Fruitloopin?

Embracing Winter with a Little “Friluftsliv”

Or as we like to say… just goin’ fruitloopin’.

It suddenly feels like winter has settled in, and for many of us, the instinct is to hibernate indoors. The trouble is, hiding from the season for months at a time can take a real toll on our mood and mindset.

That’s where the old Norwegian idea of friluftsliv comes in. You’ve probably heard the term by now, it loosely means “open-air living,” a simple practice of getting outside, connecting with nature without disturbing it, and letting the fresh air shake off some of life’s daily stresses.

My wife and I just call it fruitloopin’, and we try to get out almost every day, even when it’s cold.

If winter isn’t your favorite season, it’s still worth giving this a try. A short walk, a quiet trail, or even just standing outside for a few minutes can help keep your outlook positive during the long, dark months. Yes, it means pushing past that familiar voice saying “too cold,” but with a little routine it gets easier, and eventually it becomes something your mind and body look forward to.

Dress for the weather

Warm layers, winter boots, gloves, hats, and something to cover your face will make the cold far more comfortable. Avoid cotton when you can, stick to moisture-wicking fabrics that keep sweat off your skin. And always bring water and a snack to recharge along the way.
(Fruit Loops remain optional.)

Five simple ways to enjoy winter outdoors

1 – Take a winter hike.
Explore a familiar trail in its quieter, snow-covered state or pick a new one each week. A thermos of something warm helps.

2 – Go sledding.
Share the fun with family or friends. And yes, Devil’s Lake State Park has a sledding hill in the Quartzite Campground.

3 – Let the kids play.
Snow forts, igloos, snowmen, or even snow rabbits… free play outdoors is good for everyone involved.

4 – Try animal tracking.
Winter is perfect for spotting prints in the snow. Photograph the ones you don’t recognize and stop by the Devil’s Lake Nature Center; the naturalist can help ID them.

5 – Cook a simple meal outdoors.
Comfort food tastes different when you eat it in the woods. A small picnic on a trail or in a quiet clearing can be a surprising mood-lifter.

Start small this week

Step outside, even briefly, and let the season meet you on its own terms. You might find that embracing a little friluftsliv, or just going fruitloopin’, changes the way you experience winter altogether.

Learn More

Friluftsliv: The Nordic concept of getting outdoors – BBC