3 Nordic Living Habits for the Winter

We all secretly long for the idyllic Nordic lifestyle. Their love of nature, earthy foods and simple joys are a welcomed antidote to the frenzied pace of modern Western life. Living like them involves a little more than a trip to Ikea for some new Scandinavian furnishings – to live the Nordic life to adopt a new way of being. Here are three simple ways to start your transition this winter.

Eat Nordic Plants for Winter Immunity and Warmth

Nordic cuisine is experiencing a wild plant Renaissance. Chefs are getting back in touch with their local resources and foraging their own ingredients out in the field to create aromatic, culinary dishes in their restaurants. Assuming a practice will bring you a greater awareness of the wild ingredients your rely on, and more respect for the environment you are so meaningfully a part of – not to mention it’s great for your health!

Swap out your cup of coffee for Four Sigmatic’s Chaga Elixir, a potent extract that contains Chaga pieces sustainably harvested from birch trees.

Wild Chaga mushrooms are some of the most popular foraged foods today, and Tero Isokauppila, founder of the food company Four Sigmatic, is on a mission to make them more accessible to everyone. Chaga naturally boosts your immune system, and can improve your ability to fight infections, bacteria, colds, and viruses. It also contains a lot of antioxidants and is high in trace minerals, like zinc, which helps protect your skin (your biggest organ). Swap out your cup of coffee for Four Sigmatic’s Chaga Elixir, a potent extract that contains Chaga pieces sustainably harvested from birch trees.

When taking these potent herbs, prepare yourself for a tremendous boost of energy and mental clarity!

Rhodiola, known as the “arctic root,” is a native plant in Siberia and Northern Europe used for thousands of years to survive harsh winters in mountainous regions. Classified as an adaptogen, the root has traditionally been used to help the body increase resistance to stress and increase energy, stamina, strength and mental capacity. Rhodiola extract is amazing for combating the stress of the information age – fatigue, mental fog, trouble concentrating, low energy and mood challenges. I’ve noticed a tremendous boost of energy and mental clarity while taking this potent herb! Be sure to pick up a supplement that’s sustainably harvested and balanced with other adaptogens like Holy Basil and Schisandra. My go-to products are Adrenal Health Daily Support and Adrenal Health Jump Start by Gaia Herbs because Gaia adheres to ecologically responsible harvesting practices and meticulous crop monitoring.

Prepare Wintery Wholesome Meals

Nordic meals are rich, warm and supremely savory. They often focus on using seasonal ingredients and preserving their freshness and purity as much as possible. Rye bread, or “stone age” bread, is a common staple eaten for lunch and dinner. Using a combination of seeds and nuts, it’s easy to make at home (plus it’s gluten-free and paleo friendly!). Top it with things like liver pâté, bacon and deep fried onions for a delicious small dish. Pickled foods are also very common, as they are easy to preserve well into the winter months. Try some pickled eggs, cucumbers, or herring like a true Nordic – your gut will thank you.

If you’re indulging in pastries this season, be sure to try these Swedish cardamom rolls with some Chaga or tea. These Scandinavian almond bars are also a simple, yet incredibly tasty staple.

Light Your Soul

Nordic homes are built to capture more light from their natural environment, even in the depths of the darkest winters. They also feature lots of white walls and furnishings that reflect the light more beautifully. In our modern lifestyle, Westerners are definitely not getting enough sunlight. The artificial blue light coming from our phones, computers and TV screens tell our brain that it’s morning even when the sun has set, which disrupts our biological clock.

Open your windows, take a walk on your lunch break, and get an app like F.lux to adapt your computer’s display to the natural light.

To live like a Nordic and restore harmony to our natural rhythms, try incorporating more daylight into your routine. Upon waking, be sure to go outside in the sun for at least twenty minutes. Open your windows, take a walk on your lunch break, and get an app like F.lux to adapt your computer’s display to the natural light. Use candles to add more cozy warmth to your home this winter – it’s also better for your eyes!
This winter, get in the Nordic mindset by experimenting with these simple but transformational lifestyle changes. You’ll feel more at home in your body, connected with nature’s gifts, and nourished all season long.