– Outdoor life is about enjoying life!
Take inspiration from Porsgrunn student Anthony and use nature and hiking as a break from your studies, a place to socialize or to collect your thoughts alone.
Hiking and nature 🫶
Anthony Andreassen is the leader of DNT Young Telemark, a student at USN Campus Porsgrunn and also a welfare host in SSN's student housing in Porsgrunn. We had a chat about hiking and how hiking and nature make a difference in his life.
What motivates you to go hiking?
– I've been hiking in nature since I was a child, and have always loved the break from everyday life and the potential for fantastic experiences.
– For the more adventurous trips, I seek personal development and challenge. Preferably trips where I can get to know new people in a different way than in everyday life. Trips where I like to learn a lot, like several courses I have taken in DNT.
– Some of the best experiences are when you feel you can see the surrounding landscape from a bird's eye view, while your feet are planted on the ground.
DNT ung
DNT youth is Norway's largest outdoor organization for youth and organizes trips and courses for young people between 13 and 25 years all over Norway.
– Engaging in DNT is the easiest way to meet others who are interested in outdoor activities. It is a great platform for organizing trips with others, says Anthony.
What do you think is good about hiking and being outdoors?
– Going for a walk provides a great break from everyday life, where you get both fresh air and physical activity. It can be a great social activity, or time to think in peace and quiet if you're walking alone.
Increased everyday joy and improved quality of life
The five joys of everyday life addresses five ways to increase everyday happiness and improve quality of life.
These five steps have helped many people find more joy and satisfaction in their everyday lives. They have said that they have become more aware of small pleasures, such as enjoying a cup of coffee or going for a walk in nature. Some have also said that the advice has helped them appreciate the moments with friends and family. It's inspiring to see how these simple tips can make a positive difference in people's lives.
- My first long trip over several days was around the Lysefjord. I visited many of the destinations you see on social media, such as Flørlitrappene, Kjeragbolten, Lysebotn and Preikestolen.
– I went on both of the aforementioned long walks alone. It felt quite special to walk some days where I only saw one or two other people throughout the day. At the same time, it gave a greater impression of the few encounters with other people.
– The longest hike I did was from Hovden to Lysebotn through the Ryfylkeheiane. The trip is summarized quite well in this video with pictures from the trip, says Anthony.
– Outdoor life is first and foremost about enjoying life!
It is to go on social trips and activities with others, or take a trip alone for a break and the opportunity to be in peace and quiet. At the same time, it is a chance for personal development and challenge.
Anthony
For those who are not so fond of hiking, what could be a good start?
– Try your hand at Ti-Toppern! It's a great challenge to do throughout the year, and the hiking suggestions are already well defined. Even better if you go for Ti-Toppern as a group. Then it will be more motivating. Or join a hike organized by DNT volunteers! There are over 4000 activities planned in DNT's activity calendar.
Anthony's hiking advice for students:
It's smart to take a break from studying for exams with a hike. Fresh air and physical activity help you to concentrate better, so you get more out of your reading.
Go for a walk with the people you're studying or working with and make it a social break.
Map, water, snacks and clothes for all weather
– First and foremost, I plan where I'm going, and prepare and review maps. I plan the timing and duration, and check the weather. I also prepare food and water tailored to the length of the hike.
– Most importantly, water is key, but snacks are equally important. It's fun to bring snacks to share with others. It's crucial to bring clothing for the weather. For hikes in the high mountains, I bring clothes for walking in hail, wind, and 4 degrees, even if it's forecasted to be 20 degrees and sunny.
Join a trip organized by the DNT volunteers, Anthony suggests.
Go for a walk in April
Join SSN's Hiking campaign this April! Report the walks you've taken and enter the draw for great prizes:
Go for a walk and win prizes