The most surprising habits people have in the world's happiest country — including this unusual weekly ritual
What's the secret to happiness? If you ask a Finn, it might just start with an outdoor hike followed by a cold plunge.
Finland has once again clinched the top spot on the World Happiness Report — for the eighth year in a row — leaving the rest of us to wonder what kind of magic they're pumping into their pine trees.
Supposedly, the Finns have specific habits that benefit their mental and physical health.
'It would be more accurate to say that Finland is the country that has the least unhappy people in the world,' said Frank Martela, a Finnish philosopher and psychology researcher, in an interview with CNBC Make It.
So what's really behind all the smiles — or, at least, serene contentment?
3 Finland has once again clinched the top spot on the World Happiness Report — for the eighth year in a row.
Seventyfour – stock.adobe.com
Considering Finland's gorgeous landscape — it's no surprise that its residents supposedly prioritize being outside in nature.
Daily life in Finland can include skiing, hiking, sailing and a balanced mix of small-town life with modern cities.
3 Finns supposedly prioritize being outside in nature.
lucaar – stock.adobe.com
And Finns love their near-daily walks in the woods — no matter the weather, you can catch them outside on a stroll getting their steps in.
There's nothing like a breath of fresh air to put someone in a good mood.
Supposedly, Finnish people also love to cook and utilize local ingredients that grow in nature. During the cold months, they rely on pickled foods — and in the nicer months, they take advantage of fresh fruit and veggies.
Apparently, hopping into a sauna is a sacred weekly ritual that is as essential as teeth brushing for the Finns.
Most public saunas include a lake or cold pool for a brisk plunge afterward, and Finns swear by the benefits.
3 In Finland, saunas aren't just a sweaty ritual — they're sacred, as routine as brushing your teeth. Most come with a cold plunge, and locals swear by the boost.
rh2010 – stock.adobe.com
Emerging research agrees: regular sauna sessions are linked to better relaxation, memory and sleep.
One 2019 study found that 84% of users slept better after a good schvitz.
In addition to their healthy habits, Finland's winning formula also boils down to three big beliefs: community and connection, doing good for others and having a strong sense of purpose, according to Martela.
'Having people around you who care about you, and whom you care about, makes people happy,' Martela told the outlet. 'Luckily, that can be true even in very dire material conditions.'
Finns spend loads of quality time with their families — no toxic hustle culture here — and their social ties are stronger than a cup of Salmiakki.
That closeness, research shows, matters far more than a fat paycheck.
A 2023 Ohio State University study found that simple good deeds — like giving someone a compliment — helped reduce anxiety, depression and stress.
'When you help someone, when you [have a] positive impact on others, your own happiness and sense of meaningfulness increases,' said Martela.
'In situations of crisis, opportunities to help each other are typically plenty, and this helps also to build a sense of solidarity.'
And while Americans might spend years spiraling over their 'life's purpose,' Finns take a more grounded approach — and benefit from it.
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