Have you ever wondered what habits set the world's happiest people apart? One secret might surprise you: regular sauna use.
Sauna isn’t just about relaxation – it’s a simple yet profound practice that brings people together, strengthens bonds, and rejuvenates both body and mind.
Also science now backs up what we Finns have long known: sauna is a powerful key to health and well-being. Beyond the widely referenced and valuable study conducted in Finland by Laukkanen et al., there’s a growing body of international research confirming the incredible benefits of sauna. A recent study from Sweden by Engström et al., for example, highlights fascinating links between sauna and various positive health outcomes, including happiness:
"Sauna bathers were associated with a healthier life-profile than non-sauna bathers, because they reported less hypertension, less self-reported pain, more satisfying sleep patterns, greater mental and general health as well as higher levels of happiness and energy."
So, no wonder Finland, the land of over 3 million saunas, has been ranked the world’s happiest country for seven years in a row.
Finland x sauna x happiness. How's Finland perceived globally? According to the latest edition of "Suomi muiden silmin" [Finland Through the Eyes of Others], a report on Finland's country image abroad, coordinated by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland and compiled from international research, media monitoring, and Finnish embassies worldwide, Finland is widely recognized for its happiness. Moreover, foreigners are increasingly pointing out that the Finnish sauna culture and happiness are strongly connected, and that relation is becoming an integral part of Finland’s global identity.
Sauna brings happiness – we're delighted to see – all over the world! Just look at these pictured joyful moments and happy faces from last year's sauna festival at the Embassy of Finland in Berlin, where Hetki had the honor of sharing Finnish sauna culture with so many happy people.
The best place to experience the rich Finnish sauna culture and "sauna happiness" is, of course, right here in Finland. You are warmly welcome! But remember to set aside enough time, as the sauna is positively addictive, and you might never want to leave!
And now, the authentic traditional Finnish log sauna can also come to you. Hetki outdoor saunas are handcrafted in the rural areas, amidst the forests and lakes of the South Savo region, and are delivered to your home or retreat fully ready, turnkey, so all that's left for you is to... enjoy and experience happiness.
How about joining the happiness by stepping into the warmth of the sauna and feeling it for yourself?