10 Scandinavian Wellness Tips
I bet the word “hygge” is no stranger to you. In fact, it has been on “everybody’s” lips ever since it almost became the Oxford Dictionaries’ “word of the year” in 2016 (btw, the winning word was “Brexit” – hard to beat that one..).
Hygge is described as a feeling of comfort and contentment. It could be anything from lighting a candle to baking cinnamon buns, and is all about enjoying the good things in life with people you care about.
Did you know that the Danish and Scandinavian lifestyle is recognized as one of the healthiest and happiest lifestyles in the world? It's no wonder it has become so popular worldwide!
From soaking up the midnight sun to taking a spoonful of fish oil before breakfast, and enjoying a relaxing sauna session, these tips will have you feeling like a true Scandinavian in no time!
My two oldest boys and I hiking in our home town, Norway 2021.
1.Eat oatmeal porridge for breakfast
The Vikings ate it, people before that ate it, and it’s still an important part of Scandinavian food culture. Prepared with milk it’s an nutritious and perfect start to the day. Do not forget the “eye of butter”.
2. Apply a “no-shoe” policy indoors
Taking off your shoes after entering the door is a no-brainer, even if you’re a (hold on) guest! Walking barefooted or putting on wool socks are the ultimate feeling of kos and relaxation.
3. Don’t use bad weather as an excuse to be indoors
Otherwise you’d probably never get the chance to exercise, simple as that. This is practiced from a very early age where children keep rainwear and wellies at nursery all year round. The smallest children even sleep outside in the rain…
4. No alcohol during weekdays
In the supermarkets you can only buy beers and ciders, which makes it’s easier to avoid drinking alcohol during the week. When that is said, Swedes are the biggest BiB-wine drinkers (Bag in Box-wine) in the world. Skål!
5. When the sun comes out, everything stops
Good weather is a rare luxury that most people live for, and are never taken for granted. They drop everything in their hands to go sunbathing.
6. Embrace “friluftsliv”
(Pronounced free-loofts-leeve) “free-air-life”, and it’s all about being outdoors, preferably in the nature. Sundays are a popular day for families to take a hike, go fishing etc. They often bring sandwiches with cheese or liver patê, maybe some instant coffee if they’re feeling for a treat. In the winter it’s normal to add the chocolate Kvikk Lunsj (quick lunch) and an orange in the rucksack too.
7. Fika is a daily, sacred event no one skips.
Fika (a Swedish word for lunch) is an important and essential ritual in Swedish culture. Simply put, it means taking a break, eating and drinking while spending time with others. Not to mention refreshes the brain and strengthens relationships.
8. Invest in a cabin
Your second home, if you like. the point is to have somewhere to spend your free time and relax.
This could look like anything from a mansion next to the ski slopes, or maybe a small, primitive cabin close to a lake.
9. Make waffles for visitors
Norwegian waffles are 5-6 hearts connected into a circle, and are used for all kinds of occasions. A decent Scandinavian should know at least one good recipe up their sleeve. Served with jam and brown cheese, or sour cream, but the sky is the limit.
10. “Morgondupp” before breakfast
Taking a cold morning dip in the sea or lake has become a fashionable trend up north. According to research this exposure is beneficial for health, like improving mental health, boosting sleep quality, and reducing inflammation.
