Buzz
I don’t own an umbrella, and here’s why: If it’s raining, I simply won’t go outside. Rain is just one of many excuses I use to stay indoors (other reasons include all forms of precipitation, temperatures outside the comfortable 50-90℉ range, dirt, and mosquitoes).
The advantages of spending time outdoors and immersing yourself in nature are widely recognized, but developing a daily habit of fresh air is tough when there are so many reasons to stay indoors. I’ve been reminded of this while reading There’s No Such Thing As Bad Weather by Linda Åkeson McGurk, a Swedish mother who reflects on her upbringing in Scandinavia compared to raising children in the United States. For a glimpse of the key contrasts, take a look at the book's subtitle: "A Scandinavian Mom’s Secrets for Raising Healthy, Resilient, and Confident Kids (from Friluftsliv to Hygge)."
McGurk’s book is filled with actionable advice for parents who want their children to spend more time outdoors, and it’s equally helpful for adults who’ve never quite adjusted to being outside in nature.
Stop using excuses to stay indoors (like bad weather)
To start, I (and maybe you too) need to release the belief that the only acceptable weather for outdoor activities is sunny, mild, and stable. In San Antonio, Texas, where I live, we have 53 rainy days each year. Four months are too cold for me, and three months are unbearably hot. It's easy to talk myself out of spending time outside for most of the year. How often does your local weather keep you from enjoying nature?
This isn’t to say that you should ignore all reason and venture outside no matter the conditions. As McGurk writes, “Thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, flash floods, life-threatening temperatures, or other types of crazy weather conditions are perfectly valid reasons for staying inside.” But if it’s just a bit chilly, slightly warm, or drizzly—that’s not really an excuse to stay cooped up and miss the benefits of being outdoors.
Perhaps your excuses extend beyond just the weather:
“I don’t have time.”
“I don’t want to get dirty.”
“The mosquitos are evil.”
Make ‘going outside’ an essential part of your routine. Once you decide that, it will become much easier to find ways to do it safely and comfortably.
Invest in quality outdoor clothing
Do you sometimes worry that inadequate outerwear will make you sick, even though you logically know that’s not true? Once you make the commitment to spend time outdoors regardless of the weather, start building a wardrobe that’s ready for anything. A carefully chosen outfit can help you handle nearly any weather discomfort.
McGurk suggests looking for these features in outdoor gear and play clothes for both children and adults:
Protection from the elements (wind, sun, rain, cold temperatures, etc.)
Durability to withstand frequent use
Easy to put on and remove
Roomy enough to allow for free movement during play
Depending on the weather and your location, consider these additional tips:
For warmth, start with a wool or synthetic base layer, add a fleece or sweat mid-layer, then an outer layer that is waterproof, windproof, and breathable, topped off with waterproof boots and mittens.
For wet seasons, rain pants, jacket, and boots are a smart choice.
Select “play” clothes that won’t stress you out if they get dirty or damaged.
In summer, shoes are optional.
Embrace Friluftsliv (outdoor living)
McGurk explains that the Swedish concept of friluftsliv refers to “a culture and lifestyle deeply focused on experiencing and appreciating nature in a relaxed, non-competitive way.” This commitment to outdoor living is so ingrained in Swedish culture that some suggest it’s almost a form of religion. “Some even propose that nature has filled the gap left by the decline of organized religion in Sweden, which is one of the world’s most secular nations,” she writes.
The Swedish practice of outdoor living may also counteract our modern tendency to feel overwhelmed by sensory input, as seen in nature-based schools. “Nature engages all the senses, but in a way that isn’t overwhelming. Children playing outside tend to be calm but alert,” McGurk notes. The peaceful yet stimulating nature of the outdoors can be just as beneficial for adults.
Here are a few ideas to enhance your friluftsliv experience:
Whenever you can, enjoy your meals outdoors.
Bring your coffee or tea to the outdoors.
Open your windows to let fresh air in.
Find a comfortable outdoor chair to replace your usual indoor spot for reading and browsing.
Take a nap outside
Although it may seem strange to some, especially in cultures where it’s not common, in Scandinavia, it’s perfectly normal—and even encouraged—for babies to nap outdoors. As McGurk writes, “Daily fresh air is seen as essential for babies, right after food, sleep, and the nurturing love of a parent. The most common way they receive fresh air is by being in a pram.”
While you might feel hesitant about letting your baby nap outdoors without supervision, consider how you and your family might safely enjoy a nap in the open air. Maybe a cozy daybed on the porch or a hammock in the backyard could be the perfect solution. This is your reminder that both you and the fresh air deserve a break.
Cultivate a mindset of stewardship toward natural spaces
As McGurk points out, some Swedish towns have intentionally closed off certain areas to vehicles in order to promote alternative forms of transportation and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. When streets downtown are closed off and local roads end in green spaces, residents are encouraged to walk or bike, breathing in the fresh(er) air.
Community-driven policies that reshape infrastructure help everyone feel invested in caring for their surroundings. Children in Scandinavia learn from an early age about the importance of environmental conservation.
“In addition to providing children with opportunities to play in natural settings, preschools are responsible for teaching them how they can contribute to a healthier environment, both today and in the years ahead,” McGurk writes.
Here are some ways you and your family can spend more time outdoors while connecting more deeply with nature through caretaking activities:
Take a class outdoors to learn a new outdoor skill.
Start composting as the first step in growing your own plants. Gardening doesn't have to require a large space or a lot of time or energy. Begin with just one pot and a single seed.
Always keep bags and gloves nearby so you can collect litter as you move through your neighborhood.
Welcome the dirt and the rain.
Reflect on how much your aversion to dirt might stem from a fear of being judged. As McGurk suggests, it may be time to distinguish between dirt from play and dirt from neglect. “Sometimes it’s adults’ own fears that keep children from having sensory experiences in nature … parents who do let their children kick their shoes off in public run the risk of getting shamed. Going barefoot, like so many other things that used to be a common part of childhood in the US, has now become controversial,” she writes.
Try designating a 'muddy zone' in your yard where digging and exploration are encouraged. If you're concerned about the mess being tracked indoors, establish a routine and station for removing muddy gear at the door. Make outdoor time a daily priority—no matter the weather—until it becomes an effortless part of your routine.
“Remember that not every nature experience needs to involve a grand adventure to a scenic national park—watching a caterpillar crawl across a sidewalk or simply lying on the grass and watching the clouds go by in the backyard can be a wonderful adventure for a young child,” McGurk writes. “Celebrate these everyday nature experiences together, and return to the same spots regularly to help your child form a deeper connection with your community and its natural spaces.”
