4 lessons from Finland, the happiest place in the world

For the eighth year, Finland is named the happiest place in the world in the new rankings published today.

Based on the data of the World Happiness Report, they are dance and borders happier than the US, which fell to the 24th place – the lowest.

What makes Finland significantly happier than its Nordic neighbors depends on a mix of factors-but the Finns themselves attribute their superior well-being for some things they do differently.

It comes shortly after Finland are Denmark, Iceland, Sweden and the Netherlands. The summary of 10 cannons are Costa Rica, Norway, Israel, Luxembourg and Mexico.

SH.BA was also beaten by Ireland, Canada, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom – though it withdrew before France, Brazil, Spain, Italy and 119 others.

The rankings were based on a combination of factors, including GDP per capita, healthy life expectancy, social support, generosity, perception of corruption and the freedom to make life choices.

But according to Finnish people, there are some things they do better.

Enjoy a lot of sunlight

Finland is known for its dark Arctic winters during which the country takes only six hours of sunlight a day – a phenomenon with which they deal with comfortable comforts like tea, warm fires and thick blankets.

But they are rewarded with the endless light of the day in the summer – giving the place the nickname “Midnight Sun Land”.

The Finns certainly benefit from this brief increase in sunlight, and almost certainly has a positive impact on their well -being.

Research has shown that sunlight increases the production of your serotonin brain – the hormone that regulates your mood – as well as vitamin D – which is essential for your bones, your immune system and your mind.

Sweating it in the sauna

Saunas are a large part of Finnish culture, with some estimates say there are over £ 3m in the country – which is enough for a population of just 5.5 million.

For sauna the Finnish road, you need to sweat it in a room that is 212 degrees Fahrenheit, then cool by rolling in some snow or taking a diving into a cold ice lake (or you can just make a freezing shower).

Health benefits are abundant – as this practice helps remove harmful toxins from your body and improves your blood circulation and overall cardiovascular health.

Finally, studies show that saunas can reduce stress, reduce your risk of depression, and help you sleep. A 2024 study even found that regularly using a sauna can help menopause women avoid weight gain.

Time in nature

In Finland, you are never far from nature – which Finns often say is one of the things that make them so happy.

And for good reason: experts say that spending time in nature can reduce anxiety and make you feel more grounded, while also improving your cognitive function and levels of creativity.

“When you are disconnected, your brain is in alpha wave mode, ie, in active problem -solving mode and revealing innovative solutions,” Emma seppälä, a happiness expert and the author of “happiness and sovereign and sovereign,” Business Finland told.

“If you want to be more creative, you have to consciously have these times of relaxation on your day. For people living in Finland, this is what the forest offers from the road, makes the sauna. The stress lifestyle of Finn is pro-Innovation.”

The benefits of “Sisu”

When times become difficult, the Finns rely on “Sisu” – a Finnish term that means internal strength and perseverance through difficulties.

“It’s a special thing that is reserved for particularly challenging moments,” BBC Emilia Lahti, a Sisu researcher from Aalto University in Helsinki, told Emilia Lahti.

“When we feel we came to the last point of our predetermined capacities. You can say that Sisu is energy, determination in the face of disasters that are more demanding than usual.”

Sisu can help the Finns to make it through their harsh winters-but also gives the benefits of mental health throughout the year by lending themselves to a proactive and optimistic approach to overcome challenges, regardless of chances.