A few weeks ago, thanks to TikTok, I discovered my latest little obsession: Finnish health habits. As I was scrolling, I came across a content creator from Finland who lives in LA, and I was immediately hooked hearing her explain the cultural differences between Finland and America (they do so during the winter). Let the baby sleep outside (why?!). Digging deeper into this fascinating culture, we discovered that Finland and other Nordic countries are known as the happiest countries in the world. I knew that winter is a very long and dark season there, so I had to know more.
With the help of my new favorite TikTok creator, Aurora from @rorayoga, the secret to their undeniable happiness may be much simpler than we think, and easier to incorporate into our daily lives. I learned that there isn’t. Naturally, many practices include diets that prioritize gut health and overall nutritional health. There are more physical exercises, but they are far from extensive training and crash diets.
A common theme among these Nordic health practices is reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. It’s no wonder that people from Nordic cultures who live a lifestyle that reduces common causes are called “the happiest people in the world.” unhappiness. But the best part about these health tips is that many of them are simple practices that can be incorporated into your daily life. We thought that by attending all or just a few of them, you might be able to experience some of the Nordic bliss. Read on for 7 Nordic health habits you can try today.
Simple Nordic wellness practices
1. Eat more berries
The first of several nutritional habits that Scandinavians value is eating more berries. Some of the most common include blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries. It makes sense to include fruit in your daily diet. But why exactly? And why does Nordic culture prioritize these superfoods?
The answer may be that these berries are rich in antioxidants, which may reduce your risk of diseases such as heart disease and cancer. Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, which helps maintain skin, bone, and blood vessel health and protects cells. Meanwhile, blueberries may reduce your risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Blackberries are a great source of dietary fiber and vitamin C, which boosts gut health. Who would have thought that such a small food could contain so many nutrients? Looks like he’s Scandinavian!
2. Eat more fish
Its location on the Baltic Sea and the presence of several lakes and rivers means that Nordic culture is rich in fish. Eating fish is a common healthy habit in this region, and it’s more beneficial to the human body than we realize. It’s not too difficult to incorporate salmon or trout into your weekly menu since they’re readily available in your neck of the woods.
Many people know that fish is rich in omega-3s, but how do they actually affect us? Omega-3s have excellent anti-inflammatory properties. Yes, and may help fight common diseases caused by chronic inflammation, such as heart disease and cancer. It may also help reduce depression and anxiety, improve mental disorders, and improve bone and joint health, among other things.
3. Relax in a Finnish sauna
You may have heard that more and more people are jumping on the sauna bandwagon in recent years. That’s not surprising, since saunas have undeniable health benefits. In fact, people in the Nordic culture have been benefiting from it for centuries. A traditional Finnish sauna combines dry heat and steam by pouring water over hot stones. The heat and associated humidity cause our bodies to activate deep sweating to promote detoxification.
This detoxification process is great for improving blood circulation, immune function, muscle relaxation, recovery, and even reducing stress and congestion. Not to mention, when we sweat, our bodies remove dead skin cells, which improves the overall health of our skin.
Finns have saunas in their homes, cabins, and even some office buildings, but you don’t have to spend a fortune to install one in your backyard. In fact, sauna studios are increasingly open to the public in many cities, making them an achievable habit to add to your health routine. Scandinavians see sauna use as a way to sit quietly and slow down their thoughts without being distracted by equipment. During this time, stress and anxiety are reduced because distractions are limited. Now it’s something we can all achieve.
4. Ice dip
The opposite of extreme heat is extreme cold. Cold plunging, a common Scandinavian health practice, is actually effective alongside sauna use. Unless you have pre-existing cardiovascular or respiratory problems, cold plunges, even on their own, can be effective in reducing inflammation, pain, stress, and anxiety. Additionally, it helps with blood circulation, immune function, and cardiovascular health.
Traditionally, Nordic cultures embrace the forces of nature and drill holes into frozen lakes to increase the ice slope to its extremes. But perhaps the best thing about ice immersion is that it can be done in many different ways. If you have access to a lake and can do so safely, do as the Scandinavians do. But even if you don’t, you can experience the same benefits by using an ice bath at home or in your studio. Some sauna studios offer a duo experience for optimal effect.
5. Add more mushrooms to your diet
When you head out to fill your shopping cart with delicious berries and fish, be sure to add mushrooms to your list as well. Finns have found that eating these delicious fungi on a regular basis has great benefits. Chief among these is stimulating the immune system. It is also known to reduce inflammation, boost cellular health, and provide anti-aging antioxidants.
6. Eat licorice
While the idea of eating licorice may sound immediately appealing, it’s important to point out that we’re not talking about Red Vines here. Nordic and many other cultures have used natural licorice root for many years for its various health benefits. Native to the Mediterranean and West Asian regions, this plant has been used for thousands of years and traces its origins to Chinese medicine.
It is essential in Finnish culture due to its benefits, including treating liver, kidney, and lung conditions. In addition to that, it is also great for treating digestive, cardiovascular diseases, and alleviating menopausal and hormonal issues. Additionally, it can help treat colds, viruses, and bacterial infections.
Many people incorporate licorice root into their diet by adding it to teas, syrups, and sauces. It doesn’t hurt that it’s naturally sweet either. That’s where candy shapes come into play.
7. Spend regular time in nature
Even in frigid climates, Scandinavians have no excuses when it comes to spending time outdoors. For them, it’s practically a no-brainer. Nordic countries have an abundance of forests, so people often take advantage of locations close to nature. Taking regular walks and spending time outdoors provides an opportunity to spend time in silence, reconnect with the earth, and center yourself. See a theme here?
This is a habit we can all adopt, whether or not we live near vast expanses of nature. It could be as simple as taking a walk to your local park, spending a sunny day in your backyard, or planning an occasional hiking trip. Getting outside and reconnecting with nature is a great opportunity to reduce stress and reduce the effects of depression and anxiety. In addition to boosting your mood, you may sleep better, live longer, and improve your heart health. All of this is possible just by spending regular time in nature like the Scandinavians.
