I often find myself researching ways of life in different countries. Like, what are they getting right that I can improve on? Last month I had norovirus and then some kind of sinus infection. I was feeling so miserable. I started thinking about how healthy & happy Scandinavian countries are, so I did some research on their common practices. The one idea that kept coming up was friluftsliv. Though the concept is simple, I feel like it’s often overlooked in the US.
Friluftsliv, pronounced as free-lufts-leev, is a Norwegian concept that refers to the lifestyle of living in the open air. In Norway, individuals seek a unique form of liberation which involves being self-reliant in outdoor activities, finding balance with the natural world, and taking time to relax and unwind. Through engaging with nature, embracing self-reflection, fostering community connections, and participating in physical activities, friluftsliv offers Norwegians a type of recreation that significantly impacts their overall health and happiness.
Physical Advantages:
Friluftsliv obviously offers physical advantages due to its incorporation of various physical activities, but the physical benefits go further than that. According to Synnevåg Løvoll, an associate professor in friluftsliv, simply sitting quietly in a wooded area can have similar health benefits to vigorously hiking to the summit of a mountain.
These concepts do not only apply to adults. Most day-care centers in Sweden put children outside to rest. It’s common at some preschools that all children sleep outside until they reach the age of three. The theory behind taking naps outside is that children who spend time in the fresh air, regardless of the season, are at a lower risk of getting sick and tend to have improved sleep quality and duration.
Some Norwegian parents like to put their children in frilufts kindergartens which ensures that their kids will be spending a minimum of 80% of their time playing outside no matter the weather. But what about when it rains or snows? Norwegians have a saying for this, “Det finnes ikke dårlig vær, bare dårlig klær!” which translates to “There is no bad weather, only bad clothes!”
Modern friluftsliv is now being applied in a wider context to encompass activities such as biking to work, relaxing in a secluded mountain retreat, unwinding in a sauna post-ocean swim, skiing, or simply taking a walk. Below are advantages from just a couple of activities embraced in Scandinavian countries.
Saunas:
According to research published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings, regular use of saunas can enhance heart health by boosting heart rate and blood circulation, similar to engaging in moderate physical activity. Some studies have also shown that frequent sauna sessions can improve immune function and potentially reduce the likelihood of developing respiratory infections1.
Outdoor swimming:
A group of Finnish researchers conducted a study on regular winter swimming, finding that participants experienced lower levels of tension and fatigue, as well as improved mood and memory. Moreover, those with rheumatism, asthma, and fibromyalgia reported relief from pain. The cold therapy from swimming in cold water was shown to enhance circulation and metabolism while also reducing inflammation, leading to decreased pain in joints and muscles.
Psychological Advantages:
According to various Norwegian research, many people participate in friluftsliv to seek tranquility and relaxation. In a recent survey, it was found that the majority of Norwegians felt reduced stress levels and improved mood while engaging in outdoor activities.
Being in natural environments comes with numerous advantages for health and overall well-being, such as enhanced cognitive function and better physical and mental health due to increased exposure to vitamin D. The serotonin-boosting effect of sunlight exposure can have a positive effect on your mood when getting outdoors.
Engaging with the natural world has been shown to help decrease feelings of anxiety, stress, and depression, and recent research discovered that dedicating a minimum of 120 minutes per week to nature results in improved overall health and happiness2.
Research conducted by Science Advances revealed that being in nature can lead to higher levels of happiness, overall well-being, positive social connections, and a sense of fulfillment and direction in life, while also reducing mental stress. Being exposed to natural light can also aid in better sleep regulation, improved mood, and heightened energy levels3.
I chose to incorporate an outdoor walk into my daily schedule for 1 week. I didn’t feel like being in the cold with my stuffy nose and constant cough, but I gave it a try regardless. What I noticed is that my nose was not stuffy at all while being outdoors, I slept better, it made my dogs happy, and seemed to recover more quickly. I don’t know for sure that my winter walks aided in this, but it seems pretty likely after researching for this post. What are your thoughts on friluftsliv? Let me know in the comments.
