Face the winter with spring in your step!

Have you noticed that the days are getting longer? Even though we’re in the heart of winter, spring is closer than you can imagine. You might not feel it yet, but daylight is already increasing, lifting our spirits and reminding us that spring is on its way.

Speaking of spring, Wappu is only about a hundred days away! It’s hard to believe that the exciting events and celebrations of the year’s biggest student event are fast approaching. Prepare yourself mentally, because it will be here before you know it!

As spring approaches, it’s important to keep an eye on your wellbeing. Don’t forget to take breaks, eat well, and take your vitamin D. Remember, winter can also be enjoyable. Cold weather doesn’t have to mean your health and wellbeing suffer.

Even though it can be hard to stay active and go outside, winter creates a certain magic. The general principle applies: If you can’t change it, embrace it. This is especially true with the Finnish winter. Get moving and conquer the season.

Around this time of year, you might crave new activities. Are you familiar with winter swimming? During these dark months, it’s a great way to boost your mood and energy. Winter swimming has numerous health benefits like increased dopamine production and improved circulation. Some might say swimming in ice-cold water is the perfect way to tackle winter’s obstacles. Give it a try but beware, you might get hooked!

If swimming in icy waters doesn’t appeal to you, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy winter. Ice skating, cross-country skiing, and sledding are all great alternatives to embrace the season. Try them with a friend! You can even borrow equipment from places like libraries. Sledding can be done with an Ikea bag. Having fun doesn’t have to be expensive!

Winter is all about dressing properly. Multiple thin layers are often warmer than a single thick coat. Protecting yourself from the conditions is crucial. Did you know that the bridge between Vaasa city center and Palosaari is jokingly called The Siberia Simulator? If you can cross that bridge with a smile in freezing temperatures, you can survive anything. 

With spring, the sun returns. Rays of light remind us to appreciate the little sunny moments in life. Believe it or not, the sun is already starting to warm you up! Step outside between study sessions and lectures to do wonders for your mood. It might be tempting to eat leftovers at your desk, but try to get moving. If you’re studying from home, take a walk and grab lunch on campus!

Our campus looks particularly beautiful right now, especially during sunrise and sunset. It doesn’t always look like it, but Vaasa is the sunniest city in Finland. Appreciate those little moments of sunshine for bringing light into your life. The peace of the winter season and the moments outside in the cold prepare you for the fresh energy and light of the upcoming spring. In the meantime, embrace, adapt, and overcome - and make the most of this season!

Maaria Salminen
Board Member, Social affairs                         

Juuso Tynjälä
Board Member, International affairs