If you’ve ever heard the old adage that “nothing in nature blooms all year round, so don’t expect yourself to”, you’ll already know a thing or two about embracing the winter mindset.

For Niki Brantmark, founder of My Scandinavian Home and author of the new book Njuta: The Swedish Art Of Savoring The Moment, soaking up this wisdom is key to enjoying winter the Scandi way. “While summer is a season full of energy, the cold and darkness in winter lends itself to spending time relaxing, cosying up indoors, reading good books or bingeing Netflix series and indulging in hearty stews,” she says.

Cecilia Blomdahl, a Swedish YouTuber and author whose new book, Life On Svalbard, details her life living on a remote Norwegian island close to the North Pole, agrees that mindset is key to navigating the cold and darkness that winter brings.

“I grew up in Sweden, where winters are cold and dark, so I thought I’d be well-prepared for Svalbard’s winter, but the winters here are on a whole other level – during Polar Night, we experience three whole months without any daylight,” she explains. “It’s a truly unique experience that requires some adjustment, but once you embrace the beauty of it all, I find it becomes my favourite time of year.”

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