Global Work-Life Wisdom: Norway
I’ve never been to Norway, but I’ve long been intrigued by Norway’s culture, natural landscapes, and approach to well-being. There’s just something they seem to get about balance, happiness, and connection that feels harder to hold onto here in the U.S. Especially now, but I digress.
It’s no coincidence that Norway ranked 7th in the 2025 World Happiness Report right alongside Finland, Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden. Oh, and Costa Rica!
One philosophy that stood out in my research is friluftsliv (pronounced free-loofts-liv), which translates to “open-air life.” It’s not just hiking or skiing, it’s a way of living that prioritizes time outdoors as a path to health, happiness, and connection. The concept dates back to the 1850s, first described by playwright Henrik Ibsen. And, it’s deeply cultural. So much so that Norwegian schools teach kids outdoor skills from an early age, and “allemannsretten” (everyman’s right) gives everyone free access to roam nature. Um, I love this!
As Bente Lier, Secretary-General of Norsk Friluftsliv, explains: “It’s not about the activity itself, but disconnecting from daily stress and reconnecting with the cultural ‘we’ — being human as part of nature.” There’s even a link to “kos,” the Norwegian word for coziness, weaving comfort and joy into the outdoor experience. And of course, there’s the research. A study from the University of Essex found that just 5 minutes in nature improves mood and self-esteem. Longer outdoor exposure has been shown to reduce cortisol, boost energy, and improve focus.
In other words, friluftsliv isn’t a luxury, it’s a foundation for well-being, balance, even productivity.
What might this look like in practice?
1️⃣ Micro-breaks in nature - Step outside for 5–10 minutes between meetings. Breathe, notice the sky, feel the air. Even brief exposure calms the nervous system.
2️⃣ Outdoor walking meetings - Swap one Zoom or office meeting a week for a walk-and-talk. Movement + fresh air means sharper ideas and deeper connection.
3️⃣ Bad weather resilience - Embrace the Norwegian saying “There’s no bad weather, only bad clothes.” Plan one outdoor activity each weekend (rain or shine, of course) to train adaptability.
4️⃣ Tech-free time outside - Leave your phone behind for a short walk or sit in a park. Friluftsliv is about presence, not posting.
5️⃣ Simple joys - It doesn’t have to be skiing a double-black diamond. Reading on a balcony, picking berries, or walking your dog all count. The point is connection, not performance.
Friluftsliv is a reminder that well-being isn’t found in grinding harder, it’s found in balancing effort with time outdoors, presence, and connection. So, go outside and enjoy!
