Finland is the happiest nation in the world, thanks to the concept of life – ‘sisu’

Although known to Croatian citizens as the accusative of a word with a completely different meaning, in Finnish-speaking areas, the term ‘sisu’ is defined as a concept and lifestyle rooted in courage and determination, and if we want to be happy, we should adopt it.

As one of the possible answers to the question of why Finns have been declared the happiest nation in the world for years, psychologist Elisabeth Lahti, a Finn herself, emphasizes the aforementioned concept that has been woven into Finnish culture for over five centuries.

As she published on CNBC,’sisu’ plays a significant role in creating well-being and the ability to maintain a positive attitude, as this concept is based on the idea that one must be (and remain) brave, pushing forward despite adversity and/or impossible odds.

Lahti believes that it is precisely ‘sisu’ that is responsible for the fact that her homeland has been ranked first among the happiest countries in the world for six consecutive years, and in her career and public activities, she strives to promote and teach everyone, regardless of nationality, how to make it a part of their own lives.

Here are her tips:

1. Find a purpose that is directed towards a higher goal

According to research by psychologist Angela Duckworth, we are capable of enduring greater effort if we work on something that contributes to the world, something beyond our microcosm. Lahti confirmed this during her running mission in New Zealand, which she dedicated to raising awareness about domestic violence. Every time she felt exhausted and was on the verge of giving up, turning to a higher purpose helped her push forward.

– When you take on a new challenge or need strength to continue, find a greater purpose to connect with. It can be your family or friends, someone who inspires you, or a goal that is close to your heart – she wrote on CNBC.

2. Increase resilience through training

Before embarking on her mission, she ran every day for two full years; she put on her sneakers even when she didn’t want to and always showed up, rain or shine. Practice and preparation, the psychologist claims, strengthen our inner ‘sisu’. Studies have shown that our bodies have hidden reserves that are naturally used when we need them most, and the greater challenges we set for ourselves, the more we adopt habits that strengthen resilience. There are also techniques that help in this, so the psychologist focused on breathing to calm the nervous system and improve running.

3. Be gentle with yourself and connect with nature

To enhance our inner resilience and courage and ultimately adopt the Finnish concept of ‘sisu’, it does not mean that we need to be strict with ourselves. Yes, we should maintain firmness, strengthen willpower, and build resilience, but there is also a limit to how far one can go. Building firmness is as important as strengthening gentleness towards oneself; there needs to be a balance. Finns are evidently skilled at achieving this balance, and contact with nature greatly helps them in this. Hiking and walks in nature are an integral part of their culture that helps find inner peace and feel happiness.