Norway consistently ranks as one of the happiest countries in the world, something experts put down to friluftsliv, meaning “outdoor living”. And anyone can have a go, says Hannah Britt
I’m not going to lie, I love being indoors. It’s temperature controlled and has everything I need from endless cups of tea to a heavily laden bookcase waiting to be explored – what’s not to like? So when I was invited to embrace the great outdoors recently in Bergen, Norway, and the national pastime of friluftsliv (outdoor living) I was initially horrified. But a quick Google shows the Norwegians are on to something when it comes to a life lived outside… You see, while the UK languishes at number 23 on the World Happiness Report, Norway is consistently in the top 10, currently riding high at number seven. So what’s it all about?
“Being out in nature and being able to disconnect – from people, work, screens, noise, everything – keeps us in better health, both mentally and physically,” says Linn Kjos Falkenberg, wellbeing expert for Visit Bergen and avid friluftsliv fan. She explains: “Friluftsliv is something that is deep in our culture. I remember when we were children we always went for “søndagstur” (meaning Sunday walk). It could be just a stroll, or a longer hike, for example up Mount Fløyen (a beautiful mountain in Bergen accessed on foot or by funicular). But it could also be being out on the boat in summer (many Norwegians living by the coast have a boat). We are used to being outside in all kinds of weather, and have a saying, ‘there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing’.”
Experts agree the benefits of spending time outdoors are endless – at all times of the year. But while we might go outside often in summer, as the weather cools into autumn and winter and the nights draw in, it becomes less appealing – yet no less important. Psychologist Dr Audrey Tang agrees.
“Getting outside has huge benefits for our health – the fresh air helps clear our lungs, but also the sunlight naturally stimulates the production of vitamin D which assists our immune system – and the sun as well as exercise in it can help produce endorphins (our body’s natural pain relievers) as well as serotonin (which helps regulates our sleep and appetite) and dopamine (the ‘feel good’ neurotransmitter),” she says. “Not only that but if you’re going out there with friends or family, you’re likely to also be producing oxytocin – the bonding hormone, which gives you the feeling of the warm and fuzzies.”
Friluftsliv means anything that gets you outside. It’s as simple as that. And as a result is truly something that anyone can try, no matter where they live. Easy examples include going for a hike or stroll, having a picnic or even cooking your food outside. “In Norway we cook outside in all seasons,” says Linn. “It can be really fun to wrap up warm and cook hot chocolate on a burner in the snow.”
I have to say the novelty element of friluftsliv appeals. I’ve lost count of the amount of bologneses I’ve made and had the family eat around the dining table. Maybe serving up stew from a camping stove in our local park would mix things up. I also like that friluftsliv is easy to do – a simple way to feel better – and can be completely free. A cost of living-friendly wellness trend.
In Bergen, Linn picked us up from our beautifully warm, aesthetically pleasing and – importantly – indoor Hotel Norge by Scandic, a delightful home-from-home bolthole right in the centre of the city, and dropped us off on Mount Floyen. There, she challenged us to spend time in the beautiful Norwegian woods, forest bathing. “Forest bathing has been found to reduce symptoms of stress and depression,” encourages Dr Tang. And stressed I certainly can be.
So there we were, in Bergen, among the trees. And something weird happened. A busy family of four, we’re always on the go, always racing around, chattering and thinking about dinners, upcoming activities and plans. I’m the worst offender, always wondering ‘What’s next?’ and forgetting to be in the moment. But there in the forest, we all stopped. My partner John became transfixed by a mushroom. Molly, who is five, settled down to build a little tower with some little pieces of rock. Even baby Poppy, aged one, was quiet, looking around at the trees, taking in the moss, the fallen branches, the stumps and the occasional resident bird who came to say hello. And me? Perhaps it was the quiet, or the beauty of our surroundings, but I really did start to feel calm. I watched my family and felt content.
Later, laying a little mat over the forest floor I took out some sandwiches, bought from Baker Brun, down below in bustling Bergen, and we shared an alfresco lunch. At times I opened my mouth to start discussing plans for later that day, but each time stopped myself. We were in the moment, and we were all together, and that was enough for now.
EASY WAYS TO EMBRACE THE GREAT OUTDOORS
EAT OUTSIDE
No matter the weather, take your food outside. This could be alone on a lunch break, or with friends and family at the weekend. On colder days, warm up with a hot soup. Children especially will enjoy cooking outside too. You could fire up the BBQ you normally save for summer, or the pizza oven. Or, have fun melting some marshmallows over a camping stove.
START WITH A WALK
Whether it’s dropping the kids off at school, going to the shops to buy some milk, or simply doing a circuit around the local park, starting your day off with a walk wherever you live is always a good idea. It gets you out of the house first thing, kick starting your circadian rhythm and topping up vitamin D levels.
FOREST BATHE
Harness the healing power of trees by heading to your local park, or nearest countryside, and have wander or a sit down. Mindfully immerse yourself in the forest atmosphere to de-stress and boost wellbeing by connecting with nature. Slow down, walk at an easy pace, and engage your senses to experience the forest’s sights, sounds, smells, and textures, feeling relaxed and rejuvenated as you do.
- For more information, see Visit Bergen
- Hannah and family stayed at Hotel Norge by Scandic. Prices start from £181
- There are direct flights to Bergen from London (Gatwick), Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Manchester and Dublin