These reasons are part of why Finland consistently ranks as one of the happiest countries in the world! This joy is a result of the distinct culture and way of life of its people. Their cultural pride and well-being is rooted in a rich spiritual and ancestral connection to the earth and waters. They focus on family and purposefully invest in deep social connections. Finns enjoy outdoor activities, prioritize quality time with loved ones, and embrace traditions that enhance their physical and mental health.
In fact, Finns have an inextricable and daily connection with their natural environment—taking near-daily walks in forests, regardless of the weather. This close connection to the outdoors helps build not only their physical health but their emotional health as well. Recreational activities, like skiing, hiking and sailing, deepen this connection to the natural world and stand as some of their favorite pastimes.
Family is an equally important factor in Finnish happiness. Quality time with their families is a top priority for citizens, strengthening family ties that create a greater sense of fulfillment. Social relationships are their own reward, with quality relationships proving to be the strongest predictor of personal happiness.
Finns strike a wonderful digital balance with relaxed small-town quality and big-city accessibility. This gives them the best of quiet serenity with easy access to big city life. One of these communal practices is the sauna, considered a secret and sacred ritual. In Finland, almost every public sauna has a lake or cold plunge right outside. This unique combination lets you take a cooling dive immediately after bathing in the warmth.
Finns are staunch supporters of the benefits of frequent sauna usage. A 2019 study found that 84% of sauna users experience enhanced sleep quality following a sauna session. This practice not only serves as a means of relaxation but fosters community ties, as visiting the sauna often involves socializing with friends and family.
Beyond saunas, Finnish food represents Finland’s profound bond with the natural world. In the winter, they depend on pickled vegetables, but in the summer long, fresh produce becomes the focus. Kitchens where they cook with sustainably sourced or even locally grown ingredients are the norm, demonstrating their investment in sustainability and health.
Wellness and work Finns have developed a faith in community and a healthy respect for connection. It’s not just that they’re recipients of kindness, though studies show kindness reduces feelings of anxiety and stress. As Frank Martela, a well-known Finnish philosopher, claims, deliberately contributing to the happiness of other people improves your own happiness. When you leave a positive mark on someone’s life, your feelings of meaningfulness increase too. These kinds of sentiments make tangible the seriously high value that Finns place on being able to give back in their communities.
Lastly, in an ode to making connections, Martela notes how important our connections and bonds are in nurturing joy. As adamantly echoed by happiness researcher Shawn Achor, “having people around you who care about you, and whom you care about, is the most important ingredient to prosperity. More than an esoteric pursuit, this view represents a practical strategy for developing meaning in life, central to their lasting daily joy.
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