The happiest place on earth

So, I was reading an article this week. In the 2025 World Happiness Report, Finland has once again been voted the happiest place to live on Earth. My first thought? How do I move there?! 

Who wouldn't want to live in the happiest country in the world? But as the initial lust wore off, I found myself wondering: Why is Finland considered so happy? What are they doing differently? And more importantly, what can we learn from them to improve our own lives, right here, right now?

As a therapist, happiness is a topic that often surfaces in my sessions. Many clients come in with the hope of “feeling happy again” or “finding peace.” But happiness isn't a fixed destination, it’s a dynamic state, influenced by our values, choices, environment and even our ability to sit with discomfort. So, what makes a whole country, a culture, lean into happiness more than others?

Let’s break it down.

What makes Finland so happy?

Researchers have found that Finland scores high in areas such as quality of life, trust in government, low corruption, strong social support, access to nature, work-life balance and a focus on equality. These aren't just societal structures, they’re values that have been consciously cultivated.

There’s a Finnish word I came across, 'sisu' which roughly translates to a quiet inner strength, resilience, and determination. It’s not just about bouncing back, but enduring hardship with grace. It reflects a mindset: one of acceptance, self-sufficiency and emotional steadiness.

Finland also encourages people to live in tune with nature. Forest walks, lakeside swims and a culture that values slowing down and switching off. As someone who enjoys cold water dipping every morning and reconnecting with nature myself, I see the emotional and mental value of this lifestyle echoed in my own work and life.

What can we learn from this?

What can we learn from the Finnish way of life?

Let’s be honest: not all of us can pack up and move to a Finnish lakeside cottage (as appealing as that sounds). But we learn lessons from what works there and integrate them into our own lives.

Cultivate simplicity

Happiness isn’t always about having more, it’s often about needing less. Can we simplify our lives? Can we make peace with who we are, rather than constantly chasing who we think we should be?

Prioritise connection

Social connection is a cornerstone of Finnish happiness. Who are your people? Are you nurturing those relationships? Whether it’s a trusted friend, a sibling, or a therapist; connection is vital to well-being.

Spend time in nature

You don’t need a Nordic forest to feel the benefits of nature. Step outside. Breathe deeply. Watch a sunrise or sunset. Feel the ground beneath your feet. Nature helps regulate the nervous system and calms the mind.

Embrace emotional honesty

Finns aren’t known for constant smiling or superficial positivity. Their contentment seems to stem from emotional authenticity. What if we allowed ourselves to feel all our emotions without judgment? Sadness, anxiety, joy and everything in between? 

Create a sense of meaning

Purpose doesn't have to be grand. Sometimes, it's about small, meaningful actions: being kind to others, contributing to our community, or doing something creative. Purpose grounds us, even in hard times.

Rest. Really rest

Burnout is rampant in Western culture. Yet in Finland, work-life balance is prioritised. Could we begin to redefine success? Could rest become something we honour rather than something we feel guilty about?

Happiness isn’t a destination: It’s a practice

When we think of happiness, it’s easy to imagine a sunny Instagram-filtered moment, but the truth is, happiness is often quiet. It’s in the daily rhythms, the relationships we nurture and how kindly we treat ourselves. 

In the 2025 World Happiness Report, the United Kingdom ranked 23rd out of 147 countries, marking its lowest position since 2017. So no, I may not be moving to Finland (not yet, anyway), but we can begin to build a life that feels like the happiest place to be right here, right now. And so can you.

Sometimes, that journey begins with a simple question: What do I need today to feel just a little bit more at peace?

Start there. That’s enough.