How Did I Change After Living 5 Years In Scandinavia

I had the opportunity to study in live for 3 years in Copenhagen, Denmark and now it is my second year in Stockholm, Sweden. It is an experience that truly changed me in a number of ways. From the way I think about food and the environment, to my personal style and my approach to work-life balance, my time in this part of the world had a profound impact on me.

Here are just a few of the ways that Scandinavia changed me:

01

RECYCLING

Another thing that really stood out to me in Scandinavia was the focus on sustainability and the environment. One of the ways that this manifested itself was through the extremely efficient and effective recycling systems in place. Everywhere I went, there were clearly marked bins for different types of recyclable materials, and it was clear that the people of Scandinavia take recycling very seriously. This experience made a big impression on me and has influenced the way I think about waste and the environment.

02

STYLE

It's no secret that the people of Scandinavia have a reputation for being fashionable, and after spending some time there, I can definitely see why. From the sleek and stylish interiors of their homes and public spaces to the way they dress and accessorize, there's a certain aesthetic that is very appealing and chic. This experience has definitely influenced my own sense of style and the way I approach my own personal fashion choices.

03

VEGETARIANISM

One of the things that struck me most about Scandinavia was the prevalence of vegetarianism. While meat is still a part of the diet in this part of the world, there is a strong emphasis on plant-based eating and the consumption of locally-grown produce. This shift in my own eating habits had a huge impact on my overall health and well-being, and it's something that I've continued to prioritize even after returning home.

04

INTERIORS

Speaking of interiors, one of the things that really stood out to me in Scandinavia was the way that the people there approach the design and decoration of their homes. There's a focus on minimalism and functionality, with an emphasis on natural materials and a clean, uncluttered look. This has definitely influenced the way I think about my own home and the way I approach interior design.

05

WORK-LIFE BALANCE

Finally, one of the things that really impressed me about Scandinavia was the way that the people there approach work-life balance. There's a strong emphasis on the importance of taking time off and making sure to prioritize self-care, and this was something that I really took to heart during my time there. I've tried to incorporate this philosophy into my own life, and it's made a big difference in my overall happiness and well-being.

06

INFRASTRUCTURE

Another aspect of Scandinavia that really impressed me was the excellent infrastructure. Everywhere I went, the roads and public transportation systems were smooth and efficient, making it easy to get around and explore. This was a really refreshing change from what I'm used to, and it made my time in Scandinavia all the more enjoyable.

Overall, my time in Scandinavia was truly transformative, and I came away from the experience with a new appreciation for the way of life there. From the emphasis on vegetarianism and sustainability to the stylish interiors and focus on work-life balance, there are so many things about Scandinavia that I admire and that have influenced me in a positive way.

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See you next time,
Arina