Living in Cumbria we acknowledged very quickly that you have to learn to love all the seasons and be about embracing the outdoors in all weathers. We all know how much the outdoors and natural world has come to mean to us this year and now, as the seasons change and the weather takes a different path, it can be easy to just think about retreating to our living rooms and hanging out in PJs as we work from home.
However it is also known how much the outdoor light can boost our vitamin D levels and help elevate your mood. We appreciate how being outside can help our exercise and fitness. We have come to understand how the natural world can help with our mental health.
So how do we convince ourselves to leave the warm sofa when it is not 25 degree sunshine out there?
I was reading about the Norwegian philosophy of ‘Friluftsliv’ that involves embracing the outdoors all year round.
Pronounced ‘free-loofts-liv’ and roughly translating to ‘Outdoors Lifestyle’, it is about living an outdoors lifestyle all the time. Don’t panic, it doesn’t have to be about massive hikes, or camping in the wild for the winter, but more about incorporating the outdoors in to everyday life all the time and all year round.
lifeinnorway.net/friluftsliv-outdoors
https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20171211-friluftsliv-the-nordic-concept-of-getting-outdoors
So with this in mind, I asked some of the inspiring, ‘outdoorsy’, active people that I know, what their tips are for embracing the outdoors all year round and how being outdoors benefits their health and wellbeing and they have shared some gems of advice for you.
Cath runs Peak Walking Adventures and you can book her for guided hill and moorland walking.
https://www.peakwalking.com
We’re so lucky in Britain, in that no matter where we live, most of us don’t have to travel far to find some green space where we can relax, and re-connect with nature. Here are my tips to ‘get out there’
If you are able to travel, then consider visiting one of our wonderful National Parks such as the Yorkshire Dales. However it’s also worth researching what’s on your doorstep! During lockdown, so many of my friends around the country discovered beautiful local walks very close to their homes that they didn’t previously know about.
Ensure you have suitable outdoor clothing. The autumn and winter can be fabulous seasons for enjoying the outdoors, but you need to be able to keep warm and dry to enjoy the experience. Walking boots or hiking shoes that are waterproof and have good grip on the soles for slippery surfaces are also invaluable.
Research what wildlife and plant life are typical of your chosen area. You can have a lot of fun looking out for them.
Remember that daylight hours are short at this time of year, so unless you’re confident navigating and walking in the dark, plan your route to finish well before sunset.
Caroline is the owner of The Plan Harrogate and has held an awesome retreat here that incorporated yoga in our studio, but also bootcamp exercising outdoors.
https://www.theplanharrogate.com
In modern life, we can become so detached from the earth, nature and our bodies. This causes a state of constant stress that, for many of us, we only half realise. For me, being outdoors helps us to connect with that ancient part of us and allows us to tune into ourselves so much better. Nature contains shapes called fractals, and studies show that looking at these help calm and soothe the body. Being outside also provides an instant lift of spirits.
To help yourself get outside in the cold months, my best suggestion is to do it together! Having the commitment and connection to another person means you don’t think about any terrible weather too much. And really, there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes…!
Paul is expert behind Run and Rock Guiding and we want to plan so many activities with him going forward to offer you, as he does everything amazing relating to the mountains and landscapes around here. (He taught me, Joanne, how to get to the top of a climbing wall, so he is very good, given my dislike of heights!)
https://www.runandrockguiding.com
Growing up in rural Cumbria with a Dad who was a passionate outdoor enthusiast led me on a path that has become a life long passion for the outdoors. From a very young age I realised that I had a strong connection with the outdoors. Multiple week backpacking / wild camping expeditions in the UK and abroad that were physically and mentally demanding gave me a definite sense of euphoria and a desire for more adventure. By the time I was 20 I was a qualified Outdoor instructor starting out in the industry.
Throughout my life outdoor adventurous sports and the connection with the natural world that they bring have been a consistent. I have always been able to rely on it during times of hardship, stress or loss. Long days or periods in the mountains soothe my soul and always enable me to put any woes into perspective. Being active in the outdoors keeps my body fit and often tired and I’m a strong believer that a healthy, tired body contributes to a healthy mind.
If you want to enjoy the outdoors all year round I suggest you learn from other peoples experience. Go out with friends, join a club, hire an instructor and ask questions on forums and social media groups. Get the right kit, it makes an huge difference to your enjoyment and safety. It doesn’t have to be expensive, try Decathlon online, Sports direct or I highly recommend the great quality good value Alpkit. Again ask people with experience and they’ll make recommendations. Kit is very personal and overtime you’ll discover what works for you.
If you want to get out this Autumn or Winter set yourself small achievable goals and work methodically towards them. For example learning how to navigate around your local area of outdoor space before you venture further afield. Find a friend who wants to learn with you. Don’t feel like you have to do it alone, the outdoor community is generally helpful and really friendly. Make the most of friends, clubs, forums and online groups.
Something I’ve learnt over a lifetime of working and playing in the outdoors and multiple wet undies days, is that the weather is never as bad as at appears to be when your sat in a warm sheltered house looking out of the window. Get out there and embrace the wet undies!
Sarah is one of the utterly fabulous women behind Wonderful Wild Women and I have to thank her for the brilliant activities I have been able to be a part of thanks to the various events, days, courses and meet ups she organises.
https://www.wonderfulwildwomen.co.uk
The outdoors is important to me because it gives me breathing space both physically and mentally. A chance to detach and unplug from the stresses and responsibilities of everyday life. I spend a large part of my day indoors in front of a desk so getting some time outside each day really helps to keep my head happy.
I like to keep physically active and exercising outdoors is my favourite way to do that. Something about the combination of fresh air and being out in nature – it’s great for physical and mental health.
Experiencing and enjoying the outdoors doesn’t need to be a big extravagant excursion, I’m a big advocate for everyday adventures and fitting something, however small, into a day where you can. This can become especially important during winter months when light is sacred and the weather often less than desirable.
I think some essential bits of kit really help, whether that’s a good warm jacket or waterproofs etc. Chances are you will have to embrace the weather on occasion.
Well a massive thank you to Cath, Caroline, Paul & Sarah for their helpful tips and I really hope they inspire you to continue to get outdoors and embrace the autumn and winter seasons. I never though of myself as an outdoors person and always have imposter syndrome when I am around people who have a lifestyle that involves adventure activities, but I have found that when you are willing to try, the outdoor community embraces you with open arms. I can’t imagine life now without nature being in my every week and will absolutely be embracing the outdoors for my health this winter. I hope you do too.
Lots of ‘Friluftsliv’ love, Joanne x
