian rhythms, and promote better sleep. And rain, shine, or snow, they all went out on adventures.