Happy fall to everyone who loves and lives for this time of year.
Autumn has always been a melancholic season for me. My mood shifts dramatically as the season transitions from fall to winter in November. I grew up two hours away from Norway’s capital, I’ve lived in Oslo for almost 10 years.
I originally used to live in the north of Norway, a place where the aurora lights dance across the winter skies. But I was born and raised in Sudan. My father immigrated to Norway in the late 90s and early 2000s, seeking a better future for me, my siblings, and my mother. He also wanted to support our extended family from abroad.
The Impact of Weather on Our Moods
Now that you know a bit of my background, let’s explore how the weather in Norway profoundly affects Norwegians and Scandinavians in general, including myself. Over the years, I’ve learned to better separate my emotions from the impact of the weather.
Although I manage my emotions better now as an adult, there are still moments during the darkest days of December that deeply affect me.
In this article, we’ll discuss how the weather in the north influences our moods and how we cope with more than four months of cold, long, dark days in the hemisphere.
Connecting with Nature can Boost your Mental Health – Learn how
Growing up, I loved snow! I had many friends who invited me on their ski adventures and snowmobile rides. I even tried to get my snowmobile license, driven by peer pressure. This wasn’t a negative thing—I enjoyed it!
However, I quickly realized my interest in it wasn’t as strong as I thought. I was competent, but I wasn’t close to becoming an expert like some of my friends. Nevertheless, I cherished the shared hobbies we had.
In 9th and 10th grade, these activities dominated our weekends and afternoons. Nowadays, I notice that kids are less active in nature, which is unfortunate. But there’s still hope. I encourage every young person to be as active as possible in nature from an early age. Not only does it promote healthier choices, but it’s also a gift from Allah that we shouldn’t take for granted.
There are proven health benefits to spending time in nature, such as improved metabolism as you age. I can personally attest to this, as I was very active as a child. My dad took us on long bike rides, my uncle brought us to the woods around our home in Sudan, and my friends’ families encouraged us to play outside as much as possible.
In Sudan, my granddad had a farm with all sorts of fascinating animals. We grew up drinking raw milk from the cows there, and as a little girl, I was mesmerized by these wonderful creatures. I also remember when my father enrolled me in horse riding classes in Norway, which I loved and attended every summer. These experiences nurtured my love for nature and the animals that live in it—a perfect combination.
Reconnecting with Nature as an Adult
Something changed when I entered my late teenage years. I got caught up in typical “teenage stuff,” but I still tried to stay connected with nature. Understanding when and why we lose touch with our past interests can help us avoid completely disconnecting from them.
Now, as an adult, my inner child yearns for nature just as I did when I was younger. I want to take horse riding classes again and go on bike rides with my dad in the summer. I’m even considering renting a snowmobile and taking myself on a solo journey through the mountains.
The older I get, the more drawn I am to the life I once had. The adult figures in my life instilled in me the values of fresh air, the woods, and finding peace in nature.
Growing up in northern Norway, the weather didn’t affect me much. However, in my early 20s, I started noticing mood changes as winter approached. In my teenage years, hormonal changes took over the impact of the weather, so I didn’t notice it as much.
Adapting to City Life in Oslo
I moved to Oslo, the capital of Norway, in 2017. That was around the time when winters in the city started to bring less snow. The snow that did fall often turned slushy, a huge contrast to the winters of my childhood. But I didn’t mind! I enjoyed living in a place with less snow and shorter winter months.
In Norway, the darkest and coldest days typically come in late December. This year, however, the coldest days in Oslo were in February, setting new records. The extreme cold made it nearly impossible to function outside: everyone’s faces were grimaced against the biting wind.
Wool clothing became a necessity, and the cold air felt both punishing and refreshing. Oh and the new record hit the media nationally this entire month. Still till this day we talk about it every now and then.
The Magic and Challenge of Norway’s Climate
Despite the challenges, Norway’s air is the freshest and cleanest I’ve ever experienced. You can fall in love with the country just for this reason alone. And the water! Norway’s easily accessible, fresh water is something I’ve come to deeply appreciate.
We take it for granted over here, but it is a privilege to have tap water as clean water in every household – all for free!
Contrasting Climates: Los Angeles vs. Norway
In contrast, Los Angeles has a very different climate. The West Coast of the United States experiences mostly one season: a sunny, canary-like climate year-round.
The temperature drops slightly in December and January, but it’s still pleasant to be outside. I never felt cold and never needed a coat (not even as fashion). Los Angeles is great for long beach days.
I highly recommend El-Matador Beach in Malibu for a day or two. It is such a wonderful and peaceful place with mountains and huge rocks and sand everywhere. You can enjoy reading a book, have lunch here (lots of great seafood restaurants) or bring with you some snacks.
The waves can get very intense so be aware of this if you decide to take a deep dive into the ocean and you might have to chase the sun during gloomy days as Malibu is known for being cloudy. This is because you get so far high in the mountains along the coast. Which also means the views from here are gorgeous!
However, the air in Los Angeles is dry, and there’s no fresh water running from the faucets like in Norway. You have to buy water bottles, as is common in many countries outside of Scandinavia. Although this didn’t bother me much, I occasionally forgot and turned on the tap water out of habit. Fortunately, there are endless options to filter water, so it’s not a huge issue.
Living in Los Angeles made me realize the privileges I had growing up in Norway, especially when I compared my experiences with those of my American friends.
Learning about American culture taught me valuable life lessons and reinforced the importance of gratitude. Coming from Sudan, I always knew I had much to be thankful for.
