Iceland is consistently ranked as one of the happiest and healthiest countries in the world, and it's no coincidence. Icelanders prioritize their health, wellness, and happiness, which shows in their consistently high rankings. The secret to their success? A focus on the mind and body.
But the Icelandic approach to wellness goes beyond just their diet. It's a way of life that includes a balance of physical activity, the outdoors, social connections, and diet. It's why the country has a life expectancy of over 84 years, a low mortality rate, and is second among countries that spend the most money on wellness. Health and well-being are so important to Icelandic culture that they don't think twice about swimming in public pools year-round or going for walks in sub-zero temperatures. So what are their secrets to wellness? Here are five examples.
For centuries, Icelanders have holistically approached food by focusing on simple, nutrient-rich foods to sustain them. In fact, the New Nordic Diet, officially developed in 2004 using research-led insights, has helped Nordic countries top the annual lists of the happiest and healthiest.
One key component of the Icelandic diet is Skyr—from companies like Icelandic Provisions—which has been studied for its ability to control weight, regulate blood sugar, and promote bone and heart health. It's just one part of the Icelandic approach to food, which also includes fresh, lean meats like lamb and cod liver oil, rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D. The New Nordic Diet, developed in 2004 based on research-led insights, has helped Nordic countries consistently top the lists of the happiest and healthiest.
"Clean and simple – much of it centered around Artisanal dairy from cows to make fermented products like Skyr, which has sustained the Icelandic people for hundreds of years," Linda Petursdottir, Certified Functional Medicine Health Coach, told me. "Other common foods in this category are free range lamb and abundance of fish (and of course a bottle of cod-liver oil in every home for a daily shot of omega 3's, vitamin D and vitamin A."
Icelandic people credit spending time outside for their health because they believe there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing. As a result, they are known for participating in a wide range of outdoor exercises, including hiking, running, skiing, ice climbing, mountain biking, golf, fishing, and kayaking, regardless of the weather conditions. According to Petursdottir, "people get out in all sorts of weather." Swimming in public pools year-round and going on walks in sub-zero temps is the norm. This focus on outdoor activities and a willingness to brave the elements is likely one of the reasons that the Icelandic people are known for their strong physical health and longevity.
In addition to participating in outdoor activities, Iceland has a rich spa and bathing culture that plays a significant role in people's overall health and well-being. The country is home to abundant geothermal nature pools and naturally heated outdoor swimming pools, which are famous for their therapeutic properties. Furthermore, Icelandic people are known for their love of alternating between hot saunas or hot tubs and cold tubs or dips in the North Atlantic Ocean, a practice believed to have numerous health benefits.
Cold plunges, or immersing oneself in cold water, have been claimed to have many potential health benefits. Some believe cold plunges can help improve circulation, reduce inflammation, boost the immune system, and improve mood. Cold water immersion may also have performance-enhancing effects for athletes, as it has been suggested to reduce muscle soreness and improve recovery time after exercise. Additionally, cold water immersion has been suggested to have several aesthetic benefits, such as improving the appearance of the skin and hair.
Meanwhile, saunas have many potential health benefits, including reducing stress, improving cardiovascular function, easing muscle soreness and stiffness, improving respiratory function, and improving skin health.
"Iceland has a huge spa and bathing culture. Geothermal nature pools are abundant and naturally heated outdoor swimming pools," said Petursdottir. "Icelanders like to alternate between hot saunas or hot tubs and cold tubs/dips in the north Atlantic ocean. Pools also are social gathering places for people to relax and enjoy social connections."
Socialization is a key aspect of Icelandic wellness, with the country's strong sense of community and emphasis on social connections playing a significant role in maintaining physical and mental health. Icelanders often participate in clubs and other group activities to cultivate meaningful social connections. In addition, the country has a rich tradition of supporting and caring for the most vulnerable members of society. This focus on community and socialization may be a result of the challenges and hardships faced by the Icelandic people in the past. This includes the need to rely on each other for survival in the face of extreme climate conditions on their remote island. As a result, socialization is an integral part of Icelandic culture and is often credited as a contributing factor to the overall health and well-being of the Icelandic people.
In addition to their focus on outdoor activities and socialization, Icelandic people are known for their positive mindset. This "it will all work out fine" attitude is reflected in the country's national motto, "Þetta REDDAST," which translates to "it will all work out." This mindset is likely one of the reasons that Icelanders can "march on" even when the weather is cold, rainy, and dark, as they have a resilient and determined attitude that helps them to persevere. This optimistic mindset is considered an essential aspect of living well in Iceland and is often credited as a critical factor in the overall health and well-being of the Icelandic people.
Want to try this way of living at home? Icelandic Provisions launched a 7-day wellness challenge in November, which is a perfect way to kick off those 2023 health resolutions.
