There's something I've been thinking about lately and today I decided to finally write about it.
I've published a couple of snowy photos in the past two weeks as it's the season, it's winter and although snow should be normal, it isn't. It is becoming a rarity as time passes. Yesterday I also wrote that it's cold. This morning was -13°C outside. I was expecting some funny reactions as I know quite many of you have never seen snow, let alone experience such low temperatures.
We have users from all over the world, which means normal means different things to us. For me, it is normal to have four seasons (although we only have 3 lately) and temperatures between -20°C and +35°C (give or take). Others only have 2 seasons, the dry and the rainy season and their wardrobe consists of summer clothes and maybe a few long sleeve items.
Getting out of your comfort zone is always a challenge, some like to do it all the time, while others are better off in their cozy corner, enjoying what they got used to.
I was thinking what would be the worst for me, if I would change location unwillingly and would be forced to live in another country. This time I'm not talking about economical hardship, or criminality. Those are major factors, but today I'm not interested in discussing those.
I'm going to list a few things I would definitely not like, not in any particular order though.
Photo by Wolfgang Hasselmann on Unsplash
Extreme Heat
One of the things that would make my life miserable is extreme heat. We know there are countries where the temperature can rise to 45°C and the average temperature is around 28°C. Summer can be hot here as well and we sometimes have +35°C, even higher, close to +40°C, but only for a few days, a week max. When there's so hot, I feel like my brain is not functioning as normal. My productivity is reduced and the only thing I'm praying for is for the day to be over.
Obviously we have air conditioning, which helps a lot, but even with air conditioning, you are a prisoner locked inside the four walls. So as long as you stay inside you're ok, when you go out, you get a heat shock as the difference between the inside temperature and the outside one is huge. Maybe in time I would get used to it, but I still prefer moderate temperatures during summer. My energy level is higher, my mood is better, so if I can choose, I would never choose those countries for long term living.
Lack Of Space
When it comes to space, we all have different preferences. Some prefer to live in a 10 bedroom house, even if they only use 2 of them, just to show people they are wealthy and when you look into their finances, you see that everything is owned by the bank. In Europe, we don't have such habits. I personally prefer as much space I a usually use. Having a couple of spare rooms for guests is nice, but it's not necessarily a must at all costs.
Not long ago I was watching a video about Japan's housing problems and how every little space is utilized, transformed into something. Everything is multifunctional, every little corner is used, which looks like a nice and a smart solution, but being locked in such a tiny room, full of all things may have an impact on my mental health long term.
If you grow up not having much space, maybe it would be easier, but moving from a comfortable flat to a very tiny and crowded room, would be a nightmare for me long term.
Photo by Alp Duran on Unsplash
Light
Last year I had a chat with a someone on Hive, who was complaining about the constant noise outside his flat. He said there was always a construction site around the apartment building he was living in and that there was noise till late night. I remember I told him I am willing to sacrifice space to have quiet and light and I mean that.
I grew up in a sunny place and have always loved light. No matter how bad your day is, or how cold it is outside, some light can work wonders, can brighten your day and change your mood significantly as well.
I was thinking, how it would feel like to live in Norway for example, where the sun rises at 9am during winter and sets at 3pm. Now imagine having a 9 to 5 job, or a 8 to 4 job. You leave home when it's still dark and come home when it's already dark. You spend the most precious hours of the day, at your workplace and you never get to enjoy a little sun or some light. Living a couple of months like that can have a serious impact on your mood and mental health as well. No wonder winter depression is so common in Nordic countries.
I could go on with the list, but I think these are the major ones. These are three things that I am always careful of, no matter where I go. When in vacation, I try to look for suitable accommodation and make my stay enjoyable.
So what about you?
If you're a newbie, you may want to check out these guides:
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- Hive Is Not For Me
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