As autumn settles into Devil's Lake State Park and the surrounding Sauk County area, we're…
It suddenly feels like winter is upon us, some may want to hibernate indoors for the season. But holing up for months tends to take a toll on our mood and mindset.
Instead, consider embracing the Norwegian concept of “friluftsliv” (free-loofs-leaf). You’ve probably heard the idea by now and it generally focuses on living simply, engaging with nature without disturbing it, and shaking off those daily stresses by getting outdoors. My wife and I playfully just say, “fruitloopin” and make it a goal to get out almost every day.
Even if you dislike winter, it’s worth giving it a try! Venturing outside keeps your outlook positive and your mood up during the long, dark months. It may mean pushing past that inner voice that says “It’s too cold” and making outdoor time a routine. But like everything good for us it seems, if we set a routine and stick to it, it becomes easier and soon becomes habit.
The key is dressing warmly for the conditions. With proper layers, winter boots, gloves, hats, and face coverage, you can comfortably enjoy the chill temps. (Avoid cotton if you can—stick to moisture-wicking fabrics!)
Don’t forget to pack ample water and snacks to recharge while having fun. (Fruit Loops are optional!)
Here are 5 ideas to get you started:
1 – Take a winter hike through the woods or countryside to enjoy the quiet serenity. Maybe discover a new trail each week? Bring a hot drink! Remember, it’s time to buy that 2024 WI State Park sticker!
2 – Go sledding with family, building bonds along the way. Did you know Devil’s Lake State Park has a sledding hill in the Quartzite Campground?
3 – Help the kids play freely in nature, build snow forts, igloos, or snowmen… snow rabbits?
4 – Go animal tracking and see what critters have left prints for you to discover. (Take photos of the ones you don’t know, and stop by the Devil’s Lake Nature Center to ask the naturalist what you found.).
5 – Cook up some comfort food and dine alfresco along a hiking trail or in a forest.
Start small by stepping outside this week. Embracing friluftsliv or just goin’ “fruitloopin” could change how you experience winter!
Learn More
Friluftsliv: The Nordic concept of getting outdoors – BBC
For nearly 2 decades the Skillet Creek blog has focused on 3 main goals; To inspire you to visit and explore the Devil’s Lake region, to help you get the most your visit by sharing tips, events, and other helpful information. Lastly to advocate for our environment & wildlife and talk about how we can keep our natural areas amazing now and into the future! That last goal can sometimes cause controversy, but it’s the only way we can accomplish the first two. – Derrick Mayoleth, Owner.
Related Posts
