Now that the roadmap for England’s return to normality has been announced, you might start making plans for your spring and summer.
The pandemic has impacted our lives over the last twelve months, but it also looks set to have a far-reaching influence in the future. It has raised issues of the environment, of societal injustice, and in the shorter term, the easing of restrictions is expected to reignite our love of the great outdoors.
In Scandinavia, the idea of open-air living – embracing fresh air and nature at every opportunity – is so engrained in the culture that they have a word for it: “friluftsliv”.
Friluftsliv translates as “open-air life”
In 2020, National Geographic reported on the Norwegian concept of friluftsliv. Literally translating as open-air living, it is a celebration of nature, and the outdoors.
Popularised by Norwegian playwright and poet, Henrik Ibsen, rather than picking an annual day on which to mark this appreciation of the natural world, friluftsliv is about appreciating and enjoying the outdoors as a way of life.
This might mean anything from snowy picnics to winter strolls, enjoying nature whatever the weather. National Geographic spoke to one man who had recently returned from a 57-day winter trek with his two-year-old daughter.
Friluftsliv doesn’t need to be that extreme though. It could begin with walking the dog on a crisp spring morning.
Regardless of the scale, the lifting of lockdown after months of confinement might compel you to head outdoors. There are benefits, both physical and mental, to incorporating friluftsliv into your post-lockdown life.
NHS Shetland already prescribe nature
The link between nature and our physical and mental health is well understood.
Last year, Edinburgh GPs confirmed they would be following their NHS Shetland colleagues and prescribing nature as an aid to wellbeing. Joining up with RSPB Scotland, those with certain conditions will be offered “nature prescriptions” by their GP.
The move in Edinburgh comes after a successful Shetland pilot. A 2019 study by Nature confirmed that spending just two hours a week in parks or green spaces could boost well-being.
During a pandemic that has forced us to remain indoors, even as the virus itself transmits more easily in our stuffy winter homes, the spiritual and physical benefits of fresh air are clearer than ever.
We have already seen that friluftsliv doesn’t have to be extreme. A picnic in a park or an outdoor stroll will do. Combining mindfulness can help too, allowing yourself to slow down and appreciate the world around you.
3 ways to incorporate friluftsliv into your 2021
There are plenty of fun and interesting ways to get out into nature this year. Here are three suggestions:
- Forest bathing
The Japanese practice of “shinrin yoku”, or forest bathing, involves spending time in forests and woodland, employing mindfulness techniques to slow down, take stock, and appreciate the beauty around you.
Opening your senses to the sights and sounds of the forest could be a great antidote to months of restrictions within the same four walls.
Forestry England provides its own guide to forest bathing. It includes turning off all electronic devices, opening your senses to your surroundings, and allowing yourself to relax. It suggests practicing mindful breathing or even meditation to aid focus on the here and now.
They also recommend you that don’t give yourself a time limit, allowing yourself to stay for as long as feels right.
- Wild swimming
Wild swimming has been growing in popularity over the last few decades and could be set for an even greater influx of participants once lockdown lifts.
Roger Deakin’s book Waterlog helped popularise the activity when it was first published in 1999. Deakin swam throughout the UK, looking for the hidden and unexplored swimming spots – the rivers, lakes, fens, and secret bathing holes – which he hoped would help him rediscover his native land.
More recently, with lockdowns closing local pools, the accessibility – and the ease with which social distancing can be maintained – of wild swimming, has seen a surge in numbers.
Studies suggest that cold water is good for circulation, boosts your metabolism, and could delay the onset of dementia.
- Camping staycations
Staycations are here to stay, for this summer at least, so why not enjoy a walking and camping holiday and spend a night under the stars?
After a challenging year for the hospitality sector, heading off the beaten track and spending time away from the crowds, while contributing to a struggling local economy, could be a fantastic way to incorporate friluftsliv into your summer holiday.
