What we can learn from cold places

It's February. Half the U.S. is covered in ice. The news is depressing. (And newspapers are disappearing faster than wives on the Lifetime channel). In other words, things are a little rough right now.

But fear not! There are ways to handle the February blues! Just look at what they do in other really cold countries.

The happiest nations are the ones with the darkest winters. (Which forces everyone to get social.)

According to the 2025 World Happiness Report, Finland is the happiest country on earth. The other top nations are all nearby: Denmark, Iceland, Sweden and the Netherlands. What do they all have in common? They're really cold in the winter — which means people have to count on each other.

In Finland, for instance, when the dark days of February approach, people start planning regular get togethers in advance. (There's a saying: "Build the sauna, then the house.") In the Netherlands, people are encouraged to leave work earlier in the winter so they can see friends on their way home. In Sweden, communal coffee breaks, known as a fika, are so critical for productivity they're written into employment contracts.

All these tactics point to the same insight: You know this month is going to be rough. So fight the February blues by spending time with other people. (But that won't happen on it's own — you have to schedule it.)

But how do I schedule socialization? It's really hard to go outside.

Plan for the daylight hours, and make those plans specific.

In Iceland nearly the entire nation participates in monthly book exchanges known as Jólabókaflóð (literal translation: "Christmas Book Flood") that often feature dance parties, comedy shows and piles of cookies and cakes. In Basel, the city hosts a three-day February extravaganza, Basler Fasnacht, which is like Rio Carnival and Mardi Gras combined, but in polar fleece (and with even more nudity, which is impressive). On the northern coast of Scotland, cities burn Viking longships on the last Tuesday in January and cheer on the flames.

Research says these kinds of activities work because the best winter plans follow a formula: connection + movement + light (walking and chatting with a friend in the winter sun is better than having coffee inside). And it doesn't have to be long: the correct "dose", according to studies, is just 15 minutes.

Finally, remember that winter plans die in the dark. Build around the sunlight. ("Let's meet at 1:30" is better than "Let's meet after work.")

But what can I do when I'm alone?

There's a clinical name for the winter blues: Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD (to which I say: Nice job with the acronym, scientists).

Studies say SAD can be battled through a number of techniques, including:

• "Dawn simulation" via bright morning lights. There's lots of 'sunrise alarm clocks' that can nudge your brain into thinking that spring is near. Exposure to bright light after waking up triggers neurotransmitters associated with happiness — and makes it easier to fall asleep later.
• "High-density negative air ionization" has been shown to have antidepressant effects and fight SAD in clinical studies. I agree this idea sounds kooky — the air makes you happier! — but researchers say it works. The key is using a 'high-density' device, like this one or that one.
• Consistent sleep patterns are critical. Your body wants to change your sleep schedule when there's less daylight, but that screws up emotional regulation and physical health. So have a firm schedule of when you will put away your phone, turn off the lights, get into bed, and wake up. It can take a few evenings for your body to adapt — but the consistency works.

What's your winter hack? Let me know in the comments!

And, I had an article in the New Yorker about what scientists say about why MAGA has succeeded as a movement — and what the Democrats should learn. Check it out!​

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