Well, according to the World Happiness Report, Finnish contentment largely stems from good working conditions, an admirable government, clean air, and high levels of mutual trust, which have helped to protect lives and livelihoods during the coronavirus pandemic.

According to our Nordic pals themselves, however, the source of their happiness can be found in their daily habits. Indeed, according to Visit Finland’s official six-step programme, one needs to do the following “to be happy like a Finn”…

Sweat in a sauna
Walk in the forest and spend time in nature
Go wild swimming
Try foraging (berry-picking, in particular, is recommended)
Make the most of the sunshine
Find the space to breathe

As per Heikki Väänänen’s comments for City AM, all of the above is key to a happier and healthier life. The concept of “sisu”, though, is just as integral to understanding the source of Finland’s contentment – if not more so.

The Finnish concept of ‘sisu’

“You can’t translate sisu into a single English word,” says Väänänen. “It’s a combination of determination, perseverance, grit, and stoicism… [and it is from this that] we build our own sense of worth.”

Happiness and sisu: how to find contentment, according to the happiest country in the world