The days are getting shorter, cloudier and overall darker. It is 30°C in your home country right now and you have no idea how to survive the next couple of months? Then this list is for you.
1. Go out whenever the sun is shining. Look out the window now. Is it shining? Then what are you doing? Go out!
2. People say there is no bad weather, just bad clothing – while that seems untrue for the Lundian climate you should still buy a winter coat, hat, gloves and scarf as soon as possible. You will deeply regret not having done this when January shows its ugly, cold face.
3. Stock up on your favorite tea flavors. A good cup of tea makes every gray day better.
4. Enjoy the fall flavors. Eat pumpkin soup or have an American friend bake you some pumpkin pie. It tastes like everything good about fall!
5. Make sure your body gets enough vitamin D. If you cannot get it all from sunlight, you can eat more salmon, egg yolks and vitamin D-enhanced dairy products or juices.
6. Get excited for your favorite fall holiday by thinking about Thanksgiving dinner, your Halloween costume or making a jack-o’-lantern. If you don’t have any holiday traditions, ask your international friends about theirs and tag along.
7. Go have fika with your friends and eat some Swedish goodies – the sugar will boost your mood (at least temporary). And really is there ever a time a kanelbulle is not a good idea?!
8. You like sports? Get into Swedish ice hockey. The SHL season started in September and the interesting part is still to come. Pick a team (the Malmö Redhawks, maybe?) and follow their season. Playoffs will be in March and April 2016.
9. Ice hockey is not your thing? Book a trip to a fun place for December or January. Warm or cold doesn’t matter but it’s good to have something to look forward to.
10. Get creative with what fall has to offer. Dry and press some yellow or red leaves – they will look pretty when framed on your wall back in your home country.
11. Take advantage of the beautiful colors outside. Stroll around the city and don’t forget to bring your camera. The botanical gardens are still pretty at this time of year.
12. It is easy to try and stick out the bad weather inside but don’t become a hermit even when you feel like it! Human interaction will lift your mood in no time.
