Getting To Know Friluftsliv, How To Reduce Norwegian Stress Ala

JAKARTA - Norwegians have their own way of reducing stress over work and daily life which is also a moment to get closer to nature.

literally, friluftsliv translates as 'life in fresh air' or life in the fresh air. This term is part of the Norwegian culture that has a great love for the open world.

Experts have long known that spending time in nature has a positive effect on our physical and mental health.

"The physical benefits of friluftsliv are invaluable because friluftsliv most often includes some form of physical activity. But no less important is its mental benefits," said Bente Lier, secretary-general of Norsk Friluftsliv, an umbrella organization for 18 Norwegian-free nature organizations. VOI from Visit Norway, Monday, February 10.

He referred to a study showing that being in nature has clear positive benefits in reducing anxiety and increasing cognition.

Several studies in Norway have shown that one of the main motivations to participate in friluftsliv is the desire to feel peace and calm.

In a public survey in 2020, nine out of ten Norwegians reported that they were less stressed and had a better mood when spending time in nature.

"What happens when we pay attention to nature, we shift our focus from ourselves," said Maritime Affairs Synnev calm, professor in the field of friluftsliv at Volda University College.

He has conducted several studies on emotional, spiritual, and aesthetic experiences when practicing friluftsliv. He revealed that sitting in the forest can be as good for our health as running to the top of the mountain.

Friluftsliv can help explain Norway's ranking among the world's happiest places. In the UN's 2020 World Happiness Report, Norway is ranked fifth, while Bergen and Oslo are among the top ten most happy cities in the world.

"I think it's fair enough to say that friluftsliv is a contributor to the high level of happiness among Norwegians," Lier said.