Finland, for the sixth consecutive year, has been named the happiest country in the world, according to the World Happiness Report.
The well-being of the Finnish people has piqued global interest, and Finland is now offering free guidance on finding happiness.
In March, Visit Finland, the country’s tourism department, announced a unique opportunity for 10 people to visit Finland and participate in a happiness masterclass.
Visit Finland reveals that they received over 150,000 applications worldwide. To make the masterclass accessible to more people, they decided to offer it for free in a virtual format as well.
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The online course, which became available on September 14, features insights from five coaches on four core themes: Nature & Lifestyle, Health & Balance, Design & Everyday, and Food & Wellbeing.
Curious to find my inner Finn, I watched all five lessons of the course, and here are my key takeaways:
Here’s what I learned from Finland’s happiness masterclass
1. Connecting with nature is crucial for mental well-being, no matter where you live
As a city dweller, I initially believed that experiencing nature’s benefits was out of reach unless I traveled far. However, the course taught me that having a relationship with nature doesn’t require being in the forest or on a river. It’s about being present in our environment, using our five senses during simple activities like grabbing a coffee or commuting to work.
By neglecting to appreciate the beauty around me, I was denying myself the easiest way to enhance my happiness: connecting with nature.
What sets Finland apart is its “Everyman’s Rights” law, which grants people the freedom to roam and stay in nature, regardless of land ownership. Many Finns camp, hike, and bike in nature, fully embracing its offerings.
“Even a brief moment in nature reduces stress, clears the mind, provides unique experiences, and allows for self-connection that only nature can offer,” says Mikaela Creutz, a hiker and nature enthusiast, during the masterclass.
2. Having enough is better than always wanting more
As an ambitious go-getter, I have always taken pride in constantly striving for more. However, the masterclass shed light on the downside of always desiring more, as explained by April Rinne, an author and speaker specializing in embracing change and uncertainty.
“When our focus is on more, we never truly find contentment,” Rinne states. “The goalpost keeps moving.”
Rinne defines “enough” as achieving balance, harmony, and sufficiency. Embracing “enough” means having everything needed to thrive without carrying excess.
This perspective entails recognizing that one is enough as they are, rather than relying on external achievements or possessions to find happiness.
My new goal is to honor my current position in life. Instead of fixating on what I lack, I will remain open to the possibilities that lie before me. This shift in mindset will not only relieve unnecessary pressure, but also increase my overall happiness with what I have.
3. Designing your space can impact your mental well-being
Initially, I was skeptical about the role of design in happiness. However, I found Taina Snellman-Langenskiöld’s perspective on the influence of our surroundings intriguing. Snellman-Langenskiöld, a design professional, emphasizes how our homes and frequented places significantly affect our well-being.
“In Finnish, we have an old saying that a poor man cannot afford bad quality,” Snellman-Langenskiöld shares in the course.
Contrary to popular belief, quality doesn’t always equate to high cost. Things can hold deep value when we craft them ourselves or if sustainable materials are used in their creation.
Snellman-Langenskiöld suggests using design to enhance lifestyle by:
- Investing in meaningful objects that withstand the test of time and continuously bring joy
- Surrounding oneself with beautiful things
- Bringing nature indoors through plants and flowers
- Designing spaces that simplify and improve daily life
She concludes with this piece of advice: “Meaningful design is one of the keys to happiness.”
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