Surviving winter in Finland can feel never-ending. The sun barely rises, it’s cold outside, and the temptation to just stay curled under a blanket is strong. I know the feeling. A few years ago, I spent an entire January wrapped up on the couch, convincing myself that everything could wait till spring. By February, though, I was sluggish, tired, and rather frankly—a little depressed.
That’s when I decided to take action. I didn’t suddenly become an athlete, but I found small ways of staying active that helped make winter easier. Here are some things that worked for me.
1. Surviving Winter: Walking—Even When It’s Cold
At first, venturing out in -15°C seems challenging. I started small, though—a 10-minute walk around the block. I bundled up, listened to music, and, prior to realizing it, I was enjoying the crisp air. Best part? Snow-covered trees and icy lakes make everything look magical.
2. Finding an Indoor Routine
There are some days when the cold is simply too much. On those days, I do simple exercises indoors—jumping jacks, stretching, or even dancing to music. I also tried online yoga, and while I’m still not that flexible, it gets me moving.
3. Trying Winter Sports (Even as a Beginner)
Skiing and ice skating had also always been a little scary to me. But one weekend, I was pulled by a friend onto a frozen lake to skate. I fell ten times or more, but I also laughed a lot. The next week, I rented cross-country skis and gave that a try. I was not very speedy, but I felt wonderful afterwards. Now I look forward to these sports every winter.
4. Making It Social
It’s less boring to be active if you’re not on your own. I started inviting friends for a brief walk, and we’d top it off with coffee as a reward. Some friends I have do winter swimming clubs (I’m not ready for that just yet!).
5. Permitting Lazy Days
It does not need to be an active every day, and that is alright. There are days for good books and cozy tea. But being somewhat active—even just a bit—makes the winter less heavy.
If you’re struggling with the long winter, I get it. But anything, even as small as can be, helps. Something small, something different, and you’ll be finding ways to enjoy the season before you even realize it.
Do you have a favorite winter activity to stay active? Let me know in the comments!
