For the seventh year in a row, Finland has been named the happiest country in the world by the annual United Nations World Happiness Report, holding the top title since 2018. Finns are proud and grateful for this prestigious title, believing that the key to their unique style of happiness is found in four basic elements: a close connection to nature, a down to earth lifestyle, food from fresh ingredients, and a sustainable approach to life.
Finnish happiness, according to Finns themselves, is not a state secret or great mystery but instead, a learnable set of skills or combination of lifehacks. From a walk in the forest or a dip in the sea after a saun,a to a meal made of freshly foraged local ingredients, these are the daily hacks of Finnish happiness.
Last year, Finns shared their happiness secrets during the world’s first Happiness Masterclass in the unspoilt serenity of the Lakeland region. This year, Visit Finland is teaming up with Helsinki Partners to reveal the source of urban happiness – the team of Helsinki Happiness Hackers will present their happiness life hacks for a content and peaceful life in a curated five-day experience between 9th and 14th June, 2024.
“There is an old Finnish proverb that states ‘the one who has happiness, should hide it’. As the world’s happiest country since 2018, we have decided to take the old phrase and update it, making our modern motto: ‘the one who has happiness, should share it.’ We are excited to invite people from around the world to learn about our Finnish keys and hacks to happiness,” says Heli Jimenez, Senior Director, International Marketing at Business Finland.
If you can’t get to Finland this year, worry not, with the help of Visit Finland, here are some happiness hacks you can try right here in the UK.
Wild Swimming
In Helenski, swimmers take advanage of the capital’s surrounding nature, bypassing warmed indoor pools in favour of swimming outdoors at every opportunity. Outdoor swimming in Helsinki can be a year-round activity, and this happiness hack requires just a swimsuit and towel.
The health benefits of wild swimming are known worldwide, with many people diving into the pastime headfirst here in the UK too. Indeed, in the last few years, wild swimming has seen a surge in popularity across the UK, so you won’t be alone if you want to give this happiness hack a go.
So what are the health benefits of wild swimming, we hear you ask? Well, firstly there are the potential physical health benefits including improved circulation, as cold water immersion can stimulate blood flow and also regular exposure to cold water has been linked to an improved immune response.
Then there are apparent mental health benefits, too. Regular swimmers often report enhanced mood and a sense of well-being. This makes sense since cold water and the act of swimming can reduce stress hormones and trigger the release of endorphins, creating a natural high. Being in nature and focusing on the act of swimming can also be a form of mindfulness, helping swimmers feel more connected to the environment and physical activity. If that’s not enough to convince you, then consider this; physical activity, combined with the natural light exposure enjoyed when swimming outdoors, can help promote better sleep.
Finally here are the social benefits since wild swimming often involves joining clubs or groups, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Great Grill Times
In Finland, gathering family and friends around the grill for good food and even better times is a beloved social event. Though grilling takes place on private terraces or backyards, these social occasions are an integral part of the Finnish way of life. Almost every apartment building is equipped with a grill for common use by residents, and plenty of public grill spaces are available.
So, why does grilling make you happy? Well, barbies often bring friends and family together. They are casual, relaxed settings where people can unwind and enjoy each other’s company without the pressures of formal dining. They are often associated with celebrations, holidays, and special occasions too, contributing to a festive and joyful atmosphere. Not to mention those previous benefits of being outdoors and in nature…
So, why not pick up delicious ingredients and have your own grill party here in the UK? Here are 10 tips on how to have a triumphant BBQ at home.
Vitamin Forest
Walking in the woods can be beneficial for one’s health and mind – even a short time spent in the forest reduces stress levels and blood pressure. In Finland, where over 75% of the country is covered by forests – even the capital city has its fair share of woods. Locals take their relationship with the forest seriously – and doctors will often suggest a forest walk to alleviate stress and other medical conditions. So, be your own doctor and prescribe yourself a refreshing walk today.
Further Embracing Finland’s Unique Outlook
Don’t stop at the official tourist board’s three hacks. Here are several more ways to embrace Finland’s unique outlook on life and hopefully harness a little extra happiness along the way…
- Embrace ‘Sisu’: This uniquely Finnish concept refers to a mix of courage, resilience, and tenacity. It’s about facing challenges with determination and bravery. Try to incorporate ‘sisu’ into your daily life by setting a goal that pushes you out of your comfort zone and work towards it with perseverance.
- Practice ‘Kalsarikännit’: The Finns have a term for the feeling of relaxation and contentment that comes from sitting at home in your underwear, having a drink without the intention of going out – it’s called ‘kalsarikännit’. This practice celebrates the joy of missing out and finding happiness in solitude and simple comforts. Christ it sounds good.
- Enjoy ‘Fika’: While not exclusively Finnish (it’s a concept borrowed from Sweden), the practice of ‘fika’ – taking a break in your day to enjoy coffee and a sweet treat, often with friends or colleagues – is widely embraced in Finland. It’s a moment of pause that can refresh your mind and strengthen social bonds.
- Seasonal Attunement: The Finns are deeply connected to the seasons, celebrating each one with its own set of traditions and activities. Try aligning your activities with the seasons – for example, ice skating or cross-country skiing in winter, and berry picking or hiking in summer – to deepen your connection with the natural world.
- Sauna Rituals: The sauna is a cornerstone of Finnish culture. It’s a place for physical and mental cleansing and is said to have numerous health benefits. If you have access to a sauna, try to incorporate regular sessions into your routine, followed by a cool shower or dip to invigorate the senses.
- Hygge Your Home: Borrowing from the Danish concept of ‘hygge’, which is also popular in Finland, make your living space a sanctuary of comfort and cosiness. Use soft lighting, comfortable textiles, and elements of nature to create a peaceful and happy home environment.
The Bottom Line
We can all capture a little bit of that Finnish magic, no matter where we are in the world. The key is to find joy in the simple things, foster community, and maintain a harmonious relationship with nature. So, whether you’re grilling with friends, taking a wild swim, or simply enjoying a quiet momen
