10% Happier with Dan Harris We Know Nature Is Good for Us. Here’s How To Make Time for It, Scandinavian Style | Linda Åkeson McGurk
Aug 21, 2023
Linda Åkeson McGurk, a Swedish-American writer and author of "There's No Such Thing As Bad Weather," dives into the healing power of nature. She uncovers the Scandinavian tradition of friluftsliv, emphasizing its benefits for mental health and resilience. McGurk shares why we should embrace the outdoors, rain or shine, and the rising trend of cold plunging. She also highlights how meditation and nature appreciation complement each other, offering innovative strategies for integrating nature into everyday life.
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Friluftsliv Defined
- Friluftsliv, originating in the 1850s, is the Scandinavian concept of open-air living, emphasizing connection with nature.
- It promotes non-motorized, simple activities for personal wellness and joy, contrasting with the coziness of Hygge.
Linda's Friluftsliv Advocacy
- Linda Åkeson McGurk's advocacy for friluftsliv stems from observing limited outdoor engagement, especially during winter, in the US.
- She highlights the cultural difference in viewing humans as part of nature in Scandinavia, unlike the US's separation.
Friluftsliv Benefits
- Embrace friluftsliv for physical benefits like vitamin D, stress reduction (lower cortisol), and improved cardiovascular health.
- It also offers mental benefits, reducing anxiety and depression risk, sometimes more effectively than traditional methods.
