A blast of cold Arctic air

A cold air system flowing in from Siberia recently hit Scandinavia and Europe.  Until last week the coldest temps I had experienced living in Finland (or anywhere for that matter) were about 7 F (-14C).  However, last week low temps reached a bone-chilling -13F (-25C) in Espoo and much cooler in other parts of Finland.  Kuusamo, in the North East side of the country got down to a frigid -40F (-40C).  Brr.  You know it is cold when it gets to -40, which happens to be the point where Celsius and Fahrenheit meet.  I cannot even imagine what that kind of cold feels like.  Where I come from in California, people complain when it gets below 35 F, so quite a contrast in temps.

I did venture out of the house yesterday with my daughter in -4 F (-20C) weather for a quick cross-country ski.  I had enough layers on my body, but even with gloves on my hands, my fingers started to freeze.  The trick is multiple layers, cover your head and neck well and keep moving, never stop moving.  We did manage about 30 minutes outside before finally giving in to nature's chill.  Once the barometer drops below about 5 F (-15C), it feels downright balmy when it gets back to 23 F(-5C).  I guess it is all about what you are used to.  However, nothing is a better magnet than the snow to keep the kids occupied with many fun winter activities.  The other day they were frolicking around in the snow and building snow caves.  We have that much snow on the ground now where they can literally build caves.  Winter came late this year, but when it arrived, it made its appearance known and appears to be sticking around for a while.  The Groundhog definitely saw his shadow in Finland and it appears that at least 6 more weeks of winter is in store for us. (Groundhog's Day- An American folklore celebration on Feb. 2)

Espoo

Making a snow
cave in Espoo

Tips on surviving a Finnish winter

You have probably heard many of the stereotypes about Scandinavia and Finland in the winter time.  "It is icy, cold, freezing, snowy and unbearable, etc."  However, when it comes down to it, the main issue in my opinion is not the chilly weather, but the darkness.  One can always prepare for colder weather by wearing more layers, scarves, hats, and warm jackets, however battling short, dark days is an entirely different story.   When winter kicks off in late December in Southern Finland, the sunrise is about 9:30am and sunset is 3:00pm. There actually is a medical term called SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder.  From Wiki : "Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also known as winter depression, winter blues, summer depression, summer blues, or seasonal depression, is a mood disorder in which people who have normal mental health throughout most of the year experience depressive symptoms in the winter or summer,^[1] spring or autumn year after year. In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(DSM-IV), SAD is not a unique mood disorder, but is a specifier of major depression"  While this can be an issue, there are definitely many ways to combat it.  With a strong demeanor and open mind, you can make it through those dark days of winter in Finland.


Here are 5 tips that might help


1. Exercise - Finns are crazy about their sports and it seems even more so in the winter than the summer.  I have noticed many large sporting halls that feature plenty of fun activities.  The more popular indoor sports in Finland include, badminton, swimming, squash, tennis, and salibandy (floor hockey).  I also notice that many people are out skating on the numerous ice rinks around town. People are also out Nordic walking (walking with ski poles) and of course the very popular cross-country skiing.  Just because it is cold and snowy outside doesn't mean Finns store their bikes for the winter.  They just throw on spiked tires and go about their daily routines on two wheels.  So, keep active and you will feel invigorated and energetic even during the darkest of days.


2. Stay social - Just because it is -10 Celsius outside and dark, doesn't mean you should burrow and hibernate for the winter.  It is important to get out and keep active in your social groups and clubs.


3. Enjoy the outdoors - The days may be shorter, but that doesn't mean you cannot get out and enjoy them. Take a walk in the nature, run or cross-country ski.  Breathe in the fresh Arctic air.


4. Shift your schedule - During the winter, try to shift your schedule to doing your work earlier and perhaps later in the day.  Take a few hours in the middle of the day when it is lightest to do your chores, personal stuff, exercise, etc.  


5. Indoor sunlamp therapy- This might sound silly, but it actually works.   In Finland they sell these special sun lamps which are like a giant light bulb that simulates the sunlight in your room.  You can adjust the light to your needs and monitor how long they are one, etc.  Instant sun energy is coming your way.  :)

Sun lamp for light therapy