In this charmingly-illustrated complete guide, Swedish-American writer Linda McGurk introduces readers to Friluftsliv (pronounced FREE-loofts-leeve)—an outdoorsy cousin of hygge. She covers everything from the pleasures of foraging for wild berries to birding to how to stay warm and cozy outside in the middle of winter. Readers will discover how to harness the power of nature to improve their physical and mental health.
WHAT IS FRILUFTSLIV? Friluftsliv is a term that was coined by famed Norwegian playwright and poet Henrik Ibsen in 1859. Friluftsliv is a holistic lifestyle and wellness practice that revolves around the idea that the best possible thing we can do for our minds, bodies, and spirits is to get outside and develop a feeling of oneness with nature.
FRILUFSLIV IS TRENDING: The hashtag #friluftsliv has over 1.2 million followers on Instagram and our author Linda McGurk has been quoted in four different pieces on the subject of friluftsiv and “the outdoor life” in the New York Times during the pandemic.
GETTING OUTSIDE ON A DAILY BASIS AS AN ESSENTIAL ACT OF SELF-CARE: This book helps readers design their own DIY nature therapies from how (and why) you should try cold water swimming or sleep outside under the stars to the meditative benefits of foraging for wild edibles (recipes included!) or going “wild camping” (i.e. not at an official campsite with restroom and such).
“THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS BAD WEATHER, ONLY BAD CLOTHING” is a popular expression among Nordic people: The book examines why Finland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Iceland have all placed in the top ten of the World Happiness Report and inspires readers to get out there and get some fresh air–regardless of the weather!
