There is a Norwegian concept known as “Friluftsliv”. Hard to pronounce, great philosophy to live by. Basically it’s about being outside as much as possible. It has come to embody Norway’s cultural love affair with the natural world.
First introduced in 1859, Friluftsliv, (go ahead, try to pronounce it out loud. I dare you!), refers to uplifting ambience.
In fact, the rest of us could learn a lot from the Scandinavians. According to U.N. rankings, Denmark is known as the happiest country in the world, with the Norwegians coming in a close second.
You may have encountered the word “hygge” (pronounced “Hue-Guh), in recent times. It is hard to translate, but at its’ essence it embraces a conscious appreciation of being in the moment and enjoying the coziness, contentment, and comfort of enjoying presence through rituals.
Hygge involves viewing the domestic and personal life as an art form, not a drudgery to be tolerated. Simple rituals such as brewing a cup of tea, stopping to get flowers or bread at the same shop every week, or even taking a walk in nature, create an inner comfort and appreciation for simple moments and intentional presence.
One of the best ways you can enjoy the simple moments in life is by going for a walk.
Here are 7 reasons you should head out the door and take a walk right now. (Well… after you finish this article).
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Fresh air
We don’t often think about the importance and health benefits of fresh air. It’s just always there.
So many ailments and diseases are brought on by our living and working in tightly-sealed offices and buildings with poor indoor air quality.
These air-tight structures have been designed to seal in a highly regulated, temperature-controlled environment, re-circulating bad air throughout the building. In the process, they end up shutting out fresh, healthy, tree-oxygenated air, exposing us to hazards such as dust, mold, cleaning supplies and pesticides.
This lack of fresh air can lead to symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, respiratory problems, and even trouble concentrating.
All the more reason to get outside right now, breathe deeply and take a walk.
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Sunshine
Two words – “Vitamin D”.
Vitamin D, also known as the “sunshine vitamin”, is essential in maintaining the health of bones and teeth, and supporting the health of the nervous system, brain, and immune system.
Vitamin D is actually a pro-hormone that is synthesized by the body when our bare skin is exposed to direct sunlight; especially when it is directly overhead. Five to ten minutes a day, 2 to 3 times per week should be about right.
Three more words – “Don’t overdo it”. Be sure to wear appropriate sunscreen and avoid excessive direct exposure to skin for obvious reasons.
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Exercise
You’ve probably heard it said that sitting is the new smoking. Well if that’s the case, it should probably motivate us to at least cut back to “a pack a day”. Meaning, every little bit of standing, movement and walking you can do, increases your opportunity for improving your health and fighting disease.
The mere act of walking, especially outdoors, helps improve circulation which brings a whole boatload of health benefits, including delaying the process of aging .
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Treat All of Your Senses
Taking a walk outdoors is an opportunity to enjoy a full sensory-bath. Various colors, shades, patterns and hues, shadows and light create a magical world for our eyes to behold. We so often take this for granted. And that’s only one of our senses. But you get the idea…
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Fresh Perspective
Fresh air and new sights and sounds bring fresh perspective. It also gives you time for reflection, allowing you to approach problems with fresh solutions. Reboot your mind – go for a walk.
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Elevate Your Mood
A good walk outdoors can uplift your spirit, release endorphins and elevate your mood. Walking in nature is a natural anti-depressant.
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It’s Good for Your Brain
Can walking really make you smarter?
Well, yes actually. It is a fact that improved oxygenation and nutrition for the brain boosts memory and learning, as well as the ability for abstract reasoning.
Regular exercise changes the brain to improve cognitive skills. It also increases the production of serotonin, (a hormone associated with good health and mental well-being).
Studies have shown that physically active people have more receptors in their brains than inactive people. In fact, a good brisk walk can help build new neural pathways and connections.
So get your Hygge on, go outside and come back happier, healthier and smarter!
You’ll be glad you did!
Join us for a 21-Day Nature Challenge, a fun, life-changing event for everyone who desires to live a simple, healthier, happier, more mindful life. It’s an easy 21-day commitment to being present and mindful in the great outdoors for a few minutes a day, (or night), for a healthier, happier lifestyle!
Photos by Brett Wilson for Mountain Zen Den and Julie Johnson & Chaz McGregor on Unsplash