Where is the happiest place on earth? You might have immediately thought “Disneyland” when reading that question, but let’s set aside their effective marketing for a moment; this place has fewer rides and less favourable weather.
A documentary by Dateline from SBS Australia states that, according to the UN World Happiness Report, Finland has held the title of the world’s happiest country for four consecutive years. In contrast, Canada ranks 13th. What concepts from Finland might be missing in Canadian life?
On average, the Finnish population receives a lot of support from government programs. The Finnish administration focuses on providing equal opportunities and impactful social benefits. Pre- and post-natal benefits are among the best in the world, and their public education system produces results that consistently rank Finland top in Europe. Their unemployment and retirement benefits are also among the best.
These programs are certainly impressive, but the role of government in our happiness is largely beyond our control. So, what else could be contributing to the remarkable happiness of the Finnish people?
Part of the answer lies in the concept of “Sisu”—an innate strength and perseverance in the face of extreme challenges. The Finnish people have developed this quality in response to the harsh weather and environment in which they live. It’s possible that our neighbours to the east might feel a stronger connection to this concept, as there’s a deep cultural emphasis on resilience. Adopting an “I ‘think’ I can do it” attitude, Canadians are perhaps more doubtful of their abilities. Another important element lies in the fact that Finns don’t obsess over happiness. They find contentment in what they have and in ordinary aspirations. Their expectations are modest, and they don’t place as much importance on social comparison. Status doesn’t matter as much, and there’s a less noticeable societal hierarchy. In fact, displaying wealth and status is considered inappropriate. They also respect the boundaries of the workday, with no expectation for work-related tasks during personal time. While this aspect is harder to control, it’s worth considering if you’re an employer or you need to establish work-life boundaries.
Beyond ways of thinking and behaving, a popular leisure activity among Finns is taking cold plunges and using saunas, the combination of which is said to increase circulation and help with muscle aches and joint pain. Perhaps we can improve our physical well-being by embracing the challenge of a cold ocean dip and the relaxation of a sauna—after consulting with a doctor, of course.
While there’s no one-size-fits-all recipe for happiness, it’s enjoyable and enlightening to learn from practices around the world. Money is important, but genuine happiness is a different matter altogether. At Relay, all of our advice is geared toward allowing our clients to live their most meaningful lives. Financial security can provide peace of mind, but it also allows you to focus on your family, invest in meaningful pastimes, and make great memories.