So recently Finland was named the happiest country in the world for the sixth year in a row.
This tiny country where it starts getting dark in October and remains darker even through February and on the harshest winter nights temperatures may fall to −30 °C (think darkness = stress and loneliness).
And yet, the Finns are considered the happiest in the world!
We did a deep dive and learned that:
- The people in Finland have a strong sense of community. They have close relationships with neighbors and active social lives.
- Finland is a country that values both individual liberty and collective responsibility. This balance is usually difficult to achieve but it manifests itself in everyday life in Finland.
- Finland has an educational system which values creativity, collaboration, and a holistic approach to learning.
- Finland political landscape is stable and there is a high level of trust in the government. It is also one of the least corrupt countries in the world.
- Finland also has good work-life balance, with short work hours and generous parental leave policies.
- Finland has a strong mental health support system, with readily available mental health services and an emphasis on preventive care.
Based on the above, it’s clear that Finland prioritizes social welfare and has a culture that values its citizens’ health and happiness.
We also learned more about a Finnish tradition called “sisu” which roughly translated means “grit” or “perseverance”. Sisu is highly valued in the Finnish culture and is regarded as a defining feature of Finnish national identity. It is thought to have its origins in Finland’s history as a small, isolated country that has faced numerous challenges over the centuries, including harsh weather, wars, and economic struggles.
Sisu implies qualities such as bravery, courage, and stoicism. It points to the ability to grit your teeth and push through difficult situations, while maintaining a positive attitude and finding solutions to problems. Sisu is also about accepting responsibility for your own actions and outcomes, and not giving up, even when the situation appears hopeless.
In terms of its impact on happiness, sisu is that extra rib we all need to overcome adversity. Sisu can give each of us a sense of purpose, motivate us, and make us resilient. All these are important for our overall well-being and happiness.
So there’s no real secret behind Finnish happiness, rather, it’s all about community, relationships, and values – especially Sisu!
And therefore perhaps moving to Finland may not be necessary to find that elusive happiness we all seek.
HAPPINESS is a very subjective experience. It is universally desired and every single one of us wants to be happy. But the definition of happiness differs for every single one of us too.
Some find happiness in relationships while others in a sense of purpose. Some others find it in material possessions and their achievements, while yet others from the lofty positions they hold in society.
Then there are the ones who find it from giving up all their worldly possessions and living a monastic life.
Just as the definition is subjective, so is the path that we all end up on in our pursuit.
The wise ones say that real happiness comes from within, not outside; that possessions and relationships invariably cause unhappiness; and that to find true happiness we must look within.
Here’s wishing you success on whichever path you choose to take.
And if you decide to move to Finland, we wish you all the best in a country that also has absolutely breathtaking landscapes and endless daylight for weeks at a time (in the summer)!
In the end, the pursuit of happiness is an ongoing journey that never ends in life.
