Finland consistently ranks as one of the happiest countries in the world, and the question on many minds is: what’s their secret? Can we, too, tap into that same happiness by simply embracing a few Finnish practices? I recently traveled to Finland’s Lakeland region to uncover what truly makes the Finnish approach to happiness unique—and if we can all integrate some of it into our own lives.
During my stay, I learned several profound lessons that not only transformed my perspective on happiness but also provided actionable steps to cultivate a deeper sense of well-being. Here are the top eight lessons from my journey that can help you unlock Finnish-style happiness.
Lesson 1: Arrive at the Bridge Before You Cross It
We all know that feeling of unnecessary stress before a trip or event—worrying about what could go wrong, or overthinking situations that haven’t even happened yet. On my trip to Finland, I made the mistake of packing a suitcase that could have easily been classified as too large for a weekend getaway.
When I met our host, Sergei Shkurov, I immediately apologized for the oversized suitcase. His response? “We haven’t seen the others’ bags, so we do not know.”
That was my first Finnish secret to happiness: Cross bridges when you arrive at them. The rest of the group didn’t care about my oversized suitcase. The point was that I was unnecessarily stressing about something that wasn’t even an issue—yet. Sometimes, the best way to embrace life’s challenges is to face them as they come.
Lesson 2: Find Happiness in the Contrasts
One of my favorite experiences in Finland was staying at Kuru Resort, in a stunning lake villa tucked in the pine forests. The villa’s terrace overlooked Lake Saimaa, the largest lake in Finland, offering one of the most peaceful views I’d ever encountered.
But the lesson here wasn’t just about the beauty of the place—it was about appreciating the contrast of small things. As I sat on my terrace, sipping coffee, I felt the cold floor beneath me and the warmth of my mug in my hands. That simple contrast reminded me that happiness doesn’t always come from big achievements; sometimes it’s the small moments—like the feeling of a soft chair embracing you or the warmth of a blanket on a cold day—that can bring the most joy.
Lesson 3: Going Out in Nature Doesn’t Have to Be Intimidating
Finland is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, and our nature coach, Mikaela Creutz, showed us that immersing ourselves in nature doesn’t have to be an extreme or elaborate activity. “You can just go out for a cup of coffee in the woods,” she said.
We walked through Linnansaari National Park on Kaarnetsaari Island, with birch, spruce, and pine trees all around us. There, Mikaela brewed coffee over an open fire, and we sipped it while sitting on reindeer pelts. It was one of the most peaceful and grounding experiences I’d ever had. The lesson? Nature doesn’t have to be a grand gesture. Sometimes, enjoying a quiet moment outdoors can be just as rejuvenating as a full outdoor adventure.
Lesson 4: Relax and Remember the Good Times
One of the most memorable experiences was floating on the Vuoski River in a dry suit. As I floated along, memories of past summers spent on the lake came rushing back—moments with my daughter when she was young, and now, an adult herself.
The Finnish secret to happiness I learned here was: choose what to hold onto and what to let go. Not every memory or moment is worth carrying, and sometimes, letting go of old baggage allows us to experience the present more fully. Embracing the good times, while letting go of the bad, can bring a sense of peace that contributes to long-term happiness.
Lesson 5: Embrace Challenges
On a SUP Yoga outing, I faced the ultimate challenge: the wheel pose. Normally, I would avoid it, but this time I decided to go for it. When I completed the pose, the sense of accomplishment was incredible. This experience reinforced the importance of facing challenges head-on instead of shying away from them.
The fifth Finnish secret to happiness I learned was: choose the challenges over easy outs. Taking on challenges, even when they feel uncomfortable, leads to growth, and often, a deeper sense of joy.
Lesson 6: Manage Expectations
Finnish culture has a unique perspective on happiness. It’s not about pursuing joy relentlessly; instead, it’s about finding contentment in the everyday. Timo Auvinen, who guided us through the “Islands of the Fortunate,” shared an interesting Finnish view: “There isn’t an idiom for pursuing happiness,” he said. “Happiness ends in tears.”
In Finland, happiness isn’t about constantly seeking joy—it’s about being content with what you have. Sometimes, it’s okay to feel satisfied, even if things aren’t perfect.
Lesson 7: Put Meaning Before Income
While learning about Finnish design at a workshop led by Taina Snellman-Langenskiöld, she shared a perspective that struck me deeply: “It’s not first the income, it’s the meaningfulness.”
Finnish people, as I observed, value work that contributes to something larger than themselves—whether that’s spending time on the lake, designing with purpose, or creating art. The seventh secret to happiness I learned was to find meaning in what you do, rather than simply chasing financial gain. This is an important lesson, especially in today’s fast-paced, material-driven world.
Lesson 8: Put Yourself in a Supportive Environment
During my time in Finland, I was constantly surrounded by people who not only cared about their own happiness but were also eager to support others in their happiness journey. Whether it was breaking bread together, sharing a laugh, or simply being present, the atmosphere was full of support and community.
The eighth Finnish secret to happiness I learned was: Surround yourself with those who support you. A community that encourages and uplifts you plays a pivotal role in helping you stay happy and balanced in life.
Conclusion: Finding Happiness the Finnish Way
The Finnish approach to happiness is subtle yet powerful. It’s about embracing the moment, challenging yourself, and being content with simplicity. By incorporating some of these Finnish habits into your own life—whether that’s managing expectations, embracing nature, or putting meaningful work first—you can enhance your own happiness. The Finnish way isn’t about chasing happiness relentlessly; it’s about cultivating it through mindful living and a balanced perspective.
Ready to try it? You might be surprised at how small changes can have a big impact on your happiness.
I’m Jules, passionate about current events and travel. Curious about the world, I explore trends, analyze events, and share my discoveries. Through my insights and stories, I take you across the globe to fuel your curiosity and thirst for adventure.
