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5 Ways to be Healthy the Nordic Way
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated article from April 2023
The Nordic countries are frequently top of the charts when it comes to health and there are some medical and upbringing reasons for this. However much of it is about culture and society and how people in the Nordics live their every day lives.
Velvære or wellbeing is taken very seriously. It isn't simply about regular visits to the doctor (if anything people visit the doctor less frequently). It's all about looking at our entire wellbeing as a whole and seeing it in a holistic way. What affects one part of health and wellbeing will impact an another and so people concentrate not only on physical health, but also on eating, stress, happiness and exercise and how all those things are intertwined and help to be healthier. The way we view life and our mental health are also crucial and integral to our wellbeing.
I want to share with you a handful of the ways we can cultivate our health the Nordic Way and how you too can embrace these healthy habits in your own life:
(and by the way, you don't need to live in the Nordics to do it yourself)
Eat simply and seasonally through the week
It's no secret that the Nordic diet is on the whole a healthy one. And that in part comes from eating what is in season at the time and keeping it fairly simple. It makes life simple and easy to manage when you are probably busy and occupied in the week with work, or school and activities. So keeping it simple for those few days is the way most people like to go. The most noticeable simple meal is lunch. In Norway it's called the "matpakke" and it's reputed to be the world's most boring lunch. Not a terribly inspiring accolade, but it highlights how simple eating plays such a strong role in how people live in Norway. Even if you chose to do this once a week you could save yourself a little bit of stress and hassle and probably save some money.
Limit treats like candies and alcohol for the weekend
This is a tradition throughout most of the Nordic countries. Candy and treats are most definitely enjoyed and without any guilt, but it's not done everyday. It gives us something fun and decadent to look forward to on particular days. And because we only enjoy them at the weekend we don't have any need to feel guilty about it. We are going to be eating healthily for the rest of the week and a little bit of indulgence can be good for the soul.
Get outside on a Sunday
Sundays in Norway are "ut på tur" days. A day to get outside with family or friends and make the most of what nature has to offer. Of course we can get outside whenever we want, but here it's almost always a Sunday and always some special Nordic outdoor activity combined with a snack or meal in the fresh air. We might take a hike in the forest and stop for a hotdog and a cake halfway through. Or we stop at one of the little tourist cabins in seemingly inaccessible places for a welcome coffee and freshly made waffle. These little cabins are manned year round by volunteers who are always ready to serve hot drinks and waffles to weary hikers. Actually we are not always weary, sometimes we've made the hike just to visit the cabin!!
Start the day early
Life in Norway through the week generally starts pretty early. It's perfectly normal for people to up and at work by 8am. In the winter one has to get up and clear snow before you can get outside and if you want to keep your working day it's vital to get going sharpish! My next door neighbour and I are frequently outside at 4.30am clearing our drives of snow in the winter and if you stop for moment and listen so are plenty of others. Starting the day early gives us a headstart on the rest of the world. We are wide awake and ready to take on whatever is thrown at us knowing that we've already had a few hours. Starting early means that work hours in the Nordics usually end earlier than the rest of Europe. People are often finished at 3.30pm or 4pm. You might not be able to do this, but you can start the day a little earlier and enjoy a relaxing and calm breakfast in the peace of the early morning before the madness begins.
Lose the guilt!
Yeah seriously! Sweet treats like cakes and candy are supposed to be treats and guilt has no place there! If you are saving your treats for a particular day or only enjoying them at parties or celebrations, you really don't need to feel guilty. Make a point of enjoying them when you can and allow yourself the freedom of letting go of the guilt.
How many of these are you doing already? Maybe there are some you can bring into your own life.
If you know it's time to make things simpler, make life cosier, bring more health and wellbeing into your life, you need to have a look at the Living a Nordic Life membership. We delve deeper into Nordic traditions, simple old fashioned recipes and an intentional and fulfilling life.
Embracing a simple Nordic life has been my quiet mission for years and it's been lifechanging in many respects in fact so much that I have even written a book about getting outside Nordic style.
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