Finland has been selected as the world's happiest country by the annual World Happiness Report released by the United Nations.
The report ranked all together 156 countries by how happy their citizens are, and how good their quality of life is. Finland is number one, and the other Nordic countries - Denmark, Sweden and Norway - are not far behind on the list.
The UK is number 13 on the Happiness Report, so what could we learn from the Nordics?
Go to the great outdoors
Nordic people are very much connected with nature, and a massive part of their lifestyle is about being outdoors. In Copenhagen, Denmark, over 50% of its residents are cycling to work every day, and in Finland, it's normal to go foraging in the forest as a way of relaxing.
“We go out to the forest when we want to be alone, when we want to destress and when we want to exercise. Nature is the whole package," says Amanda Lehtovaara, 32, who is managing a hair salon in Turku, Finland.
Tip: there are plenty of parks in London where you can go and relax, but if you want to go and explore nature, then Richmond Park might be a good idea!
Coffee time
In Scandinavia, the most relaxing way to start a day is to enjoy a cup of coffee – or should we call it ‘Fika’ as Swedish people do. Fika time is an important part of everyday life, which might explain why Sweden and Finland are the most coffee consuming countries in the world.
“Here Fika time means time spent with your friends or family. Coffee is pretty much part of every part of our lives – from work to big life events,” says Anita Autio, who was born in Rauma, Finland but now runs a marketing company in Stockholm, Sweden.
Tip: to get Nordic coffee in London, you can head to Scandikitchen, located in Oxford Circus, and also taste Nordic pastries while you are there.
Appreciate the silence
In Finland, people believe that you don't always have to speak. Being silent is a way of communication and enjoying the present moment.
"I always go near the sea, sit there and look at the horizon. That is my quiet place where I'm happy and where time doesn't exist," says Autio.
Tip: on your day off, you can choose a place with a nice view that makes you feel relaxed, sit down and enjoy the moment.
Hygge
The whole world has gone crazy of the Danish word ‘Hygge’ but what does it mean? It doesn't have a similar word in English, but if simplified, it means feeling and being cosy. Hygge time is all about feeling safe and comfortable and spending time with your loved ones.
Tip: try to make more time for the people you feel are the most important to you even if it can be challenging with the current situation we are in now. If they are far away, then try to arrange video calls with them and talk to each other while you are in the comfort of your home.
Work and happiness
Nordics have a word 'arbejdsglæde', which doesn't have a direct English word, but roughly translated it means 'happiness at work'. Nordic people work around 200 hours less a year than people in the UK and generally, they refuse meetings which are not planned for office hours.
“It’s so weird to think that 'after work' culture is really strong in some countries, but we don't have that sort of thing here. We appreciate our own time, and we try to keep it separate from work,” Lentovaara says.
Tip: take a look at how much time you spend on work during your free time. If you notice that your mind is still at work even though you are home, then try to make conscious decisions to avoid work during your free time and maybe start a new hobby to distract you.
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