What I Have Learned Since Moving to Finland

0 Comments

Living in Finland: 5 Lessons That I Have Learned

For the past two years I have been living in Finland and learning so much about life. The country and the people have taught me so much in so little time and have made a lasting impact on my life. From enjoying peace and quiet to living a stress free life, Finland sure knows how to be the happiest country in the world. Here are the five main lessons that I have learned during my stay in Finland.

Stop and Smell the Roses

In Finland, people are always taking time to enjoy the week. Life is not about going to work then going home and doing chores. People are always finding activities or things that bring them joy. They play sports in groups after work, they attend lectures, they go to sauna, and they go for walks. But life in Finland is not about the fast-paced crazy lifestyle. It is about taking the time to enjoy the things that make you happy. So remember to keep up your hobby or take time for yourself every week to stay sane and enjoy life.

Stress Less

Everything in Finland is structured to bring you less stress. Both school and work value stress free environments and are very flexible in making the lives of people easier. You can usually change your hours at work with advance warning as long as you still put in your full hours sometime. For university, you can choose to take as many or as little courses as you wish. Because Finns know there is more to life than stressing.

Silence is OK

When spending time with Finnish friends, there are usually some moments of silence. And that is ok. They actually enjoy it. It actually is not an awkward thing like we make it out to be. Instead it shows that you are comfortable around each other and are happy to just sit and enjoy the moment. And silence is a great way to stop and smell the roses and stress less.

Nature is Important

In Finland, people are always outside and active. In the summer they are hiking and even dining outside. In the winter they are skiing and still hiking. Nature is an important part of life and the Finns are always taking advantage of it. They keep their parks clean and they don't destroy their forests. They make sure to recycle and always think about leaving things clean for the next person. In general, Finland just get it when it comes to Mother Nature.

Mediation is Key

Because Finland is so small and so isolated, in the past, Finland has made its presence known by mediating between the two parties. It held talks during the Cold War between the USSR and the West, and even today, it holds talks between North Korea and the West. It has often served as a mediator between warring sides, or at least sides on the verge of war. And this has inspired me even more to observe mediation and to always advocate for peaceful methods of discussion.