Learn what a Norwegian discovers when she researches fresh air benefits through a scientific lens, talking to experts.
This isnt a sport.
This isfriluftsliv, the Norwegian concept that translates as free air life.
Fresh air; its simply good!
I asked some other Norwegians why fresh air is good, and they didnt understand the question.
Too much road dust.
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Nature is where its at.
He paused, realizing his definition might be too strict.
I need to think about this.
I asked some other Norwegians why fresh air is good, and they didnt understand the question.
Hes not the only one whos struggling.
Its Amazing How Its All Connected.
But eventually we began to have problems because of indoor air pollution, says Dr. Christman.
Furniture off-gassing and chemical cleaning supplies can also fill the air with fumes.
Just airing out the home would prevent those things from staying around, he says.
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And what about the air in the woods?
The trees and plants will have scavenged most of the pollutants.
The Norwegian in me has mixed feelings about this.
Surely the air in the mountains isnt special only because it doesnt irritate my airways?
Maybe its not just the air itself.
Some research has found that even just seeing greenery can be beneficial to our health.
One of the most important factors was the trees on their street, says Dr. Wu.
Theres something about the view of the trees themselves.
Still, friluftsliv is about more than either fresh air or greenery.
My experience isnt particularly special among Norwegians.
Onestudyshows that unlike sports, friluftsliv is equally enjoyed across social classes and genders.
This means you dont have to go very far: The barriers to go into nature are few.
There areseemingly endlesshealth benefitsto being in natureits pretty much a guaranteedmood boost.
Nature doesnt want anything from us; its a place where we can feel free.
I started to wonder if the lore of fresh air is actually shorthand for all these other things.
Friluftsliv has a deeper meaning, says Lier.
Put like this, its almost like nature is part of us.
I bet Henrik Ibsen would have loved that.
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