Friluftsliv: the Nordic concept of unwinding in nature

This week we'll explore Friluftsliv, a concept which took off with Covid lockdowns as a cultural trend in recent years, leading Etsy to deem it as ‘the new hygge’.

Friluftsliv: the Nordic concept of unwinding in nature?

In the Nordic countries, there is a concept known as Friluftsliv, which roughly translates as "open-air living". Encompassing a lifestyle that revolves around spending time in nature and enjoying life's simple pleasures, it's a term that we at Aylott + Van Tromp are wholeheartedly here for.??

For the Nordic people, Friluftsliv is more than just a hobby or pastime - it is a way of life that is deeply rooted in their culture. While the concept was first popularised by author Henrik Ibsen in 1859, it was Covid lockdowns that have really seen the concept take off as a cultural trend in recent years, leading Etsy to deem Friluftsliv as ‘the new hygge’.?

History

The origins of Friluftsliv can be traced back to the early days of human history. For centuries, our ancestors lived in harmony with nature, and they saw the natural world as a source of strength and inspiration. Yet in the modern era we have become increasingly disconnected from nature. We spend most of our time indoors, isolated from the outside world, and this type of disconnect can quickly lead to feelings of stress and anxiety. Fortunately, a movement is underway to reconnect with nature and reclaim our lost heritage. The Nordic countries are at the forefront of this movement, and they are leading by example with their philosophy of Friluftsliv.

Impact

The philosophy of Friluftsliv has been gaining popularity in recent years, and is beginning to? have a positive impact on other nations as well. In 2015 the United States Forest Service launched a campaign called "Find Your Park," which encouraged Americans to upload photos and videos illustrating their national park experiences in hopes they will impact and inspire others to do the same. This campaign was incredibly successful, and the popularity of the scheme shows that there is a growing appetite for nature-based activities.

In Japan, there is a similar concept known as "shinrin-yoku," which means "forest bathing";? a practice which involves taking walks in the forest. The term emerged in the 1980s as a physiological and psychological exercise whose purpose was twofold: to offer an eco-antidote to tech-boom burnout and to inspire residents to reconnect with and protect the country’s forests.? In the 1990s, researchers began studying the physiological benefits of forest bathing, providing the science to support what we innately know: time spent immersed in nature is good for us.

Benefits

On the most basic level, friluftsliv encourages you to slow down, stop doom scrolling and seek out the natural world, fostering a greater appreciation of the simple things in life, which in turn leads to a greater sense of happiness and satisfaction. “Friluftsliv offers a connection to nature and its calming, grounding effects,” says Etsy’s trend expert, Dayna Isom Johnson. “In an increasingly technology-filled world, many are finding ways to step away from their screens and appreciate the outdoors more than ever.”

Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress, lower your blood pressure and boost your mood. It’s why so many turned to nature to look after their mental health during lockdown; at a time when the pressures of the pandemic were leading to rising cases of anxiety and depression, getting outside for a daily walk and reconnecting with nature helped people to feel a little more grounded.?

Activation

There are many ways to incorporate Friluftsliv into your day-to-day life. One of the best ways is to simply spend more time outdoors, which could involve taking a walk in the park, going for a hike, or even just sitting in your back garden. Friluftsliv can also manifest in connection with nature in other ways, such as growing a garden or keeping a pet.

Another way to pursue Friluftsliv is to live a simpler lifestyle. This means reducing your reliance on technology and material possessions and instead focusing on experiences and relationships that will bring happiness and satisfaction. Incorporating elements of Friluftsliv in the design of your home or office can also help to create a more nature-friendly - aka biophilic - environment, while the uptake of hobbies that incorporate the natural world, such as hiking, bird-watching, gardening or fishing can all help you to tap in the Friluftsliv trend.?

Pursuing Friluftsliv doesn't have to be a major lifestyle change. However, even making small changes in your daily routine can make a big difference.