Life with nature
Friluftsliv is a Norwegian word that literally translates to “life in the open air,” and refers to a philosophy of life, a lifestyle that focuses on stopping and appreciating the beauty of nature. Friflutsliv is not about giving up the urban lifestyle, but rather about balancing and connecting with the outdoors and being in nature.
There are many things we can learn from the Nordics: minimalist interior design, free-spirited street style or admirable governance policies that have helped them maintain their position on the international stage. The numbers show that the Nordic population is always healthier than the rest of the world.
According to the United Nations Human Development Index, the average life expectancy of Northern Europeans is always among the highest in the world: 82 in Norway and Sweden, 83 in Iceland. This miracle is thanks to the extremely "green" and healthy lifestyle and diet that is ingrained in every Northern European from a young age, called "friluftsliv".
The lifestyle that brings happiness to Nordic people is being outdoors, close to nature.
It’s spelled “free-loofts-liv,” and that’s basically what this lifestyle is all about: spending time outdoors and appreciating the beauty of nature. Friflutsliv isn’t about giving up your urban lifestyle, but rather about balancing and connecting with the outdoors and being in nature.
“It's not just a lifestyle – it's an integral part of every Scandivanian's life,” says Frida Harju, a nutritionist at the health and wellness app Lifesum.
According to the Nordics, practicing friluftsliv will make a big difference to your physical and mental health during the winter.
The Nordics see it as a solution to seasonal affective disorder or winter blues, and it can also encourage you to stay active at certain times of the day instead of spending time cooped up indoors.
Happiness from connecting with nature
It’s no secret that being outdoors is good for us all. Connecting with nature has been linked to lower levels of anxiety, stress, and depression. A recent study found that spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature led to better physical and mental health. While going outside when it’s about to rain might not seem like the best way to cheer yourself up, embracing friluftsliv means putting those worries behind you and enjoying the outdoors.
In fact, being in nature is not only good for your physical health but also for your mental health.
Being outdoors for long periods of time when the weather is grey, cold and wet may not sound very appealing, but as the Norwegians say: “Ut på tur, aldri sur” (A hike never feels bad).
Practicing friluftsliv can also help you feel more connected to your community and the place you live, as you get to know people who live in your area. Not only that, but it also gives you an excuse to socialize and chat.
When hiking in Northern Europe, it is common to say hello to each other along the way. The reason for this is because you are all doing the same thing, enjoying nature together, and so everyone you meet along the way is a friend. This social friendliness does not require physical contact but can really make someone feel good. Smiling and saying hello from a safe distance can bring positive energy to the person you are talking to.
It could be because of the large land area, small population and freedom of movement, and partly because of the closeness to nature.
Friluftsliv is a lifestyle that brings many benefits to your physical and mental health. Start it today to enjoy life to the fullest and connect more deeply with nature.
Steps to do Friluftsliv like a local
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 try to have breakfast first.
A full breakfast is essential for a healthy lifestyle.
In fact, Nordic breakfast is very simple, does not take much time to prepare. Especially must be accompanied by a cup of coffee or hot cocoa. So they are also famous as a country with a fairly high coffee consumption. A nutritious breakfast will help you start the day with excitement and full of energy. That is the basis for building the Friflutsliv lifestyle.
Eat fish for protein
Scandinavians prefer to get their protein from oily fish rather than meat, such as herring, salmon, and mackerel. They also pay great attention to the freshness of their food, so they often buy fish directly from fishermen or familiar fish shops.
For them, compared to meat, fish is a better source of protein and fat, helping to improve health. And health is the foundation for a happy life.
Use tubers instead of starch
Instead of pasta and rice, Northern Europeans prefer healthy starchy foods like potatoes, carrots or beans. These foods contain more nutrients than starch from rice.
Eat more root vegetables for better health
The Frilufsliv lifestyle promotes connection with nature through organically grown foods instead of processed, packaged foods.
Limit dairy products in your diet.
A distinctive feature of the Frilufsliv lifestyle reflected in Nordic cuisine is the lack of preference for animal dairy products. Instead, they prefer plant-based dairy products. This has also been shown to be better for health, reducing obesity and cardiovascular disease.
Experience new things
The spirit of always not being afraid to experience new things is one of the ways Nordic people stay optimistic and healthy. Experiencing the Friluftsliv lifestyle basically consists of two parts: spending time outdoors and participating in an activity that you love.
In Nordic countries, indoor gym sessions or running and cycling are not popular. They prefer to reserve sports activities for outdoor spaces.
Always active - never sedentary
Your body and health are the foundation for a happy life, so always exercise and take care of it. You can start the Friluftsliv lifestyle by walking more diligently every day. It can be a walk around your neighborhood, walking to work, taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
Always participate in outdoor activities to diversify personal experiences
Don't let the weather be an excuse
The Swedes have a saying, “There is no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing,” and this is a philosophy that any Friluftsliv lover should embrace to live a happier life. If it rains, a raincoat will help you go further. With determination, even the wind cannot stop you.
