Finland's Secret to Happiness? You Have to Sweat for It
Inside the tradition that's been part of Finnish life for centuries.
When you think Finland, you think sauna.
There are an estimated 3 million saunas in this country of only 5.6 million people. From public bathhouses to seaside cottages, you can find them everywhere.
It makes you wonder: is extreme heat is the key to happiness in the world’s happiest country? In this latest video, I tried to answer that question.
First, I met with Anna Talasniemi, a doctoral student in art education at the University of Jyväskylä. Like most Finns, she grew up with sauna as a constant presence her life, so much so that she later made it the focus of her academic research.
She explained to me how sauna has served as a place of healing for Finns throughout their history. Anna also touched on how its not only a site for physical recovery, but spiritual cleansing as well.
“Often people talk of how they leave their worries in the sauna,” she said.
Later, I met with Kimmo Helistö, arguably the most interesting man in Helsinki. A musician, former DJ, and film producer, Kimmo is also the operator of Uusi Sauna, located in Helsinki’s the Jätkäsaari neighborhood.
He showed me the ins and outs of running a sauna as a business. We also discussed what it’s like to keep this ancient tradition alive in a modern world.
“All the cities (around the world), they are the same. “They have the same restaurants, same McDonalds, same clothes shops.
“But what you don’t have?” he added. “You don’t have saunas like we have.”
This is fifth episode of my series exploring the world’s happiest country. Watch the full video below and subscribe so you don’t miss the final episode!