Science Friday The Science Of Thriving In Winter—By Embracing It
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Dec 25, 2025 
In a captivating discussion, health psychologist Dr. Kari Leibowitz, author of 'How to Winter', shares her journey from a winter skeptic to an advocate for embracing the season. She reveals how Arctic cultures leverage their harsh climates to thrive, employing practices like saunas and cold plunges. Dr. Leibowitz emphasizes the power of small pleasures—like cozy rituals and playful outdoor activities with pets—to reframe winter positively. She also discusses strategies for cultivating a joyful mindset and rebranding winter through uplifting language.
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Converted By Living In The Arctic
- Dr. Kari Leibowitz moved to northern Norway to study how people thrive in extreme winters and transformed from a winter hater to a winter lover.
- Her lived experience there exposed her to cultural practices and mindset shifts that reshaped her relationship with winter.
Extreme Winters Encourage Adaptation
- Places with extreme winters often show lower rates of seasonal affective disorder because cultures adapt behaviorally and infrastructurally.
- Recognizing winter's effects makes adaptation natural rather than pathologizing normal seasonal responses.
Build Winter-Only Rituals
- Create seasonal rituals that leverage what winter uniquely offers, like saunas, cold plunges, or winter sports.
- Make these activities annual treats you can look forward to so winter holds positive meaning.