uitwaaien

[ out-vahyn ]

noun

1. the Dutch practice of jogging or walking into the wind, especially in the winter, for the purpose of feeling invigorated while relieving stress and boosting one’s general health:

   I halfheartedly gave uitwaaien a try, but now I long for windy days so I can get out there and breathe in a nice relaxing gust of good health!

verb (used without object)

1. to engage in this practice:

   I enjoy the everyday walks with my friends, but when I uitwaaien I'd rather be by myself.

Word History and Origins

Origin of uitwaaien¹

First recorded in 2000–05; from Dutch: literally, “blow out,” equivalent to uit “out” + waaien “to blow, fan”

Example Sentences

According to David Strayer, a professor of cognition and neural science at the University of Utah who specializes in attention and studies nature’s effects on focus, uitwaaien’s therapeutic effects align with attention restoration theory.

From Washington Post

Uitwaaien is one of several foreign concepts that have garnered attention in the United States recently.

From Washington Post

“It’s an old saying: ‘I’ve gotta get uitwaaien.’

From Washington Post

Like all lifestyles, uitwaaien has its casual partakers and more extreme devotees.

From Washington Post

There is no easy English translation, but the Dutch word uitwaaien refers to spending time in wild, windy weather – usually by going for a walk or a bike ride.

From The Guardian