Friluftsliv! The Norwegian term I introduced a couple of days ago, represents a way of living in Norway, that focuses on time outdoors regardless of weather. I have written before about the benefits of getting outdoors, and I want to get back to it as the seasons are now beginning to change in many parts of the world. And as research on the pandemic gains a better understanding of how the virus spreads and lives.
I read an article this morning that unpacked the recent research on the COVID-19 virus, how it lives and spreads, and what we can do to protect ourselves. In a nutshell, the science of epidemiology and infectious disease several now has months of data to study, and we know a lot more from it than we did just 2 months ago. In short, what they have found is that the virus is airborne via droplets and aerosol- droplets tend to fall to the ground rather quickly, and aerosol tends to hang out in the air for a while, traveling 3-6 feet or farther depending on how heavy you are breathing. A person walking or standing while talking may only disperse aerosol versions of the virus for 3-6 feet, but if you are coughing, breathing hard from exercise, or singing, then the aerosol might travel farther then 6 feet.
The aerosol may hang out in the air for a while, the amount of time is still uncertain, so when in the presence of others indoors, or in close proximity outdoors, masking reduces the risk of infection from those lingering airborne droplets. Masking has been shown to be a very good way to protect all of us by slowing the spread from the person with the virus, and protecting the person around the infected person by reducing the chance of those aerosol droplets making their way into your mouth or nose. So, mask up so you reduce the risk of giving it or getting it. Preferably with a double layered mask: Indoors for certain, even at home when you have other people that are out and about. Outdoors when you are in close proximity to other people, especially when you are spending long periods of time around others. The longer you spend around an infected person, the more droplets or aerosol you might inhale, making the likelihood of infection greater with each breath (through the mouth or nose).
So, back to friluftsliv! As the weather changes in many parts of the world, more people are likely to spend greater stretches of time indoors, which increases the risk of exposure to COVID-19. From previous posts, you may also conclude that spending more time indoors, which limits exposure to nature, robs you of the many benefits human beings garner from being outside - biologically, emotionally, and cognitively. Time outside, especially movement outside, improves mood, sleep, memory, creativity, immune function, and stress perception and responses. Humans need time outdoors. So, when the weather begins to change, shortening the days, lowering the temperatures, reducing sunshine in general, increasing precipitation (rain, snow), we need to fight our natural inclination to hibernate indoors. We need to breathe fresh air and feel sunshine on our face and body.
The more time we spend outdoors regularly, the easier it is to tolerate or even enjoy the changes in the weather. With layered clothing, shoes or boots for rain and snow, and an umbrella or weatherproof hat (my favorite is my 10-year old Nike running hat for rain), going outside can be much more comfortable and enjoyable. The clothing and equipment does not have to be fancy or expensive. Just bundle up and prepare for the weather, and head out for 20-30 minutes of exposure to nature and weather in any way you can.
I am reminded of my puppy (Gussie is now 4 months old) and her reaction to rain. This past week we have had several rainy days in Georgia, and she is not a big fan of it. When I open the front door, she just stands there, looking at me as if to say: "You want me to go out there? It's wet!" The first few times we had this interaction, I have to admit, I picked her up and carried her down the stairs, gently placing her under a tree for a respite from the rain, so she could do 'her business.' But I quickly realized that was a bad idea, since she is growing quickly, and has already more than doubled in size since I brought her home 2 months ago. It is a nice little high intensity jog down the stairs with her 25 pound ball of fur in my arms right now, but 4-6 weeks from now, her 30 pound body better find its way down the stairs without my help. Anyway, back to my point. Once I got Gussie downstairs, and she did 'her business', and was a little wet from the rain, she seemed to get more comfortable with it. She still doesn't run outside at the site of rain, but she does slowly go down the steps, and she actually ran through the puddles yesterday. She sniffs the air, and enjoys spending more time outside now that the hot humid air is more tolerable. So, just as Gussie has learned to appreciate the changing weather, so can we. The more time we spend outdoors, the more we are likely to be comfortable with the weather, and actually, maybe, begin to appreciate it.
The Norwegians are on to something, as it is no accident that the people of Norway tend to live long, healthy, satisfying lives. Being outside is not the only factor that contributes to that, but when you look at countries with citizens that live long, healthy, and satisfying lives, they all tend to be countries that are not necessarily known for temperate weather, but for a tradition of getting outside and moving in nature regardless of the weather. So, let's learn from these countries, especially at a time when our world needs all the help it can get to maintain resilience in this longer-than-expected pandemic.
I know, not everyone has easy access to nature. If you live on the west coast of the United States, air quality is at an all time low with the rash of wildfires, so being outdoors is dangerous. This is also true if you live in highly polluted cities. So I get it, it isn't easy for everyone to 'get outside'. In those cases, be safe and follow local guidelines.
Maybe you live in a congested city, where getting outside typically means walking out of your quiet apartment into a busy sidewalk full of people. That doesn't sound very pleasant. But, take heart! Is there a park anywhere nearby? Most cities recognize the importance of public park space and provide green space for residents in some way. Do you have window in your home? Open that window up, and plant a chair by the window. Stick your head out that window like a puppy enjoying the fresh air out a car window! Feel the rain or snow, if that is what the weather is today!
While we continue to live in precarious times everywhere in the world, I have hope that we will someday look back at this time in history and recognize that we have learned some lessons about ourselves individually and about human nature. Some good, some bad. Some I wish we didn't have to learn. But while we are living in these times, I hope that I can share with you some tips that help you get through this time with a little bit of hope for the future, some resilience to make your days pass with some happiness (the hedonic AND eudaimonic versions!), and good health.
Friluftsliv!!!!
Be safe, stay well, and take care.
**If you are still feeling overwhelmed, know that help is available. Seek out professional help in our local area.
For free, confidential help with substance abuse or mental health issues, you may call the SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) hotline (English and Spanish speaking) at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
You may also call the national Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) for help with depression and suicidal thoughts.
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