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The Finnish Guide to Happiness

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The Finnish Guide to Happiness

By: Melanie Dower
Narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld
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About this listen

Year after year, Finland is named the "Happiest Country on Earth". What's their secret?

If you ask a Finn, they will likely be as baffled as you are. That’s why Melanie Dower, an expat who has been living in Finland for the past decade, has taken up the charge. Her vantage as an outsider entrenched in Finnish culture uniquely positions her to identify the keys to Finnish happiness that elude the rest of the world and that Finns take for granted. From sauna to strong social safety nets, Finnish life is made up of a constellation of habits and structures that leave its residents relaxed, healthy, and fulfilled.

In this short guide, Melanie lays out the surprisingly simple and often accessible steps to living as the Finns do.

©2024 Melanie Dower (P)2024 Audible Originals, LLC. Mental Health Personal Development Personal Success Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Inspiring
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Short and to the point but surprisingly informative. As someone who struggles with SAD this was an interesting listen and I’ll be implementing some of the suggestions made in the book.

Worth the listen

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Good variety and perspectives. I enjoyed the narration and structure. should be interesting to anyone who is interested in learning about other cultures.

Interesting review of Finnish culture

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Nice and interesting audiobook. I am from Sweden and the culture is very similar to the finnish, so I could draw a lot of parallells. Interesting to reflect on our own behaviour when it's pointed out like that :)

Nice listen

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the ideas in the book were soothing and interesting. the pace was relaxing and suited the content of the book.

the speakers pace was relaxing

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Having lived in Finland for a few years, I’ve sometimes found it easy to take the country’s many blessings for granted. This book not only deepened my appreciation for life here but also offered fresh perspectives on aspects I hadn’t fully understood or embraced. I especially appreciated how each insight is grounded in academic studies, and I found many of these ‘Finnish secrets’ to happiness echoing themes I’ve come across in my own readings on neuroscience and Eastern philosophies.

Ultimately, the author goes beyond merely explaining why Finns enjoy a high quality of life—offering practical, actionable steps that anyone can incorporate into their daily lives. The narration flows effortlessly, making the book an easy listen from start to finish. It’s well-written, engaging, and concise, which makes absorbing the valuable insights a seamless experience.

A Fresh Perspective on Well-Being

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