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To Heck with Hygge, Friluftsliv is What You’ll Fancy!

Ah, hygge… the Danish concept of cozy gave us lots of perspective on the value of quiet, contemplative time spent reading in a comfy chair or knitting to some chill tunes but then? Then the pandemic struck and let’s face it: we got sick of being home. We got so sick of being home, in fact, that many of us have been struggling with the return to the indoors now that we’ve been handed both cold weather and more shutdowns. Luckily, another Nordic friend has got just what we need. And what we need is Friluftsliv.

A Shift in Setting

Over the last 20 years, Americans have moved indoors with technology and poor work-life balance being the culprits. But things have shifted in the last nine months and we, for sure, are thrilled. The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation was curious about the uptick in outdoor fun and polled Americans. Here’s what they found:

57% of people say they now realize how spending so much time indoors diminishes their mental health and happiness.
58% of people say they didn’t appreciate nature as much as they should have pre-COVID.
66% have started doing more outside with 32% of those polled saying they are doing more outside than ever before.
A whopping 75% have felt a boost in their mood since adopting a lifestyle that includes more time outdoors.

The data on mental health and mood is especially important to note. Going outdoors is an obvious mood booster so are we doomed to be miserable until spring returns? According to Norwegians: absolutely not!

Embrace Friluftsliv

Norwegians spend a tremendous amount of time outdoors. Friluftsliv (fresh air life) is the philosophy of cultivating a relationship with nature no matter the weather. No matter the time of year, you can find Norwegians and other Scandinavians outdoors: hiking, participating in snow sports, and even camping. Here’s our suggestions for how to adopt this beautiful practice in your own life this winter.

No Bad Weather, Just Bad Clothes

Don’t head out in an icy rain or blizzard, but do take advantage of the other days— just dress appropriately! You’ll find the landscapes you know take on a completely different feel in winter and you’ll love rediscovering them all. The key to your enjoyment is wearing clothes that are good for the weather AND embracing layers.

Make sure to wear a thermal or wicking base layer of snug leggings and a top. Over this wear pants and tops made for the outdoors (check out Sierra Trading Post for quality, affordable gear for the whole family). Next put on or carry snow pants and a ski jacket or other winter jacket. A fleece-lined hat and scarf plus gloves and hiking boots are the perfect accessories to keep you warm and in control when walking.

How do you know if the material is appropriate for time in the cold? Always remember: cotton is rotten. You’ll want to leave your sweats and jeans at home.

Start Small

You don’t have to plan a week-long camping extravaganza. In fact, these friluftsliv trips can be as simple as going for a walk at the local nature preserve like you do in spring, summer and fall. Bring your camera or just use your smartphone to take pictures of some of your usual outdoor hangouts. Or, bring a small camping chair and your sketchbook or journal and spend time taking down your impressions.

Day Camping

The idea of a winter overnight can be a bit much (and does require special equipment) so go day camping instead! Head to a local campsite or wilderness area and bring your usual supplies. Chairs, a tarp and blankets for dogs, your bluetooth speaker. Pack thermoses of hot cocoa and snacks and lots of wood. Spend a cold day around a fire with friends and books and music. Throw a ball around or find a nearby sledding spot and you’ll be amazed at how much you love being outside in the winter. In fact, there’s no such thing as a dreary day when you go daycamping!

Keep it Safe and Social

Many people will feel lonely during the long stretches of January and February so be sure to invite friends for your outdoor meetups. Stay masked, keep six feet apart and follow any local guidelines. Being outdoors with friends is safer than indoors and most states include guidelines for how to navigate the outdoors safely. You and your friends will be incredibly thankful for the memories you make together this winter.