Nordic art of time spent outside boosts wellbeing

Norway consistently ranks as one of the happiest countries in the world, something experts put down to friluftsliv, meaning 'outdoor living'. And it turns out 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 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 mountain in Bergen accessed on foot or by funicular).

"But it could also be being out on a boat in summer (many Norwegians living by the coast have a boat). We are used to being outside in all weathers, and have a saying, 'there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing"

BENEFITS