Spring Into Wellness: A Nordic-Inspired Guide to Health and Renewal
- Tinessa Johnsrud, HHP, CHNC, CWC
- Mar 20
- 5 min read

🌷 Welcome to Your Spring Awakening! 🌷
As the snow melts away and the days grow longer, spring offers the perfect opportunity to refresh both mind and body. Inspired by the tranquil yet invigorating practices of Nordic living, this season is all about embracing nature, simplifying routines, and nourishing your body. Let’s step into spring with Nordic-inspired wellness tips that bring balance, energy, and joy to your life.
• Embrace the Power of Nature •Get Outside and Breathe Deeply
In Nordic countries, nature isn't just scenery—it's a vital part of daily life. With longer days and warmer weather, it’s time to step outside and reconnect with the world around you. Whether it’s a brisk walk in the woods, a quiet moment by a body of water, or simply soaking in the sun on your porch, spending time in nature is known to reduce stress and boost mood.
Healthy Habit: Practice "friluftsliv" (pronounced free-loofts-leev), a Swedish term meaning "open-air living." Try to spend at least 30 minutes outdoors every day—rain or shine. The fresh air and natural surroundings will work wonders for your mental and physical health.
Reading: The Open-Air Life: Discover the Nordic Art of Friluftsliv and Embrace Nature Every Day by Linda Åkeson Mcgurk
• The Nordic Ritual of Saunas •Detox, Relax, Rejuvenate
If you've never experienced a sauna, you’re missing out on one of the most beloved Nordic traditions. Saunas are a cornerstone of wellness in countries like Finland and Sweden, promoting detoxification, muscle relaxation, and mental clarity.
Healthy Habit: Treat yourself to regular sauna sessions this spring. If you can, visit a sauna with access to cold water for an invigorating "contrast therapy" experience. Alternating between hot and cold stimulates circulation, boosts energy, and strengthens the immune system. If you don’t have access to a spa facility you can still simulate the protocol with a shower and bathtub.
• Plant-Based Power: Nordic Cuisine for Spring •Nourish Your Body with Seasonal, Local Ingredients
Nordic cuisine focuses on fresh, simple, and locally sourced ingredients, making it ideal for springtime rejuvenation. Seasonal foods like leafy greens and edible flowers offer vibrant nutrition, perfect for supporting your body's spring detox. Incorporate fermented foods like kefir, a probiotic-rich drink in your breakfast routine to support your gut health as the seasons shift.
Healthy Habit: Try a simple Nordic-inspired dish like a “Smørrebrød” (open-faced rye sandwich) topped with spring greens, edible flowers and root veggies for a burst of flavor and nutrients.
Cookbook: Open Sandwiches: 70 Smørrebrød Ideas for Morning, Noon and Night by Trine Hahnemann, 2023
In season spring vegetables: asparagus, carrots, green onions, radishes, leeks, snap peas, new potatoes, fennel, lettuce and spinach.
More Spring Culinary Inspiration:
• Nordic Mindfulness: A Moment for Stillness •Finding Calm in Simplicity
In the bustling pace of modern life, it’s easy to forget the importance of slowing down. Nordic cultures emphasize simplicity, quietude, and mindfulness, especially during the transitional seasons. A few minutes of stillness can help you reset and recharge.
Healthy Habit: Try “Útiseta” a native Norse or Northern European practice very similar to meditation. It translates to “sitting out,” and involves sitting outside in a secluded or spiritually significant location. If you are not able to find such a place create a calm environment with soft lighting, a cup of herbal tea, and a good book or relaxing music. Allow yourself time to relax and simply be in the moment. This practice helps reduce anxiety and promotes emotional well-being.
• Spring Clean Your Mind and Body •Detoxify with Intentional Routines
Spring is a time of renewal, and it’s the perfect season to declutter your space and mind. A fresh environment fosters clearer thinking and a more balanced approach to daily life. In Nordic countries, the tradition of “spring cleaning” isn't just about tidying up your home—it's about clearing mental clutter too.
Healthy Habit: Dedicate one afternoon to decluttering both your physical and mental space. Clean your home with natural products, open the windows for fresh air, and meditate for 5-10 minutes to reset your thoughts. This practice is known to reduce stress and boost creativity.
• Stay Active: Nordic Walking for Vitality •Get Moving with Purpose
Nordic walking is a full-body workout that incorporates trekking poles for added resistance, making it a great way to build strength, improve posture, and enjoy nature. Whether you’re taking a walk in the park or tackling a mountain trail, this practice is simple and effective.
Healthy Habit: Try incorporating poles into your daily walks. The gentle movement is easy on the joints, making it a great low-impact movement for people of all ages. You’ll feel energized, and the added benefit of improving posture and stamina will help you enjoy more of what spring has to offer.
Nordic Walking Program – free education program from Sikana
• Nordic Sleep Rituals •Quality Rest for a Vibrant Spring
Good sleep is at the core of Nordic wellness. As the days grow longer, it’s important to keep a healthy balance of rest. The concept of “slow living” in the Nordics encourages winding down early and prioritizing a consistent bedtime routine.
Healthy Habit: Create a soothing bedtime ritual with dim lighting, calming scents like lavender, and a warm cup of chamomile tea. Keep your bedroom cool and dark for optimal sleep conditions. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to recharge and restore your energy.
• Cultivate Gratitude: A Nordic Perspective •The Power of Positive Thinking
The Nordic countries consistently rank high in happiness surveys, and much of that comes from their emphasis on gratitude and contentment with what you have. Embracing a positive mindset can enhance your well-being and help you navigate the challenges of the season.
Healthy Habit: Start a daily gratitude practice. Write down three things you're thankful for each day, big or small. It’s a simple way to shift your focus and create more positivity in your life.
Cozy Gratitude: A Hygge Self-Care Journal from Create Bliss Designs
Your Spring Wellness Healthy Habit Checklist
✔ Get outside every day for 30 minutes of fresh air
✔ Indulge in regular sauna sessions or contrast therapy
✔ Eat more seasonal, plant-based, and fermented foods
✔ Practice mindfulness with a daily moment of stillness
✔ Declutter your home and mind
✔ Try Nordic walking for full-body fitness
✔ Prioritize quality sleep with a calming evening routine
✔ Cultivate gratitude through daily reflection
As you step into spring, let the serene and grounding practices of Nordic living guide you toward a healthier, more balanced version of yourself. The season is one of renewal—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Here's to a vibrant spring filled with wellness and vitality! 🌷
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