‘Winter is coming’ is probably the most used sentence since I got here. Not only the Swedes, but also other international students who are here since last year warned me about winter. In the beginning I was kinda sceptical about it. How bad could it be? I want to be honest with you and not only write about the good things. But winter depression is a thing.
The sun is already going down around three in the afternoon, it’s getting colder and you can count the sunny days on one hand. Vitamin D supplements are my best friend in here. Every morning the first thing I do is swallowing my vitamin D pill with some water. Okay there are days were I forget taking them. That’s probably why I don’t feel any difference yet… So don’t do like me. Take your vitamins daily and start taking them before winter is kicking in.
There are some days that I wake up, open the curtains, look outside, and don’t feel like doing anything besides laying in my warm cozy bed while watching a Netflix series. But that won’t help your winter depression. The best thing you can do is go outside even if it’s freezing and raining. You will feel so much more energized, I promise.
The positive thing about these dark days is that you appreciate the sun more when it’s shining. I often took the sun for granted and stayed inside even when it was sunny. But Sweden tought me to go out the second the sun appears and be outside as much as I can.
So, if you are considering going to Sweden for a long time, know that winter is coming. Start taking your vitamins in time, go outside even if the weather is not nice, eat a lot of fruits and vegetables and you will survive.
… And remember after winter spring is coming 😉
Dromomania 