Beat the Blues: From Winter Blues to Embracing Winter
When you first arrive in Finland to begin your studies, the semester typically starts in September. By then, it is late summer, transitioning into autumn, with plenty of sunlight and crisp, pleasant weather, not too hot, not too cold, just right. However, as the semester progresses, the days slowly get shorter, and the weather shifts, often catching you off guard. Before you know it, it is already cold, dark, and snowy, and the long summer days feel like a distant memory.
While I had experienced winter during my studies in South Korea, the Finnish winter was a whole new ball game, a bit more challenging, with its biting cold and endless darkness. What struck me most about the Finnish winter was how rare sunlight becomes, which can have a noticeable impact on your well-being. Moving to Finland, I gained a deeper understanding of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and quickly realized that taking care of my mental health in such a tough environment required deliberate and intentional effort. Without this, the cold and darkness could easily lead to isolation, making it difficult to stay motivated and connected.
As a newcomer to Finland, I did not have a strong social network to lean on, which made adjusting to winter a bit harder. Thankfully, Aalto University offers great support through events like "Beat the Blues," organized by the Starting Point of Wellbeing team. These events are specifically designed to help students navigate the winter months by fostering connection and offering practical tips on how to thrive in the cold, dark season. Whether it is advice on maintaining energy levels, tips for staying active, or ways to find joy during the winter, these sessions are a great resource.
So, if you are finding winter in Finland a bit daunting, and you are studying at Aalto University, attending “Beat the Blues” is an absolute must. Not only will you gain useful tips for surviving the winter, but it is also a good opportunity to meet new people and build connections that will make this season more enjoyable.
Interested in joining the next "Beat the Blues"? Learn more about it by following the link below: https://www.aalto.fi/en/support-services-for-students/beat-the-blues-brings-international-students-together-and-supports-wellbeing
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