This was something my friends and I were actually just joking about this morning. It was the first time in two weeks that sun came out and we were all saying how we all felt so much more energized, motivated, and happy just from seeing the sun. I can personally tell you that extended periods of short days without sunlight is quite stifling and unsettling. We don't think about it often, but the sun plays a big role in regulating your physical and mental health. Studies have shown that a lack of sunlight can actually lead to a form of depression, reduce your motivation and productivity, and weaken your body's immune system!
When I asked one of my friends this question, she responded with "travel to Thailand every winter and get ready to sunbathe if it's [64° F] out". I think her light-hearted response indicates the attitude adopted by the Swedish people upon accepting the reality of their environment. My friend tells me that they try to keep their minds off the dreary weather by working out, taking care of pets, hosting social events, going out for dinner and karaoke... pretty much doing whatever gives them energy. Her answers led me to speculate that, maybe this is how "fika culture" caught traction in Sweden. "Fika" is the time where friends get together for coffee and a sweet treat.
One last thing I wanted to mention: I recently learned that some people use light therapy as another way of combating seasonal depression. During therapy, you sit next to and work by a "light therapy box," which is a device that generates artificial light mimicking the tone and brightness of natural sunlight.
