
This Nordic Concept Will Transform Your Home Into a Nature-Inspired Retreat
Here are 7 simple ways to incorporate it into your space.
Many of us are well-versed in the eclectic range of Scandinavian lifestyle concepts. Some examples include Hygge (the Danish word for a cosiness and contentment), Lagom (meaning 'just the right amount' in Swedish) and the Finnish Kalsarikännit (which literally translates to Pantsdrunk, i.e. getting tipsy at home in your underwear). These relatable buzzwords are commonplace in the wellness, lifestyle and interior design realms, as a result of our desire to lead happier and fulfilled lives. But there's an underrated term that we think deserves more attention: Friluftsliv.
The ancient Norwegian philosophy of Friluftsliv (pronounced free-loofts-liv) is nothing new in Scandinavia. The expression literally translates to “free air life” (or “open air living”) and was popularised in 1859 by playwright and poet Henrik Ibsen, who used the term to describe the value of spending time in remote locations for spiritual and physical wellbeing. Ultimately, the goal is to live a content and fulfilled life by connecting with the world outside and appreciating nature’s beauty. As a result, Friluftsliv should alleviate the stress and anxieties of everyday life - and there’s a wealth of evidence behind this concept.
An empirical study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology, found that virtually any form of immersion in the natural world heightens your overall wellbeing and boosts a more positive engagement with the larger human community. Moreover, a study by the University of Queensland found that people who visit parks for 30-minutes or more each week are much less likely to have poor mental health than those who don’t.
Luckily, it’s easy to implement the advantages of nature into your everyday life by simply sprinkling Friluftsliv into your home’s interiors. Here are seven ways you can bring the outside in.
Channel Nature at Home
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