What is friluftsliv & why is it the new hygge?

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For the past few years we’ve all be striving to get that hygge feeling in our homes. But this autumn, a new scandi style is influencing our homes and lives: friluftsliv. But what does this mean? How can friluftsliv improve our environment and make us feel happier? Read on to find out more…

I’ve been a big fan of the Scandi lifestyle princles of hygge, lykke and lagom in recent years and have read plenty of books on the subjects. So when I heard about friluftsliv earlier this week, I knew it would be next on my research radar. It’s the Scandinavian philosophy of reconnecting with nature and it’s a sure-fire way to improve your lifstyle and home environment.

As we welcome autumn (yes, it’s the first of September today so it’s fine to talk about autumn and maybe even winter) what better time is there to start bringing more nature into our lives? Friluftsliv isn’t just about interior design – although your home certainly plays a part in it – it’s more about getting outdoors and enjoying the fresh air. Friluftsliv literally means “free air life” in Norwegian – a way of life that includes exploring and connecting with nature.

I love going for walks in the autumn. Woodland walks are often at their best when the leaves are turning brown and are crunching underfoot. It’s a great time of year to hop on your bike or go for a jog as you won’t get too hot and can enjoy the changing seasons at the same time. That said, friluftsliv can be implemented all year round: frosty walks where you can see your breath are magical in the winter, and spring brings the optimism of flowering buds and walks in bluebell woods. Friluftsliv is certainly a healthy way to live.

You can of course bring the friluftsliv feeling into your home all year round too. Get that fresh air into your home by throwing those windows open and welcome in the crisp air on a fresh autumnal morning. Is there anything better? You could gather twigs and autumn leaves to create a natural arrangment in your home to get that outside-in feeling when the weather is too wet to head outside. It’s these simple pleasures that make friluftsliv an easy and low-cost principle to follow.

As part of my research I came across these tips to bring friluftsliv into even the most hectic lives and I’m excited to get started on these ideas. After all, the first of a new month – and the start of a new school year for that matter – have always seemed like an appropriate time to begin a new chapter in our lives. I’m also starting a course this year, so I’ll be chained to my desk even more than usual, so I think it’s extra-important that I spend more time outdoors and get my body moving whenever I can.

With the concept of ‘Forest Bathing’ taking centre stage for relaxation, meditation and spiritual wellness, it’s no surprise that this similar Scadinavian concept is becoming so popular. When I see my friends’ instagram stories of walking in the woods, I long to be there to experience the peace and quiet that a relaxed walk brings. I often have my best ideas when I’m away from a computer so friluftsliv can only be a good thing for me.

Photo by Lacey In Places

Here are some ways that you can bring a little friluftsliv into your life:

• The easiest way to connect with nature is to leave the house! Go for a walk in a park, woodland or along the seafront and take time to observe your surroundings and enjoy the sounds of nature.
• At the very least, getting a little fresh air every day will help you to feel more friluftsliv so go outside for a walk during your lunchbreak. It’ll boost your energy for the afternoon!
• Open the windows in your home to air the rooms. Of course, I’m not suggesting letting all the warm air out when you’ve had the heating on, but a fresh autumnal day is ideal for refreshing your home.
• Gather natural items such as twigs, driftwood, shells, leaves, wheatsheafs, conkers etc when you’re on a walk. You can create a cosy display when you get home using vases and fairylights, and it’ll remind you to connect with nature.
• If you fancy having a holiday, why not make it a camping break and spend a few day living outside surrounded by nature? Choose an eco-campsite such as Alde Garden where the private pitches are landscaped with trees and shrubs to help you feel secluded and immersed in the natural environment.
• Take up a hobby that gets you outside, such as joining a photography club and going on walks with your camera to capture the changing seasons.
• Go for a brisk bike ride and end up at a cosy pub or hygge coffee shop to warm up before the journey home.

So what do you think? Will you be adopting the friluftsliv philosphy in your life this autumn? What do you already do that might be high on the friluftsliv scale? Let me know in the comments below. And thanks to Festive Lights for allowing me to use their imagery and for collaborating with me to share these tips for bringing friluftsliv into our lives this autumn.

This article is a sponsored collaboration. The pink links in the content indicate a sponsored link or information source. The blog post reflects my own experience and the sponsor hasn’t had any control over my content 🙂