The Best Countries for Mental Wellbeing in Winter 

With the weather already getting colder and days becoming shorter and shorter, you might already be feeling the beginning of the winter blues. Some countries are better than others when it comes to providing an environment that supports mental wellbeing in the winter – from those with the longest hours of sunshine, to cultural practices that promote a positive attitude to winter, and access to mental health care. 

According to Google trend data, searches for “best country mental health” have risen by 385% in the past month, so whether you’re thinking of planning a couple of weeks in the sun, or maybe even permanently relocating to somewhere new, travel expert Justin Chapman at Go2Africa reveals the best countries for wintertime mental wellbeing and what makes them rank so highly.

FINLAND 

According to the World Happiness Report, people in Finland are some of the happiest in the world – even though winter is their longest season, lasting three to seven months, depending on where you are in the country. So why are they so happy? 

It’s not all about sunshine! Finland has a well-established work-life balance, where workers have flexible working hours that often allow for outdoor breaks during the brightest part of the day to get as much sunlight as possible, substantial annual leave, and a strong respect for personal time – and this balance, leading to lower stress levels and reduced burnout, is essential in the long winters. Finnish employers are known for supporting the mental health of their employees, especially during winter, with many providing mental health days or access to therapy. 

Mental health awareness is emphasised by the Finnish government, who run national campaigns to educate people on how to look after their mental wellbeing, especially during winter. 

But it gets little too cold, try a sauna. The sauna is a big part of Finnish life, and studies have shown that sauna use can improve mental wellbeing by relieving stress and promoting relaxation, and the heat promotes the release of endorphins, which are natural mood elevators. 

KENYA

Located on the equator, Kenya has a warm climate throughout the year with consistent sunshine – if you’re looking to escape the dark and gloom of winter, Kenya gets more than 12 hours of daylight each day in January. This can help regulate the body’s circadian rhythm and boost serotonin levels to improve your mood. 

Safaris in Kenya are best between January and March, when the climate is mild, mostly dry and game viewing is fantastic – and it’s during those months when it could provide the best mental health benefits due to the long hours of daylight. 

Sunshine is crucial for producing vitamin D, which is important for mood regulation and overall mental wellbeing. Getting enough daylight can help reduce symptoms of season affective disorder (SAD) by regulating levels of serotonin and melatonin, which impact mood and sleep, and multiple studies have shown that connecting with nature can help mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Outdoor activities like hiking release endorphins which boost your mood, and being immersed in nature and observing wildlife can reduce stress and promote mindfulness. 

DENMARK 

Denmark is famous for “hygge”, the concept that emphasises self-care, coziness, comfort, and spending time with loved ones – and studies have shown that it has a positive impact on mental health. Hygge creates an environment of relaxation and emotional wellbeing, especially during the dark winter months. 

Denmark has a well-developed mental health system, with counselling and therapy services are available to all, no matter their financial situation – psychological treatment is even free to those aged 18 – 24 – and they also enjoy universal health care, affordable housing, and generous parental leave, all of which contributes to lower stress levels and a greater sense of wellbeing. 

Danes also prioritise work-life balance, with generous annual leave and flexible working hours allowing employees to have more time for the active and outdoorsy lifestyle that they’re known for. This time spent outdoors, with activities like hiking and cycling, reduces stress, boosts energy levels, and improves mood. 

PORTUGAL 

The Algarve sees approximately 2800 hours of sunshine annually, over 200 hours more than the European average. This includes having 9 – 10 hours of daylight per day in winter, which is significantly more than other European countries – this high level of sunshine helps with the production of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter linked to mood regulation. 

Studies have suggested that a Mediterranean diet is associated with a lower risk of depression, with the high content of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins contributing to improved mood and cognitive function, supporting brain health and emotional stability. 

Portuguese culture emphasises family and community, which provides a strong support network that is beneficial for mental health; studies have shown that social support reduces stress and improves overall wellbeing.

AUSTRALIA 

Another country famous for its sunshine is Australia; Perth and Brisbane are some of the sunniest cities in the world, with over 3200 hours of sunshine a year – getting the most sunshine when it’s winter in the northern hemisphere.  

Australia’s outdoor living culture and love of activities like hiking and surfing not only promotes physical health, but also supports mental wellbeing, as well as the community aspect of beach outings, camping, and playing sports further contributing to mental health through social interaction. 

The work culture in Australia also supports a good work-life balance, with a focus on relaxation and leisure time, which helps reduce stress, burnout, mental fatigue, and improves overall wellbeing. 

Photo by Kalen Emsley on Unsplash