Simple Ways to Stay Active and Motivated During Winter

Winter in Sweden can be a bit daunting, especially if you come from a country where winters aren’t this cold or this dark. I’m currently in the middle of my second winter over here, and while last year felt like a completely new experience, this year has been different in its own way. The darkness is still there, but it’s also noticeably colder. It’s pretty fascinating how each winter feels different, even in the same place.

One thing I’ve learned is that during the Swedish winter, staying physically active is more important than ever. When daylight is limited and the cold makes it tempting to stay indoors all day, movement can make a huge difference. And it’s not just physical, but mental as well. Just because it’s dark and cold outside doesn’t mean your body has to go into hibernation mode. There are still plenty of ways (in addition to the daily dose of vitamin D) to stay active, social, and motivated during the colder months.

Get Involved in Student Life

One of the easiest ways to stay active during winter is to participate in student activities. Student unions, associations, and (if you’re in cities like Uppsala or Lund) student nations continue organizing events even during the coldest months.

When the sun sets early, sometimes as early as 2 or 3 PM, it can be hard to motivate yourself to leave your apartment. But having a planned event, especially one where friends are attending or where you can meet new people, makes a big difference. It gives you a reason to go out, socialize, and feel connected instead of staying isolated indoors. Student activities don’t stop just because it’s winter. And honestly, this might be when they matter the most. So definitely look into events organized by your local student associations.

Embrace Winter Activities

Yes, it’s cold and dark. But winter in Sweden also brings opportunities you might not get anywhere else. Ice skating, skiing, building snowmen, or even having a simple snowball fight can turn the season into something genuinely fun. Sweden also makes these outdoor sports super accessible with the ability to rent out equipment for free from Fritidsbaken!

Personally, I’m currently learning how to ice skate for the first time, and it’s been a surprisingly enjoyable experience. It’s not something I would have ever tried if I didn’t live here, and winter is the only season when outdoor skating rinks are available. It’s a great excuse to get out of the house and try something new… even if you’re bad at it at first (which I definitely am). Winter doesn’t have to be something you just “get through.” It can also be something you experience!

Make the Gym a Routine

Winter is also a great time to focus on your fitness. Even if you’ve never been a gym person before, this season can be a surprisingly good starting point. Going to the gym regularly gives structure to your days and creates a reason to leave your apartment, even on days when nothing else is planned. You can read more about gyms and fitness in Sweden in general over here.

Once you build the habit, it can become something you genuinely look forward to. You move your body, break a sweat, and leave feeling more energized and fulfilled. It’s also a consistent way to stay active when outdoor options feel limited. And hey, summer is coming in a few months. Winter can be the perfect time to quietly prepare for it.

Saunas: Warm Up From the Inside

Another very Swedish solution to winter is the sauna. Whether it’s at the gym or a local facility, saunas are a great way to balance the cold temperatures outside. They help you relax, warm up, and give your body a much-needed reset, especially if you’re combining them with exercise.It’s not just about staying active, but also about recovery and feeling good in your body during a long season.

And saunas are a big culture over here in Sweden, and Scandinavia in general. I recently wrote a blog post about my experience with trying it out for the first time. You can read it here!

Change Your Study Environment

Finally, staying active doesn’t always mean working out. Sometimes, simply changing where you spend your time helps. Studying at the university library instead of at home can be a small but powerful way to get out of your apartment, see people, and feel more connected to student life, even on quieter days.

Winter in Sweden can feel long, dark, and isolating. But it doesn’t have to be inactive. Whether it’s through student events, winter sports, gym routines, or simply changing your environment, there are many ways to stay engaged, healthy, and connected during the colder months.

You don’t need to do everything! Even one small habit can make a big difference. Let me know in the comments below what other ways you might know to stay active during these cold winter months.