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Life in harmony with nature
Friluftsliv is a Norwegian word that literally translates to "life full of air," referring to a philosophy or lifestyle that emphasizes pausing and appreciating the beauty of nature. Friluftsliv isn't about abandoning city life, but rather about balancing and connecting with outdoor activities and immersing oneself in nature.
There is much we can learn from the Nordic people: their minimalist sophistication in interior design, their relaxed street style, and their admirable governance policies have helped them maintain their position internationally. Statistics show that the Nordic population generally enjoys better health than the rest of the world.
According to the United Nations Human Development Index, the average life expectancy of people in Northern Europe is among the highest in the world: 82 in Norway and Sweden, and 83 in Iceland. This remarkable achievement is thanks to the incredibly "green" and healthy lifestyle and diet ingrained in people in Northern Europe from a young age, known as "friluftsliv".
The Nordic lifestyle brings happiness when spent outdoors, close to nature.
Spelled as “free-loofts-liv,” this term, and essentially this lifestyle, encapsulates the essence of the lifestyle: enjoying time outdoors and appreciating the beauty of nature. Friflutsliv isn't about abandoning city life, but rather about balancing and connecting with outdoor activities and immersing oneself in nature.
Frida Harju, a nutritionist for the health and lifestyle app Lifesum, says: “This is not simply a lifestyle – it’s an integral part of the life of every Scandinavian.”
According to the Nordic people, practicing friluftsliv will make a big difference to both physical and mental health during the winter.
Nordic people see this as a solution to seasonal affective disorder or winter sadness, and it can encourage you to stay active at certain times of the day instead of spending time curled up indoors.
Happiness comes from connecting with nature.
It's no secret that being outdoors benefits us all. Connecting with nature contributes to reduced anxiety, stress, and depression. A recent study showed that spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature leads to improved physical and mental well-being. While going outside when it's about to rain might not seem like the best way to cheer yourself up, embracing the outdoors means putting those worries behind you and enjoying the outdoors.
In fact, immersing yourself in nature is not only good for physical health but also for mental health.
Spending long periods outdoors in gray, cold, and damp weather might not sound very appealing, but the Norwegians have a saying: "Ut på tur, aldri sur" (Hiking never feels bad).
Practicing friluftsliv can also help you feel more connected to your community and the place you live in, as you'll get to know the people living in your area. Not only that, it's also an excuse to socialize and chat.
When hiking in Northern Europe, people often greet each other along the way. The reason for this is that everyone is participating in the same activity, enjoying nature together, and therefore everyone they meet is a friend. This social friendliness doesn't require physical contact but can genuinely make someone happy. Smiling and saying hello from a safe distance can bring positive energy to the person you're interacting with.
This could be due to the abundance of land, low population density, and freedom of movement, and partly because of the close connection with nature.
Friluftsliv is a lifestyle that offers numerous benefits for both physical and mental health. Start adopting it today to enjoy life to the fullest and connect more deeply with nature.
Steps to make Friluftsliv like a native
A complete breakfast
From a young age, Swedes are taught by their parents and grandparents that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Therefore, no matter how busy they are, they always make time for breakfast first.
A complete breakfast is essential for a healthy lifestyle.
In fact, Nordic breakfasts are very simple and don't take much time to prepare. They are especially often accompanied by a cup of hot coffee or cocoa. Therefore, they are also known for having a relatively high coffee consumption. A nutritious breakfast will help you start your day feeling energized and refreshed. This is fundamental to building a Friflutsliv lifestyle.
Eat fish to get protein.
Scandinavians prefer to get their protein from oily fish rather than meat, such as herring, salmon, and mackerel. They also place great emphasis on freshness, so they often buy fish directly from fishermen or familiar fish shops.
For them, fish is a better source of protein and healthy fats than meat, helping to improve health. And health is the foundation for a happy life.
Use root vegetables instead of starchy foods.
Instead of pasta or rice, Scandinavians prefer healthy starchy foods like potatoes, carrots, or beans. These foods contain more nutrients that are good for health than the starch from rice.
Eating more root vegetables is better for your health.
The Frilufsliv lifestyle emphasizes a connection with nature through organically grown foods rather than canned or processed foods.
Limit your intake of dairy products.
A distinctive aspect of the Frilufsliv lifestyle, reflected in Nordic cuisine, is the preference for animal-based dairy products. Instead, they favor plant-based dairy. This has also been shown to be healthier, reducing obesity and cardiovascular problems.
Experience new things.
A spirit of always being willing to experience new things is one of the ways Scandinavians stay optimistic and healthy. Experiencing life in the Friluftsliv style basically consists of two parts: spending time outdoors and engaging in an activity you enjoy.
In Nordic countries, indoor gym workouts or running and cycling sessions are not popular. They prefer outdoor sports activities.
Always be active - don't sit still.
Your body and health are the foundation of a happy life, so always exercise and take care of it. You can start the Friluftsliv lifestyle by walking more often each day. This could be strolling around your neighborhood, walking to work, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
Always participate in outdoor activities to diversify your personal experiences.
Don't use the weather as an excuse.
The Swedes have a saying, "There is no bad weather, only inappropriate clothing," a philosophy that anyone who embraces the Friluftsliv lifestyle should embrace to achieve a happier life. If it rains, a raincoat will help you go further. With determination, even the wind cannot stop you.
