Last weekend, experts, scientists, and business leaders from the Nordic countries presented a series of presentations showing that ‘Friluftsliv’—outdoor recreation—brings countless benefits. It increases the learning capacity of young people, promotes inclusion and social equality, and contributes to personal health.
Johan Faskunger, representing the Swedish Association of Outdoor Organizations, emphasized the profound impact: ‘By activating 1,000 adults, we can prevent 10 premature deaths, 20 cases of type 2 diabetes, 50 cases of heart attacks, and 150 cases of high blood pressure.’ This underscores the transformative power of embracing outdoor activities.
The positive effects extend to the professional realm, as highlighted by Henrik Olssen from 80/20 Toolbox coach: ‘Allow your staff to exercise during working hours and meet outside—this not only reduces stress and anxiety levels but also leads to decreased absenteeism.’ In fact, Olssen shared that his company’s introduction of a daily half-hour collective outdoor training resulted in an impressive 80% increase in profits over recent years.
This weekend brought to light the far-reaching benefits of incorporating outdoor activities into our lives, underscoring the importance of a holistic approach to well-being. We would like to thank all the speakers, collaborators, Nordic Days, the moderator Sander Schimmelpenninck, and attendees who participated in the inspiring #NordicTalks2023!
We also want to thank our sponsors DolkHesper, Söderberg & Partners, and Accountor for their generosity.
Find more information and photos from the event here.
