The Long Summer Days Affect Daily Life In Finland

                                         #Changes in daily routines#

In Finland, the long summer days deeply impact daily life, shaping the country's culture, daily routines, and even the mindset of its people. Due to its geographical location, Finland experiences extreme variations in daylight hours throughout the year. During the summer, especially in the northern parts of the country above the Arctic Circle, the sun can remain above the horizon for several days. This phenomenon, known as the Midnight Sun, plays an important role in the way people live, work, and interact during the summer months.The long summer days have the greatest impact on daily routines. In Finland, the long hours of daylight often mean that people alter their schedules to make the most of the natural light. The sun usually rises quite early, around 4:00 pm in the southern parts of the country and even earlier in the northern regions. Similarly, the sun sets quite late, sometimes after 11:00 pm. This longer daylight enables Finnish people to spend more time outdoors and engage in a variety of activities that may be difficult during the long, dark winters. For many, this means changes to the workday. While not everyone is able to take full advantage of the increased hours of daylight, some may choose to start their workday earlier in order to finish their tasks earlier in the evening. Businesses can operate with longer hours, as daylight creates a feeling of energy and productivity. For example, many people go outside for a walk, swim, or enjoy nature after work, as the bright evenings offer an invitation to be active.

                           #Outdoor Activities Promoted#

The long summer days also create an ideal environment for outdoor activities. Finnish people have a deep connection to nature, and the endless daylight makes it easy to engage in outdoor pastimes. Popular activities include hiking, cycling, and camping, as well as water-based activities like swimming, boating, and fishing. Pristine lakes and forests are the main features of the Finnish landscape, and many people take full advantage of the summer season and spend weekends or even entire holidays in the countryside or at summer cottages, known as "mökki".The midnight sun provides a unique opportunity to go hiking or fishing at unusual times. For example, it is not uncommon for people to participate in late night swimming or hiking because the light remains constant. This ability to engage in outdoor recreation during a time usually reserved for rest or sleep creates a sense of freedom and adventure. It is also a great time for people who love photography, as the soft, golden light at night creates stunning natural scenes.Social life in Finland is also greatly influenced by the long summer days. The extended daylight creates a favorable environment for gatherings, barbecues, and outdoor festivals. Finnish people enjoy their summer holidays and vacations, and the long summer days provide plenty of time for socializing with family and friends. During midsummer, which is one of Finland's most important holidays, people flock to their summer cottages to celebrate with loved ones, enjoy the midnight sun, and take part in traditions such as dancing and singing around bonfires.The long daylight hours also encourage people to engage in spontaneous outdoor activities with friends and neighbors. Cafes, restaurants, and bars have plenty of outdoor seating, as people take advantage of the warm evenings to socialize. Social gatherings are also more frequent in the summer months, as the longer days bring a festive atmosphere to daily life.

                       #Effects on sleep patterns and health#

The long summer days can also affect sleep patterns. The constant daylight can make it difficult for some people to fall asleep at a reasonable time, leading to disrupted sleep. This can be particularly challenging for children or people who are sensitive to light. To combat this, many Finnish homes and buildings use thick curtains or blackout blinds that help create darkness in the bedroom, creating a better sleep environment despite the light outside.Interestingly, many Finns thrive in the summer months. The extra sunlight increases levels of serotonin, a hormone associated with mood regulation, which can improve mental health. For many, the abundance of sunlight is a source of energy and happiness, helping to counter the long, dark winters caused by the lack of daylight. Thus, summer represents a time of rejuvenation, when people feel more connected to their surroundings and their communities.Culturally, the long days of summer hold special significance in Finland. The concept of “sisu” or perseverance and resilience is deeply embedded in Finnish culture, and summer days are a time of great joy and a great opportunity to embrace nature and the challenges it presents.

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