Beyond "Hygge" And "Fika"
Ever wondered why Scandinavians look so lean and healthy? It's not just their saunas and fishy diet (though that plays a role); it's a combination of lifestyle factors like prioritizing the outdoors, work-life balance, and jumping on every opportunity to exercise. Nordic people seem to have mastered the art of living well, even in the harshest of climates. Here are 20 simple health lessons we can all learn from them.
1. Take Breaks Often
Nordic cultures are known for their love of short breaks (fikas) throughout the day. Not only does this support a more balanced lifestyle and provide stress relief, but taking breaks has also been shown to increase productivity and mental clarity.
2. Prioritize Being Outdoors
Scandinavian people spend a lot of time outside, even when it's raining or cold. This boosts vitamin D levels, happiness neurotransmitters, and overall well-being.
3. Eat Meals Earlier
In Nordic countries, dinner is often served between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. This allows for more time spent on evening hobbies and encourages better digestion and weight management.
4. Eat Plenty Of Oily Fish
Nordic countries are surrounded by the North and Norwegian seas, which are home to a plethora of quality seafood. For this reason, the Nordic diet is full of a variety of fish, which are packed with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
5. Get Into Saunas
Scandinavian countries share the tradition of going to the sauna and sweating out impurities. Saunas provide stress relief, promote circulation and cell regeneration, and strengthen the immune system.
6. Walk Or Bike To Commute
Car ownership is extremely common in Scandinavian countries, but even vehicle owners will often opt to ride their bike or walk to their destination instead of driving. They see this not as a hassle, but as an opportunity for exercise.
7. Choose Whole Grains
As hearty grains like rye and oats traditionally grew better in their northern climates, the Scandinavian diet is full of fiber-rich whole grains. One of the most typical Nordic dishes is the smørrebrød, an open-faced sandwich on dense rye bread.
8. Prioritize Local Produce
Nordic cultures prioritize uber-fresh, local, and seasonal produce over imported items. It's generally more nutrient-dense, with a greater variety of vitamins, and reduced exposure to contamination and pesticides.
9. Get into Fermentation
Fermentation recently became trendy in health food and culinary circles in North America, but in Scandinavia, fermentation has always been a part of their diet. Each Nordic country has its own version of fermented milk and yogurt, which is packed with probiotics and healthy fats. Fermented fish is also popular and packed with omega-3s and gut-supporting nutrients, though it's very much an acquired taste.
10. Invest In Social Connections
Nordic cultures put a high value on community and social interaction. This has been tied to reduced stress, greater happiness, better cognition, and an increased lifespan.
11. Establish a Healthy Work-Life Balance
Scandinavians prioritize work-life balance and have clear boundaries between their professional and private lives. This approach reduces stress and burnout, improves mental and physical health, and strengthens relationships.
12. Focus On Preventive Care
While the North American healthcare system is centered around curing diseases that are already there, Nordic countries tend to have a more proactive approach. They focus on holistic measures like following a healthy lifestyle and utilizing healthcare services on a more regular basis.
13. Limit Alcohol
Scandinavians drink significantly less alcohol per capita than Americans, largely thanks to stricter regulations and public awareness. Alcohol is a carcinogen that causes brain damage, liver disease, and heart issues over time.
14. Treat Your Home Like A Sanctuary
The Scandinavian aesthetic is linked to minimalism, clean lines, and neutral colors. They have a word, "hygge," which roughly translates to "cozy, simple, contentment," an atmosphere many Scandinavians try to create in their homes and offices. This lends itself well to de-stressing and mindfulness.
15. Embrace Viking Baths
Scandinavians pioneered the idea of contrast therapy, the practice of alternating between hot (a sauna or thermal pool) and cold (ice bath or plunge). This is beneficial for circulation, reduces inflammation, and improves your metabolism.
16. Enjoy The Simple Pleasures
For Nordic people, embracing small, joyful moments is especially crucial, as there are vast parts of Scandinavia that see only a few hours of daylight during the winter. Enjoying life's simple pleasures encourages better mental health.
17. Prioritize Exercise
Nordic people are generally very fit because their culture prioritizes being active. Beyond strict gym regimens, physical activity is incorporated into daily life through everyday movement and is often combined with social gatherings.
18. Limit Red Meats
The Nordic diet is full of protein, but doesn't include a lot of red meat. Instead, the emphasis is on fish, seafood, plant-based foods, eggs, and dairy. This is partly why heart disease is much less common here than in the US.
19. Embrace Universal Healthcare
Nordic countries have a robust public healthcare system that's largely considered one of the best globally. Everyone can easily access high-quality medical services, allowing for better health and longevity.
20. Don't Smoke
Scandinavian countries have some of the lowest smoking rates in Europe, largely due to strict public policies and high taxes on tobacco products. Smoking harms just about every organ in the body and puts you at significantly higher risk of cancer.
