Surround yourself with nature, boost your mental health, and live the Norwegian Friluftsliv lifestyle
Norwegians believe that “there’s no bad weather, just bad clothing”, which helps explain the latest Nordic lifestyle craze taking root, Friluftsliv.
First coined by the Norwegian poet Henrik Ibsen in the 1850s, friluftsliv means “open-air living” and is rooted in spending time with loved ones, surrounded by nature.
After the popularity of Nordic Hygge (cozying up inside with fuzzy blankets, cozy slippers, and warm tea), Friluftslive encourages “experiential connections to nature” as a way of life, which means lots of camping, hiking, fishing, foraging, ice climbing, and backpacking.
Beyond the obvious health benefits of fresh air and physical activity, Friluftsliv offers significant mental health benefits, especially as we reinvent socializing indoors and out during the pandemic.
Friluftsliv’s restorative benefits include:
- Increasing capacity to manage stress and mood disorders
- Providing a naturally safe “escape” from pandemic challenges
- Connecting to family and friends in fresh air more consistently
- Promoting mindfulness and mental strength
- Increasing environmental stewardship
After a year and a half spent mostly indoors, and with many of us continuing to spend more time in our homes, Friluftsliv offers a calming and grounding effect when outside, especially on the coldest winter days.
If being outside is not an option, not to worry, Friluftsliv can be embraced indoors by:
- Incorporating organic items, greenery, and earth tones
- Buying landscape wall art, indoor planters, nature-patterned wallpaper
- Choosing furnishings made from natural materials like rattan and cane
- Placing furniture near windows or with a view outside to create
- Integrating fire pits, wooden tables, space heaters, and blankets in your yard
Incorporating natural associations inside our homes is a great way to remind us of the simplicity and beauty of being outdoors.
In Norway, Friluftsliv is such a vital part of daily living that it’s actually protected by the “allemannsretten” or “right to roam” law which allows people to walk or camp outdoors nearly everywhere, even on private properties, as long as they’re respectful of the environment.
There are Friluftsliv courses taught in higher education and at the elementary levels to instill a respect and love for nature from the start of school and beyond.
While we may not have Friluftsliv courses offered in Canada (yet?), we are surrounded by beauty in nature, so the next time you feel overwhelmed, stuck, sad, or bored, it’s time to embrace your inner Nordicness, and enjoy the outdoors with those you care about.
And remember, “there is no bad weather, just bad clothes!”
