better translated as “ open- air living .” Friluftsliv suggests a complete understanding of nature ’ s healing effects .
Norwegians will tell you that friluftsliv is badly needed because of our collective loss of access to nature . A 2015 study by Stanford researchers found quantifiable evidence that walking in nature yields measurable mental health benefits and may reduce the risk of depression . People who spent 90 minutes walking in a natural area showed decreased activity in the limbic regions of the brain as compared to those participants who strolled through congested urban areas . “ These results suggest that accessible natural areas may be vital for mental health in our rapidly urbanizing world ,” said coauthor Gretchen Daily , a senior fellow at the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment . Presently , half of the world ’ s population lives in an urban setting , which is forecast to rise to almost 70 percent by 2050 .
A 2015 study by Stanford researchers found quantifiable evidence that walking in nature yields measurable mental health benefits and may reduce the risk of depression .
Friluftsliv became a deeper part of Norwegian culture during the pandemic when Norwegians looked to the country ’ s love for the outdoors as a respite from enclosed spaces . You have to tip a woolen cap to the Norwegians because the Scandinavian country has some of the worst weather on the planet . A vale of gray clouds covers the country during the short days of winter , and drenching rains are commonplace in summer . But the Norwegians have a chin- up saying that rhymes in their language : There ’ s no bad weather , only bad clothing .
So how can we incorporate friluftsliv , the idea of reconnecting with nature and having an outdoor lifestyle ?
Be happier with friluftsliv : 1 . Drive outside of town to a nature preserve and walk or hike on a trail that ’ s new to you . Breathe in the fresh air and appreciate the simplicity of the outdoors .
2 . Go for a dip . Every January 1 — except during the pandemic — thousands of people participate in Polar Plunges , where participants charge into freezing water that hits like a shot of adrenaline . I can ’ t say I ’ ve done one because our local beaches don ’ t have a formal “ polar bear ” event . But the idea of a bracing , short dip in chilly water would be one way to start the New Year off in a friluftsliv kind of way .
3 . Plan a cross-country ski trip . Even if you ’ ve never been on cross-country skis , there ’ s not much of a learning curve . A cross-country ski trail can take you deep into the woods and to beautiful vistas you ’ ve never seen .
When it comes to happy people , in the last decade , four countries have held the top position : Denmark in 2012 , 2013 , and 2016 ; Switzerland in 2015 ; Norway in 2017 ; and Finland in 2018 , 2019 , and 2020 . That hygge and friluftsliv must really be working .
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