Step outside

As winter sets in, the temptation to stay indoors grows. So, embrace the outside world like the Norwegians

Embrace the great outdoors, Norwegian-style

When Norwegian poet Henrik Ibsen coined the term ‘ friluftsliv’ — loosely translatable as ‘outdoor living’ — in his 1859 epic On the Heights, he presumably didn’t know just how relevant his concept would be in 2020. But friluftsliv (pronounced ‘free-loofts-liv’) has turned out to be something of a pandemic saviour, bringing us the soul-nourishing, mind-cleansing benefits of nature and solitude that Ibsen waxed lyrical about over 150 years ago.

The Nordics have always embraced friluftsliv in their lives and travels and they’re all the better for it. In 2020, Scandinavia excelled itself in the World Happiness Report, with five of its cities (Helsinki, Aarhus, Copenhagen, Bergen, Oslo and Stockholm) found to be among the 10 happiest. The conclusion? Clean air, exercise and time spent in nature matter.

Perhaps it’s easy in landscapes of fjords and forests full of berries and bears. But what about the rest of us? You’ll be pleased to hear friluftsliv travels well.

As coronavirus has reined in our personal freedom and scuppered our travel plans, many of us have learned to see the world through a different lens. The outdoors gives us breathing space, purpose and perspective. Whether we’re closely observing the starry night sky, swimming in water so cold it makes us gasp, going for a lunchtime run in the park or wild camping with just some sheep for company, we’re moved and empowered.

It’s not about who can climb the loftiest peak, however; it’s about familiarising yourself with root and rock, making the wilderness, however small, your own.

So when your inner sloth tempts you to hide under your duvet, instead, open the door and step outside. You’ll feel a million times better for it, Nordic promise. KERRY WALKER