Friluftsliv Anyone?
The Thrill Of The Chill – Embrace Friluftsliv For Resilient, Healthy Living This Winter
The Norwegians have a word I love: friluftslive (pronounced free-loofts-liv). It translates to “open-air life” and speaks to the profound connection between humans and nature. I first encountered it on a birthday trip I gave myself to the Arctic Circle in February. Yes, the Arctic Circle. It was 25 degrees below 0 and awesome, but that’s another story. Friluftslive translates literally to “open-air life” and comes from a famous poem by the Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen, På vidderne, where the protagonist seeks freedom and meaning in nature. He used “friluftsliv” to describe the restorative and philosophical relationship humans can have with wild nature.
For me, friluftsliv comes alive in winter boating and outdoor adventures on San Francisco Bay. This season offers something magical: crisp, cold air; milder winds; calmer waters; and the brazen, translucent winter sun. It’s not just invigorating—it’s healing. Despite the common myth that winter’s cold causes illness, it’s our indoor habits—huddling with screens, indulging in heavy foods, and losing touch with movement and sunlight—that challenge our health the most and spark most of our New Year’s resolutions.
Winter is my favorite time of year to go boating on the Bay and hiking in unique settings. Winter provides some of the most inspiring, enlivening and rejuvenating days of the year. And being intimately connected to nature, under the winter sun can be incredibly transformative and yield health benefits we don’t always consider.
While nature itself offers healing and restorative powers, being on the water and boating offers even more health benefits. It contains a natural capacity to calm the mind, releasing dopamine andnaturally relaxing our body. Without effort on our part, it brings us into the present moment, experiencing mindfulness. It’s an easy way to build the muscle of mindfulness. For all of us dealing with stressful environments or personal challenges, boating on the Bay provides a powerful and instinctive “reset button.”
The lower temperatures of winter are are very good for you. I am sure you’ve heard all the hype about cold therapy. You don’t need to jump into a barrel of ice to get the benefits of cold therapy, just join us for some of our outdoor play this winter.
8 Ways Winter Adventures Are Good for You
- Get Out Of Stagnant, Indoor Environments: This is a big reason for getting outside as much as possible. Indoor environments can increase stress and illness. No fresh air circulation means you breathe stagnant air that contains higher concentrations of pollutants (dust, mold, VOCs from furniture or cleaning products, and CO2 buildup). If you work in an office building, you’re breathing recycled air. Bacteria and viruses circulate repeatedly, increasing the likelihood of illness, especially during cold and flu seasons.
- Improved Sleep: Circadian rhythms are our natural, internal clock that regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Reduced sunlight exposure disrupts our circadian rhythms and suppresses melatonin regulation, the hormone that regulates our sleep-wake cycles. Regular exposure to natural light strengthens the signal for wakefulness during the day and restfulness at night, reducing daytime sleepiness and nighttime insomnia.
- The Feel Good Hormone Serotonin: This neurotransmitter plays a key role in regulating mood, sleep, appetite, digestion, memory, and social behavior. Lack of sunlight reduces serotonin levels which can contribute to mood disorders like Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), depression, and indirectly affect sleep quality. Sun=happiness.
- Vitamin D Deficiency: Over 40% of adults suffer from vitamin D deficiency. Indoor living limits exposure to UVB rays, reducing our vitamin D production, which is essential for immune health and mood regulation.
- The Body’s Natural Painkillers – Endorphins: Endorphins are chemicals produced by the brain that act as painkillers and mood boosters. They help to reduce stress and enhance feelings of well-being. Getting outside in winter weather, combining movement, crisper air, and the water triggers endorphin release. Outdoor adventures are a natural remedy for stress and low energy, and naturally build our stress resilience.
- Reduced inflammation: Cold temperatures act like natural cold therapy, reducing inflammation and pain by stimulating anti-inflammatory molecules and improving blood flow. The constriction and dilation of blood vessels in cooler weather also enhance circulation, helping the body recover and reset.
- Improved Brain Function: Cold air sharpens focus and mental clarity. Cooler temperatures increase oxygen flow to the brain and stimulate norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter thatimproves alertness and boosts mood. It’s an instant brain boost without caffeine.
- Increased Calorie & Fat Burn: Your body burns more calories to stay warm in the cold, and outdoor activities like hiking or boating amplify this effect. Winter even activates “brown fat,” a good fat that burns energy to generate heat, helping your body shed unwanted “white fat.”
Join Us for Winter Wellness Adventures
Let’s break free from winter’s stagnant indoor habits and embrace the rejuvenating power of nature. Here’s how we’re playing this season to help you feel your best:
- December 7: Yoga + Sailing Day Retreat
Start your day with flow yoga overlooking the tranquil waters of Brickyard Cove Marina. Then, board our sailboat for an invigorating sailing experience. A chef-prepared lunch, warm drinks, and an evening Wine Down will leave you inspired and refreshed. - December 21: Solstice Power Hike on Angel Island
Cruise to Angel Island on a sporty powerboat, hike its stunning trails, and take in epic views. Warm drinks, a chef-prepared lunch, and a scenic trip back under the Golden Gate Bridge will make this a day to remember. - Boating Club Membership
Enjoy effortless access to boating on San Francisco Bay. Members benefit from private lessons, exclusive events, and shared or custom memberships. Join now before 2025 rates increase! - Private Yacht Charters Create your own private day on the Bay with family and friends and celebrate special events or just the gratitude of the seasons. Check out our winter specials and enjoy the thrill of winter.
- 2025 Signature Retreats & Events
Be the first to know about our upcoming programs, including Meditation + Sailing Retreats, Women’s ReWilding Writing Retreats, and International Sailing and Writing Adventures.
Let this winter be your season of renewal. Whether it’s sailing, hiking, or mindful moments on the water, there’s no better time to embrace the freedom and vitality of friluftsliv. Reconnect with yourself, nature, and the thrill of the chill. I can’t wait to see you out there!
Get on The List.
Dress For The Weather
Helly-Hansen Men’s Crew Hooded Jacket 2.0
A sleek, hooded sailing jacket, fully waterproof, windproof and constructed of breathable fabrics and constructions. For all situations and weather conditions where protection from the elements is needed. Fully seam sealed. Durable Water Repellency treatment (DWR).
FEATURES: 2-layer construction, Hip length, Adjustable cuffs, Embroider friendly, Brushed polyester inside collar and hand pockets, Packable hood in collar, Mesh lining for extra comfort, Adjustable drawcord on hem, Adjustable hood with drawcord, PFC-free
Helly-Hansen Womens Crew Hooded Waterproof Sailing Jacket
A super-versatile jacket for women who want marine style, protection, and comfort with a design that looks great on land.
Fully waterproof, windproof and breathable fabrics and constructions. For all situations and weather conditions where protection from the elements is needed. Fully seam sealed. Durable Water Repellency treatment (DWR).
FEATURES: HELLY TECH Protection, Waterproof, Windproof and Breathable, Fully Seam Sealed, Quick Dry Mesh Lining For Comfort, Detachable and Partly Elasticated Hood, Brushed Tricot At Chin Guard, YKK Front Zipper with Back Placket For Extra Protection, Hand Pockets with YKK Zip Closure.
