Winter in Finland is a season of contrasts. The days are short, the nights stretch long and the world is wrapped softly in white blanket snow. While winter might mean to some a time of darkness and cold, I have seen it differently-it holds to me quiet beauty and deep calm. One particular day, during a simple winter walk, I discovered a sense of peace that stayed with me long after the snow had melted.
A Finnish Winter Walk
It was a typical Finnish winter morning. The sky was a soft shade of blue, the kind that appears just after sunrise but before the day fully begins. I had spent the last few days wrapped up in work and the usual stresses of life, feeling restless and disconnected. So, I decided to do something simple: go for a walk in the snow.
I bundled up in layers of thermal socks, a wool sweater, and my warmest winter coat: Then I stepped outside. Crisp air hit my skin and waked me up at once. I could hear the familiar crunching noise under my boots as I walked even footstep – characterize that soothing rhythm unique to winter. It was quiet, even the occasional rustling of tree branches, the sound of children laughing in the distance.
How Nature Helps Us Find Calm
Walking through a small forest, I was struck by how each and every tree, branch, and rock has now been covered with a fragile layer of frost. The world looked untouched, it looks as if frozen in time. I took a deep breath and felt the cold air fill my lungs. There was something incredibly calming about being surrounded by nature in this way. It reminded me to slow down, to be present, and to appreciate the small moments.
Studies indicate that nature exposure decreases stress, brightens moods, and improves overall well-being. The practice of metsäkylpy or forest bathing indeed exemplifies this. It teaches how to sink into the natural world with all these senses to connect oneself to its surroundings and inhabiting this moment precisely at the given moment-I was experiencing the same thing.
The Advantages of Winter Walking in Finland
That day made me realize how easily a winter walk can act as a cure for the body and mind. Beneath, I’ve listed a few of those important benefits:
1. Clear Air helps to clear the head
Breathing in fresh, cold air felt like a reset for my mind. It cleared away the mental fog and gave me a new perspective on things that had been bothering me.
2. Natural Stress Reliever
The quiet surroundings and gentle movement of walking helped me release built-up tension. There was no rush, no distractions—just me and the snowy path ahead.
3. Energy Booster
The time spent daily outside, even at reduced daylight hours during winter, always boosts my vitality. Even a little soft light reflecting from the snow was enough to brighten my mood.
4. Contact with Nature
Being surrounded by trees and snow-covered landscapes helped keep my feet firmly planted in Mother Earth. Here was a reminder that sometimes, all we need is a little time outdoors to feel more balanced.
5. Simple Pleasure
We often mistake happy moments for huge accomplishments or great life changes. However, sometimes, they come in the simplest situations-a peaceful walk in winter.
Bring This Calm Into Everyday Life
After that walk, I first vowed to take some time in simple things, whether it be a morning walk in the snow, time with an empty cup to simply sit, or just standing outside to breathe fresh air. These can all be rather huge things in the end.
Whenever you find yourself overwhelmed at times, feel stuck, or even deprived of good ideas, I insist on taking a Finnish winter walk-even if you are not in Finland. Just find a secluded spot, breathe deeply, and let stillness of nature work on your heart. Surprisingly, you will find how such little things can have an effect in all this peace.
I also touched on this in my previous post: Surviving the Finnish Winter: Stay Active in the Dark. In that post, I mentioned how even a short 10-minute walk in -15°C felt challenging at first, but soon became an enjoyable routine. Snow-covered trees and icy lakes transform the landscape into something magical, making winter walks truly special.
Have you felt the quiet magic of a winter walk? Tell me in the comments-I’d love to know what you think!
Such a beautiful reminder of the peace found in nature! Good read.