Uitwaaien: The Dutch secret to clearing your head

When the cold season hits and the blues generated by the lack of light start to be stronger than the cosiness brought by the falling leaves and the pumpkin-spiced lattes, don’t give in to it. Instead, use this Dutch habit to refresh yourself, clear your mind and generate some endorphins: uitwaaien.

What is uitwaaien?

Uitwaaien (pronounced "out-vhy-en") literally translates to "to blow out", as in letting the wind blow through you. It's the Dutch practice of heading outside to walk in windy weather, to clear your mind and refresh your spirit. It’s a Dutch reset button.

Other cultures might have meditation or therapy couches, but the Dutch have the North Sea wind. And in a country where the weather is politely described as "changeable" (and less politely as "miserable for half the year"), they've turned what could be a complaint into a wellness practice.

Making peace with the elements

We all know about the Dutch weather, the worst enemy of expats and tourists. It’s the kind of weather that makes even the weather apps weep. There’s a lot of rain involved and winds that blow with such intensity that they pull trees out of the ground.

And yet, even on the windiest day, when most people are tucked away indoors, you’ll see some of the Dutch strolling along the beach or in the park, faces turned into the wind, looking oddly... content.

If there’s any country that could harness the power of wind for better health, it has to be the Netherlands. With its flat surface and proximity to the sea, nothing stands in the way of those strong gusts coming from the water. This is a country that harnessed the power of wind for centuries, using it to drain polders and power the windmills. Why not make even more out of this free and abundant resource?

The science behind it

You might feel inclined to dismiss this as a quirky Dutch habit, but you should know there’s science backing up the benefits of uitwaaien. Several things happen to your body and mind when you expose yourself to windy conditions.

First, the physical challenge of walking against the wind increases your heart rate and oxygen intake. You breathe more deeply, flooding your brain with fresh oxygen.

Your body has to work harder, which releases endorphins, which instantly improve your mood.
The sensory experience is equally important. The sound of wind creates a form of white noise that drowns out the mental chatter we all carry around. The physical sensation on your skin keeps you grounded in the present moment - it's hard to worry about a work deadline when you're trying to keep yourself from flying away.

And not to forget, there’s also something liberating about standing up to the elements. In the world we live in today, most of us rarely experience nature's raw power anymore. Uitwaaien reconnects us with something primal and reminds us that we're tougher than we think.

Give it a try

After living here for a while, I finally understood it. That need to go out when the wind blows, to face it and feel its strong strokes, sometimes complete with small rain droplets, on my face. To push against it in order to move on. To inhale the salty, sharp air of the storm. It’s a habit I gladly adopted and recommend to everyone. I’m not saying it’s for everyone. What I’m saying is that you should give it a try, no matter where you live. Maybe the Dutch wisdom will work for you, too.

How to experience uitwaaien

The secret is to have an open mind and proper clothing (waterproof jacket, layers, etc.). Otherwise, it is very straightforward: dress well, go outside, and walk in the wind. Choose whatever place is best for you. My favourite is the beach, even though that’s where the winds are the strongest. Some precautions are in order as well. For example, if the weather app classifies the wind as a storm and gives it a name, try not to walk in the park to avoid any falling branches. Stay safe.

Nature's own therapist

Maybe the Dutch are onto something here. While the rest of us hide behind double-glazed windows and central heating, they're out there letting the wind blow their troubles away, like nature's own therapist. And unlike those trendy wellness retreats that cost a fortune, all you need for uitwaaien is a decent raincoat and the courage to actually step outside when the weather looks murderous.