Yes, that is a fact. Finland is the happiest country in the world, though there are parts of Finland where the sun barely rises above the horizon from December to February. This could sound dreary to some, but my family and I decided to check this out for a January holiday – twice. The fact that we went back highlights my point. And what was the one thing central to our days spent in a cottage on the edge of a frozen lake, 25 km of ice-laden roads west of Rovaniemi – the Sauna.
A daily morning chore was to don the thermal layers and snow boots and make our way through the snow to the sauna hut, 50 metres away, to light the fire and get the sauna ready for the day. A session in the sauna then became part of our post breakfast ritual. I thought the dive into the soft snow after was just a crazy dare between our sons but when I eventually gave in to the chicken cries, despite the first attempt being a “head down, bum in the air” affair, I found it really exhilarating. And, so began my appreciation for hot and cold therapy. After a day of activity, a visit to the sauna, and hot tub in -15 degrees, would close off the day wonderfully.
You see, in Finland, saunas are not just a recreational activity, but a central part of their daily activity. It is associated with both physical and mental well being, as well as serving as a social hub. So what exactly are the benefits of a sauna?
1.Health Benefits: Saunas are linked to improved circulation, stress relief and enhanced cardiovascular health.
2. Mental Escape: The pleasant ambience of the sauna provides a space to disconnect from daily stresses and focus on mental wellbeing instead
3. Social Hub: In Finland, saunas are seen as a space for connection and relaxation in a controlled quiet environment, fostering healthy bonds between friends and family
4.Hot and Cold therapy for muscle recovery, pain relief and overall well-being. While the heat of the sauna promotes muscle relaxation and improves blood flow by dilating blood vessels, cold therapy reduces swelling, inflammation and bruising by constricting blood vessels.
In essence, saunas contribute to Finland’s happiness by promoting physical health, mental relaxation and meaningful social connection. Maybe it is time for the rest of us to follow the lead of Finland, and make a regular visit to the spa part of our wellbeing, rather than a rare treat. We might not have snow at The Jewel, Glengarriff, but we do have an outdoor cabin sauna, hot tub under the oak trees and a super, cold river plunge pool, plus an indoor infrared sauna pod in our relaxation room.
You can’t argue with a country with the accolade of being the “happies country in the world.” Embrace the elements, and make your personal wellbeing an essential part of your routine rather than a rare treat.