1. Spending time in nature

Finland is home to 40 national parks and boasts the largest lake district in Europe (hence the nickname ‘Land of a Thousand Lakes’), and spending time outside is a huge part of Finnish culture – a 2021 survey found that almost 90% of Finns consider nature to play an important part in their lives.

The right to roam freely in the countryside is even enshrined in a rule known as Everyman’s Right, which means that people can use nearly all forests and lakes for free, so walking, swimming, skiing and even camping are free in these public areas. The flip side of this rule is that everyone must treat these natural spaces with the respect they deserve, so that others can enjoy them for generations to come.

The mental health benefits of spending time in the natural world are well documented, with studies suggesting that exposure to nature can help diminish feelings of anxiety and stress, and even boost your self-esteem.

Finland is officially the happiest country in the world (again), so what can we learn from their wellbeing culture?