Feeling Sad And Blue? Finland Is The Happy Place For You

It’s March – and although spring is in the air – it’s not quite here yet. That means there are still dark, dreary, windy days ahead.

If it’s got you down – now’s the time to think about visiting Finland. After all, Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland is the official home of Santa Claus – and he’s a pretty jolly fellow, don’t you think?

But there’s more to it than that. Finland has been named the world’s happiest country by the World Happiness Report for five consecutive years. Better yet, the country wants to share its secret to happiness with the world. The first country to ever host its own masterclass, Finland will connect some lucky participants with expert coaches who will guide them towards a balanced way of life that promotes happiness the Finnish way. The coaching will cover four key themes: nature and lifestyle; health and balance; design and everyday; food and wellbeing.

Visit Finland is seeking applicants from around the world for their upcoming “Masterclass of Happiness,” where ten lucky participants will have the chance to travel to Finland for in-person coaching on how to discover their inner happiness. Applications are open through April 2, 2023 for the four-day masterclass, which will be held in the Finnish Lakeland region in June 2023.

Information about the Masterclass, including application details, are as follows:

· The Masterclass of Happiness will be held from June 12-15, 2023 at the Kuru Resort in Finland. Ten chosen participants from around the world will arrive in Finland on June 11 and depart on June 16.

· The four-day masterclass will be entirely free of charge for the chosen participants. Visit Finland will also cover their travel expenses to and from Finland. Applications are open until April 2, 2023. Applicants can apply individually or with one other person by visiting www.visitfinland.com/en/find-your-inner-finn.

· The coaches of the Masterclass are leading experts in their various fields who will help the participants find inner balance and connect with nature and themselves.

· Kuru Resort, the location of the four-day masterclass, is a luxurious resort surrounded by fragrant pine forests and breath-taking views, situated in the Finnish Lakeland. Each villa is designed from the ground up with nature in mind, equipped with its own spa and sauna.

· Applicants who are not chosen for the in-person masterclass will have the chance to experience the Masterclass of Happiness when it is made available as an online resource in summer 2023.

According to the Oracle Happiness Report of 2022, 45% of people globally have not felt true happiness in more than two years and 25% don’t know, or have forgotten, what it means to feel truly happy. In Finland, it’s a common belief that happiness is not a mystical state, but a skill that can be learned. With the Masterclass of Happiness, Finland is eager to help people find their “inner Finn” and rediscover happiness.

“Finns are often asked, ‘Why are you so happy?’ We believe Finnish happiness stems from a close relationship with nature and our down-to-earth lifestyle,” said Heli Jimenez, Senior Director, International Marketing at Business Finland. “Finland is full of immersive experiences among nature. Our energizing forests, charming lakes, and vibrant archipelago landscapes are all perfect places to relax, unwind and get in touch with your inner happiness.”

“We want to help people find their ‘inner Finn’ and master the Finnish state of mind. We’ve chosen the best coaches, one of the most breathtaking resorts in Finland, and a time in the early summer amid the beautiful Finnish nature for our Masterclass. We feel it’s a really unique opportunity to discover something wonderful and valuable. Anyone curious should definitely apply,” said Jimenez.

You can apply by visiting: www.visitfinland.com/en/find-your-inner-finn

When all is said and done, you may just be whistling a happy tune and feeling extremely “onnellinen,” which is the Finnish word for feeling blissful and blessed. Here’s to that!

For more about my Wanderlust and Wellness Travels, please Follow me on Instagram at @DebbiKickham.