IS FRILUFTSLIV THE NORWEGIAN SECRET TO THRIVING in the great outdoors? The term roughly translates to “open-air life.” Today, we explore friluftsliv – how to live like a Norwegian.
I recently ran across this deep-seated cultural and philosophical concept that has garnered significant attention for its potential to boost health and happiness.
My Norwegian friend Jeanette always seems to be exploring nature. What can we learn from her?
This essay explores the essence of friluftsliv, its historical roots, and how it contributes to the well-being of individuals.
I will incorporate studies supporting my observations. Hopefully, you’ll learn about the benefits of embracing the great outdoors to pursue a more fulfilling life.
Friluftsliv’s Meaning
Friluftsliv is deeply intertwined with Norway’s history and culture. It is more than just spending time outdoors; it is a profound connection to nature and a holistic approach to life.
As a philosophy, friluftsliv is basically about a simple life in nature without destroying or disturbing it.
The concept is closely connected to “kos” (coziness) — the unique Norwegian word for having a good time.
Friluftsliv’s Historical Roots
The concept is traceable back to the early 19th century when Norway emerged from centuries of Danish rule and sought to establish a distinct national identity.
During this period, romantic nationalism began to flourish, and the natural landscape played a crucial role in defining the Norwegian spirit.
One key figure in the development of friluftsliv is Henrik Ibsen, the renowned playwright and poet.
Ibsen’s works often celebrated the Norwegian landscape and the freedom and inspiration it provided.
I read Ibsen’s play “Peer Gynt” in high school and think it is a prime example of friluftsliv. The protagonist journeys through the mountains and encounters the elements of nature.
The Norwegian’s writings and those of other contemporaries helped foster a deep appreciation for the outdoors in Norwegian society.
Friluftsliv and Stress Reduction
The benefits of friluftsliv for physical and mental health have been the subject of several studies and research initiatives.
Spending time in nature positively impacts overall well-being, and friluftsliv encapsulates the concept well.
For example, friluftsliv can reduce your stress levels. One of the most significant benefits of friluftsliv is its ability to reduce stress.
A 2019 Frontiers in Psychology study showed that spending just 20 minutes connecting with nature can help lower stress hormone levels.
Study Details
For the study, researchers asked 36 individuals to spend at least 10 minutes, three days a week for eight weeks, in an outdoor place where they could interact with nature.
The settings varied from green areas near their place of work to public parks yards to public parks. The subjects walked or sat during their nature time.
Researchers measured subjects’ stress hormone (cortisol) levels from saliva samples obtained before and after nature outings.
The scientists instructed the participants not to exercise beforehand and to avoid unrelated stimuli like phone calls, social media, reading, or conversations.
Friluftsliv and Stress Reduction: Key Points
Here is what I took away from my reading of the study:
- Spending at least 20 to 30 minutes immersed in a natural setting led to the biggest drop in cortisol levels.
- After that amount of time, additional stress-reduction benefits accrued more slowly.
- The time of day and specific settings did not affect stress levels.
When I want to de-stress (or optimize my psychological well-being), I head to a natural setting I enjoy.
Friluftsliv and Other Mental Health Improvements
Be honest: How much time do you spend staring at a screen? I am talking about your television, cell phone, or computer.
If you are like me, it is more than I would like. Today’s physicians cannot finish the day without spending hours on a computer.
However, I know that exposure to green spaces and outdoor activities also reduces my risk of suffering from anxiety or depression.
A 2012 Stanford review demonstrated this:
Exposure to green spaces and outdoor activities can reduce the risk of developing mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety.
The strong connection between friluftsliv and nature immersion makes it a potent tool for maintaining and improving mental health.
Friluftsliv and Physical Health Benefits
Engaging in outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and camping promotes physical fitness and well-being.
Norway’s varied landscape, from its towering mountains to pristine fjords, offers ample opportunities for physical activity.
After examining Norwegian neighborhoods, BMC Public Health reported this finding in 2023:
The amount of green vegetation in the neighborhood was positively correlated with physical activity when adjusting for potential confounders.
The study authors concluded that the results illustrate the importance of planners, policymakers, and public health professionals in advocating for safe environments with green vegetation for physical activity in the neighborhood.
Friluftsliv and Happiness
Finally, I love that there is a connection between friluftsliv and happiness.
For me, embracing an open-air philosophy can improve my life satisfaction, sense of purpose, and contentment.
Here is me living friluftsliv in Sedona, Arizona (USA):
Friluftsliv allows me to:
- Connect to nature. Friluftsliv emphasizes a deep connection to the natural world. Numerous studies, such as one published in Ecopsychology, have shown that individuals who feel connected to nature report higher happiness and life satisfaction.
- Be present. Engaging in outdoor activities encourages mindfulness, requiring individuals to be present and attuned to their surroundings. This sense of presence can lead to greater contentment.
- Engage in social interactions. Friluftsliv often involves group activities, such as camping trips and outdoor gatherings. As I have previously written, social interaction is a key factor in happiness.
Walking Moai: Your Path to Better Health, Social Life, and Productivity
THERE HAS BEEN A GROWING INTEREST in finding innovative ways to improve our overall well-being. medium.com.
Friluftsliv in Practice
In practice, friluftsliv encompasses many activities and experiences that bring people closer to nature and promote well-being.
Here are some key components:
- Hiking and Trekking. Norway’s vast wilderness offers countless opportunities for hiking and trekking. The iconic Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) maintains a network of well-marked trails, cabins, and huts, making it accessible to people of all ages and skill levels.
- Skiing and Winter Sports. Norway is renowned for its winter sports, from cross-country skiing to alpine skiing. Combining physical activity and breathtaking snowy landscapes creates a unique sense of joy.
- Camping and Outdoor Adventures. Camping in the Norwegian wilderness is a beloved tradition. It allows people to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature, fostering a profound sense of friluftsliv.
- Fishing and Foraging. Foraging for berries and mushrooms and fishing in Norway’s pristine waters are rewarding and deeply rooted in the friluftsliv experience. They foster a sense of self-sufficiency and a connection to the land.
- Retreats and Outdoor Education. Friluftsliv retreats and outdoor education programs offer structured experiences that help individuals connect with nature while learning new skills and deepening their appreciation for the outdoors.
There is much we can learn from our Norwegian counterparts.
Is Friluftsliv The Norwegian Secret to Thriving in the Great Outdoors?
Friluftsliv is a concept deeply ingrained in Norwegian culture and a philosophy attracting global attention for its potential to enhance well-being and happiness.
Its historical roots in romantic nationalism and the writings of figures like Henrik Ibsen have shaped the Norwegian connection to nature and the outdoors.
Friluftsliv has significant health and happiness benefits. Exposure to nature and outdoor activities can reduce stress, improve mental health, and lead to greater life satisfaction.
The deep connection to nature, mindfulness, and social interaction inherent in friluftsliv contribute to these positive outcomes.
As the world continues to grapple with the stresses of modern living, the Norwegian concept of friluftsliv serves as a reminder of the profound benefits of reconnecting with nature.
Whether through a leisurely hike in the mountains or a camping trip in the wilderness, embracing friluftsliv can lead to a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life.
Did You Know?
Did you know that friluftsliv has its own law, Friluftsloven, which includes the right to roam?
Or that Norway has several outdoor kindergartens (friluftsbarnehager) where the children spend 80 percent of their time outdoors?
Finally, you can earn a bachelor’s degree in friluftsliv in Norway.
Thank you for reading “Friluftsliv – Live Like A Norwegian.”