Reflections on Growing Up in Sudan
In Sudan, I experienced life in a country in conflict. The tension was noticeable, which is why so many people flee in search of a brighter future. People don’t leave their birth countries without a valid reason, especially when their leaders can’t establish peace.
My interest in politics grew out of my experiences living in a war-torn country. It’s heartbreaking to think of those who didn’t make it out in search of a better life. May Allah reward them for their patience. These are the people I think about the most in my adulthood. The less fortunate will have bigger rewards in the afterlife. The latter is what calms me.
Verdict: Embracing the Charms of Three Worlds
Each country I’ve lived in has its unique charms. Sudan gave me siblings, a close-knit extended family, and a deep understanding of love and respect. My heritage is in this country with memories I still reminisce about till this day.
It taught me my religion and values, surrounded by dedicated scholars and imams. It´s nature, the Sahara and the Blue Nile is just some of the lands popular sceneries. I have yet to revisit my homeland again since 2005. I cannot wait for an opportunity to go here and visit my endless extended family members which I still keep contact with.
Norway, on the other hand, shaped me into an adult. My parents raised me with our cultural values, even in a foreign country. Here, I learned new languages, explored my passions, and gained an appreciation and respect for different cultures and religions. Norway has four very strong seasons which really made me aware of all the emotions weather can leave you with. It forces you to get better and grow mentally.
Los Angeles introduced me to a vibrant, opportunistic mindset, surrounded by ambitious people who inspired me to grow. I loved living in a city where the sun shines all day, every day. Humidity and gloomy seasons are just part of the West Coast, which you quickly get used to.
I found myself becoming happier in a city with consistent year-round weather. This might be because my melanin-rich skin and overall lack of vitamin D in the northern hemisphere never quite adjust to the winter and chilly days here in Norway.
Sudan taught me family values, manners, and the importance of compassion. Norway gave me stability, education, and endless memories. Los Angeles challenged me, pushing me to grow mentally and spiritually. Each place has left its mark on me, shaping who I am today.
Simple Tips to Boost Your Mood During Seasonal Changes
As the seasons change before our eyes, it’s important to remember that time is a key element. While we all have our daily routines, try adjusting them based on the seasonal shift.
Create a safe space for yourself where you feel in control. For example, make changes like updating your home, apartment, or room décor for each season. Plan a vacation either solo or with a loved one. Having something exiting to look forward to and really boost your mood.
As fall approaches try set your alarm earlier, and start your day with a healthy morning routine where you cleans and get ready for the day, a short neighborhood or park-walk, or work from your nearest coffee shop.
I also highly recommend to stock up for all the necessary vitamins and supplements which you will need during this time. If you plan to start a gym membership and get active here, this is the perfect time to begin! Fall allows you to consume more proteins and we (gym freaks like myself) eat a lot more during fall and winter season. We call it the “bulk season”.
Consider changing your wardrobe for the season. I like to pack away all my fall and winter clothes during spring and summer, and then switch them back when it gets colder.
Storing fall and winter clothes together for warmer months, and spring/summer clothes for colder ones, helps me stay organized and dress appropriately for each season. It also gives me more space for new outfits and helps declutter pieces I no longer use. Sustainability is a classy move that I truly stand by!
In the fall, I love getting dressed in my cutest and classiest outfits: a long coat, a thick scarf wrapped around my neck, knee-high or ankle boots, paired with a high-neck dress. I also love layering pieces of garments or long knitted maxi dresses paired with boots and majestic coats/leather jackets. Layered outfits is iconic.
Fun fact: As a Muslim girl, autumn fashion are the best thing about this season! And let’s not even start on the beauty of nature’s changing colors, the crisp scents, and the stunning sunsets and sunrises. In my bag, I usually carry a good book, my journal and pen, chargers, phone, MacBook, and headphones. Good quality hand cream and lip balm is also a must!
I enjoy walking to the nearest park while catching up on my favorite podcast, savoring the scenes of kids and pets playing, couples enjoying their time together, and runners passing by. Some people are lost in their books or phones, while others, like me, are simply enjoying the moment.
I top it all off with a hot chai latte with extra cinnamon and caramel drizzle at my favorite local coffee shop to complete the fall vibe. While I usually sit in the middle of the café, during fall, I prefer sitting by the window to people-watch and scribble in my journal. Sometimes I write new articles or read my book.
Small changes, like going to the park or ordering seasonal drinks, can really lift your mood. Forget the negative thoughts about the upcoming cold winter for now. We’ll cover how to tackle winter seasonal depression in another article. For now, set yourself up for a great autumn with a refreshed mindset, which will only benefit you.
Changing your wardrobe and storing away seasonal clothes can help you develop a healthy habit of not stressing about what to wear as the colder weather arrives. Spending less time on clothing decisions in the morning will help ease your mind. Starting your day earlier can positively impact the rest of your day.
Autumn and winter can feel longer because the days are shorter, especially for Muslims. If you live in Europe, you’re probably familiar with how quickly prayer times follow one another. You can often manage with one wudu for the entire day until Isha approaches.
In the small town I grew up in Norway, Isha is sometimes due at 2 p.m. during winter, and it’s already pitch dark by that time. Making the most of these shorter days can change your perspective on the seasonal shift, and you’ll naturally gravitate toward your goals by managing your time well.
Final Thoughts
Thank you for reading. I hope this piece gave you some inspiration of how to welcome a new weather season, or perhaps visit a new country where you either chase chilly days or warm sunsets.
Be sure to visit again soon for more articles about not just my perspective of life, but also the amazing stories of the writers at InspireHerFaith.com. Don’t forget to bookmark this website on your mobile or desktop for more inspiring content and new topics in the near future.
Share with friends and family!
Follow us on social media
