In winter, when the thermometer drops, finding a way to stay warm without going crazy can seem like a challenge. Yet, in the coldest countries in the world, the cold has never been a problem, thanks to solutions that are both ancient and innovative. Let’s discover together seven practical and cultural techniques to face winter without suffering.
How to resist frost, examples from the world
From China to Japan, from Finland to Sweden, each culture has developed specific strategies for living with frost. It’s not just about keeping warm, but about improving the quality of life, making winter a less hostile season. Whether it’s through the warmth of a heated blanket, an energy food, or even a bath in ice water, the secrets to dealing with the cold are more varied and surprising than we imagine.
In Sweden, cold showers and baths in freezing water to cultivate “brown fat”
In Sweden, one of the most common practices for living with the cold is cultivate brown fata particular adipose tissue that helps the body generate heat. How is it done? With exposure to cold. THE swimming in freezing waters and the cold showers These are two very popular methods. Even just finishing your shower with a blast of ice-cold water can help stimulate this “life-saving” fat. It seems like a small sacrifice, but the benefits are incredible: greater resistance to the cold and a more efficient metabolism.
Philosophy hygge Danish: it’s not just furniture, it’s a hug for the soul
The Danes have made winter an opportunity to find serenity again. Thanks to the concept of hyggetransform their homes into welcoming refuges. No large investments are needed: a soft blanket, candles lit everywhere and lamps with a warm light (below 3300 kelvin) are enough. Colors also matter: warm shades such as red, combined with beige and wood, can create visually “warmer” environments. The goal is simple: to make us feel at ease, even when the temperature outside is freezing.
In Japan, the kotatsu it is the center of the house
On long winter nights, the Japanese gather around the kotatsua small table with a blanket and a built-in heater. Your legs stay warm while you eat, watch TV or chat with your family. If you want to recreate a DIY kotatsu, all you need is a small table covered with a thick blanket and a hot water bottle (or a yutanpo, traditional Japanese bags). It is a solution that is as economical as it is effective for keeping warm without having to heat the whole house.
Dressing like an onion: the Finnish strategy for the cold
In Finland, the cold is never an obstacle. The solution is simple: dress in layers. The first layer must be breathable and technical to keep moisture away. The second, in fleece or insulating fabric, guarantees warmth, while the third, waterproof, protects from the elements. This method, as simple as it is effective, allows you to face even the most extreme temperatures, without sacrificing comfort.
Tibetan visualization: when heat comes from the mind
THE Tibetan monks they use the toumoa breathing and visualization technique that allows you to generate body heat. The exercise consists of imagining a flame lit in your stomach, radiating heat throughout your body. By repeating the practice, the perception of cold decreases. It’s a way to demonstrate how the mind can influence the body, even in the most difficult situations.
Canada: Keeping your feet warm is the golden rule
Canadians know well that, to combat the cold, it is essential to keep your feet warm. The secret weapon? Wool felt insoles, to be inserted into shoes. This simple trick not only allows you to endure freezing temperatures, but also ensures comfort during long winter walks.
China: strengthen it yang with foot baths and warming foods
In China, traditional medicine teaches that winter is the season of yin, so yang must be supported with specific techniques and foods. Epsom salt foot baths, practiced daily, are a method to stimulate the kidney meridian and warm the entire body. For food, ginger and cinnamon are essential for generating internal heat. And then there is bone broth, considered a true natural medicine, capable of warming, strengthening and nourishing the body in the colder months.
