Eight years in a row. Yes, Finland is still number 1 in the world happiness rankings.
Meanwhile, France remains at 33rd place. So what do the Finns have that we don’t?
Short answer: less stress, more nature, and an ultra-balanced lifestyle.
But you’ll see, the long answer is even more inspiring… and might even change the way you look at your daily life.
đČ Ubiquitous (and Sacred) Nature
Over 180,000 lakes, forests covering 75% of the country, wild islands, northern lights…
In Finland, nature is not a backdrop: itâs a way of life.
We hike, fish, ski, meditate in the forest, rejuvenate in a sauna.
đż Nature is accessible to everyone, free, and respected. The result? Less anxiety. More serenity.
đ§ An Almost Perfect Work-Life Balance
8 a.m. – 4 p.m. No emails in the evening. No guilt for taking time off.
Finland applies simple yet powerful rules: we work to live, not the other way around.
And it changes everything:
- Less burn-out
- More time for oneself and for family
- A lifestyle that respects people (and not just deadlines)
âš The “sisu”, This Finnish Superpower
Behind this apparent calm, Finns hide a key concept: sisu.
An untranslatable word that combines courage, resilience, patience, and quiet strength.
Itâs their way of standing firm against the cold, stress, and challenges.
A steel mentality… without noise.
đ Helsinki: Design, Simplicity, and Well-being
No bling-bling in Helsinki. Here, everything is minimalist, practical, beautiful.
Design is everywhere, but discreet. Local brands like Artek, Marimekko, Iittala or Fazer show that you can combine aesthetics, sustainability, and simplicity in daily life.
Is it minimalist? Yes. But itâs also soothing.
đ Northern Lights, Glass Igloos, Hidden Islands: A Postcard in Grand Scale
Do you dream of a night in a glass igloo with a view of the stars?
Of a silent walk in snowy Lapland? Of a sauna by a lake?
Finland has all of that at once.
đ§ The Ă
land archipelago for disconnection
âïž Lapland for polar magic
đ„ Saunas to refocus
đ«đ· And what about France? The contrast is striking
| 𧩠Criterion | đ«đź Finland | đ«đ· France |
|---|---|---|
| Quality of life | 8.0 | 6.5 |
| Work-life balance | 8.5 | 6.3 |
| Connection to nature | 9.2 | 7.0 |
đ Whatâs missing in France? Less social pressure. Less hustle. More meaning, silence, nature.
đ What if you took inspiration from the Finns to live better, here and now?
Happiness is not a destination. Itâs a way of life.
đ Read, breathe, dream Finland. And start changing your routines from tomorrow.
Hello, my name is OcĂ©ane, I’m 50 years old and passionate about travel. As a travel blogger, I explore unique destinations and share my discoveries along with tips to inspire fellow adventurers. Join me on this journey of escape and new experiences!
