Happy through the winter: How the Norwegian principle helps you through the winter
After " hygge" and " lagom," another principle of Scandinavian living comes into focus: " friluftsliv ." With their "open-air lifestyle," the Norwegians demonstrate how we can find contentment and joy in life even in cold and gray weather.
It's cold and gray again? Then get outside! It sounds counterintuitive at first, but that's exactly how it's meant – at least if you listen to the Norwegians. In the Scandinavian country, a principle is lived that certainly contributes to the fact that Northern Europeans World Happiness Report : " Friluftsliv". It is pronounced free-lofts-liv and translates as "open-air life".
Friluftsliv: The Norwegian attitude to lifeThe expression goes back to the playwright and poet Henrik Ibsen, who in 1859 described the positive effect of being outdoors on the psyche and body as Friluftsliv is the desire to spend as much time outdoors as possible – regardless of the weather.
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Anyone who has ever visited our northern neighbors knows: Scandinavians love being outdoors – cycling, skiing, hiking, or camping. So it's no wonder that " allemansrätten" – the "right of public access" – applies in Norway, Sweden, and Finland. It states that nature belongs to everyone, and you can stay and sleep practically anywhere, as long as you treat the environment with respect.
Many Norwegian children even attend Friluftsliv daycare centers, where they spend around 80 percent of their time outdoors. They learn from an early age how important life is in and with nature .
The feel-good boost for everywhereFriluftsliv is so deeply ingrained in Norwegian identity that it can even be studied as a degree program. "It's about connecting with nature and experiencing it every day—not just every now and then," says psychologist Kari Leibowitz, author of the book "Wintering: How We Get Through the Cold Winter Season with the Right Attitude" (Klett-Cotta).
If you're thinking: Nothing's easier when you're surrounded by fjords, mountains, forests and lakes – but what if you live in the city? Even there, you can Benefit from the Friluftsliv principle. A good start is to change small habits in your daily life, such as walking or cycling to work instead of sitting in the car or on the bus or train. Yes, even if it's uncomfortable outside – it's worth it, as these benefits show:
1. Natural antidepressantFresh air, exercise and contact with nature naturally boost our mood – regardless of the season. In winter, this can The Friluftsliv program can even be particularly powerful: The sheer willpower required to venture out into the cold gives us superhero vibes. Once you overcome the darkness, nothing can stop you!
2. Stress killer natureNumerous studies show that spending time in nature lowers cortisol levels. Just 20 minutes outdoors can measurably reduce stress levels. You don't have to take a trip to the nearest nature reserve to achieve this. A walk in the park during your lunch break already makes a huge difference to your well-being. Even better: leave your phone at home or at the office!
3. New perspective in dark timesHow often do you use bad weather as an excuse to cancel plans and stay home? Unfortunately, we live in latitudes where the weather can be unpleasant for more than six months of the year. Those who manage to reprogram their minds so that anything is possible, even in winter, may also face other adversities in life with greater resilience. As the saying goes, There's no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing! The saying even rhymes in Norwegian.
How to get started with FriluftslivThose who want to try this out don't have to adopt a completely new lifestyle. "The things you normally do in summer can also be adapted and done well in winter," says Leibowitz in an interview with Huffington Post. Instead of swimming at the beach, go hiking there. With the right clothing, you can stay on your favorite jogging route even in low temperatures – much better than spending the next few months in a stuffy gym!
Friluftsliv can also be thought of as light therapy, because one important aspect is absorbing as much natural daylight as possible. This is more important than ever during the darker months of the year! Fortunately, you don't have to live near a ski resort to enjoy it. The most important thing about friluftsliv is to immerse yourself in nature – without music, podcasts, or phone calls. Just yourself, fresh air, and a truly wonderful winter.
ami Brigitte
brigitte
