Friluftsliv for Hospice Patients
Friluftsliv, pronounced “Free-Loofs-Leaf” is a Norwegian and Danish word that translates to "free air life" or "open-air living" in English. It is a philosophy and way of life that emphasizes spending time in nature for the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits it provides.
Friluftsliv is often associated with outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting, but it can also include more passive activities such as simply enjoying nature, and spending time in natural environments.
Many people who practice Friluftsliv believe that being in nature can help them to feel more connected to the earth and to themselves, and that it can help to reduce stress, improve mood, and promote overall well-being.
Hospice patients can greatly benefit from spending more time enjoying nature, and Curry County offers no shortage of beautiful opportunities.
Here are a few ways to get out into nature, or bring it in to you if you are bedridden and can’t leave your home.
Going for walks or wheelchair rides outside in nature, whether it's a park or garden, nearby woods or even a local urban area with greenery. Azalea Park in Brookings has some beautiful flat trails through the garden area, and several Curry County beaches have flat walkways next to the parking areas that allow you to get relatively close to the water without getting stuck in the sand.
Bringing nature inside, by setting up a small indoor garden or bringing in some cut or potted flowers. Keeping the windows open when possible also helps bring in both the sounds and smells of the great outdoors.
Listening to bird songs, running water or other nature sounds can help to create a sense of calm and peacefulness. There are many channels on YouTube that have continuous nature sounds for 8 or more hours straight with no ads.
Engaging in activities such as reading or writing while sitting in a natural setting can also be beneficial. Sit outside on your porch, or even in a car with the windows down parked next to some trees or a river.
Watch the animals outside. Consider setting up a bird feeder or even a squirrel feeder to attract some lively creatures close enough that you can view them from your bed or the couch.
Digital photo frames can cycle beautiful nature photos. You can download thousands of beautiful nature pictures from website such as Unsplash or Pexels. There are also ways to view nature scenes on your television, either through your cable provider or via the internet.
Essential oil diffusers can bring natural scents into your home, ranging from citrus, to evergreens, to herbal smells. Choose scents to influence your mood. Some oils, like spearmint, ginger, and cardamom can even help increase your appetite (a problem many hospice patients struggle with).
How do you like to connect with nature, and how does it help to make your day better? Share with us in the comments below!