Finland was chosen by the United Nations as the world’s happiest nation for the third year running in March. Visit Finland, the Finnish travel promotion organization, is launching the Rent a Finn goes Virtual campaign to showcase the Finnish way of life.
“We want to encourage people to take care of themselves and their loved ones while dreaming about their next trip. The Rent a Finn campaign of 2019 was a great success, and during these uncertain times, we want to give people the opportunity to learn about the secrets of Finnish happiness regardless of place or time. This initiative also offers the chance to connect one-to-one with a Finn from the comfort of your sofa”, says Paavo Virkkunen, Executive Director, Visit Finland at Business Finland.
Being happy has a lot to do with daily habits: a short walk in the forest, going ice swimming or tasting something fresh from nature. All of these things add a sense of calm and happiness to everyday life – something we all need right now!
To help during these trying times, the destination is sharing some tips on how to become happy like a Finn… no matter where you are physically.
Unspoiled nature boosts happiness hormones
Finland is known for its nature, and travellers often fall in love with the clean air, silence, forests and its free treasures, such as bilberries, mushrooms, and wild herbs. A daily connection with nature is something Finns appreciate, even more during these uncertain times.
“Finnish happiness isn’t skin deep and immediately visible – it’s deeply engrained in our being. Sustainable happiness is our superpower, and it means we tend to take life as it comes,” explains Heli Jimenez, Senior Director, International Marketing at Business Finland. “We appreciate the small things in our daily lives, such as sitting quietly on a bench and staring at the empty lake after a relaxing sauna session or taking a morning dip in the sea before going to work. This attitude will also bring us through these challenging times.”
Book an individual meeting with a Finnish Happiness Guide
The new Rent a Finn goes Virtual campaign provides interactive learning and encounters with Virtual Happiness Guides. The series focuses on five different areas of Finnish lifestyle, showcasing different aspects Finnish happiness in 60 minute live stream sessions called Eat with a Finn, Relax with a Finn, Be active with a Finn, Spend time with a Finn and Be happy with a Finn. A Virtual Happiness Guide, who is specialized in the topic through his /her daily work and life, will introduce each topic. Viewers are encouraged to take part in the experience by preparing for the upcoming live stream.
“We want to offer a chance to find your inner calm and happiness while staying at home. We help people to get in touch with the sustainable Finnish way of life by creating meaningful, virtual encounters with local people, nature and culture through social media,” Heli Jimenez continues.
Would you like an effective workout with a Finn, or perhaps to talk with a Finn about how you can feel happier in your life?
Selected Virtual Happiness Guides will be available for individual 15 minutes meetings via Teams, Hangouts or Skype in the week of June 22. Apply to book your preferred topic and Virtual Happiness Guide on the campaign site: www.rentafinn.com.
Applications are open until June 7 at 23.59 (GMT+3).
Streaming live on Visit Finland’s Facebook at 17:00 (GMT+3) with discussion afterwards on Instagram Live.
May 15: Relax with a Finn
Virtual Happiness Guide: Päivikki Koskinen, journalist, coach therapist, sauna and ice swimming lover
Happiness skills: Sauna and swimming and preparations before sauna in nature
How to prepare yourself: Grab yourself some cold refreshments and a big bucket of cold water! A towel can be good to have as well.
May 22: Spend time with a Finn
Virtual Happiness Guides: Special needs teacher, cyclist, coffee-shop owner Mirja Priha & designer and handicraft teacher Molla Mills
Happiness skills: Crafting and crocheting, learning Finnish, being in nature, exercises with senses, cycling from city center into nature
How to prepare yourself: Find a peaceful space and think about questions what you have always wanted to know about Finns and their mysterious habits
May 29: Stay active with a Finn
Virtual Happiness Guides: Sailing and outdoor enthusiast, Antti Etelämäki &
Happiness skills: Sailing and
How to prepare yourself:You can prepare yourself for this live session by wearing a relaxed outfit and having a big bottle of water close to you
June 1: Eat with a Finn
Virtual Happiness Guide:Michelin Star chef Sasu Laukkonen
Happiness skills: Collecting wild herbs in urban environments and cooking with them
How to prepare yourself: Prepare yourself by getting a pair of rubber boots and some kitchen accessories
June 12: Be happy with a Finn
Virtual Happiness Guide: The village of Mathildedal
Happiness skills: A village tour to find the keys to happiness from many different sources
Prepare yourself with a comfy chair and a couple of questions about what the secret to Finns’ happiness is. Maybe you’ll find the answers during our live trip to the village of Mathildedal.
For more information, visit: https://rentafinn.com/en/.
