In a world full of fleeting wellness trends, Finnish wellness stands apart for its simplicity and deep connection to nature. Rooted in centuries-old traditions, practices like sauna bathing, cold water swimming, and the Finnish philosophy of sisuhave shaped how Finns approach both body and mind.
Let’s explore these rituals and how you can bring a touch of Finnish balance into your own daily routine.
The Finnish Sauna: A Sanctuary of Heat and Calm
In Finland, the sauna is more than a place to relax - it’s a way of life. With more than two million saunas across the country, it’s a space for stillness, cleansing, and connection. Families, friends, and even business meetings often take place in this warm wooden haven.
Benefits of the Finnish Sauna
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Detox and renewal: The heat encourages deep sweating, helping to cleanse the skin and flush out impurities.
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Improved circulation: Warmth dilates blood vessels, easing tension and aiding muscle recovery.
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Mental clarity: A quiet sauna session calms the nervous system, reducing stress and sharpening focus.
The Traditional Sauna Ritual
A Finnish sauna session often follows a rhythm: heat up in the sauna, cool off outdoors or plunge into cold water, then rest before repeating. Some Finns use a vihta - a bundle of fresh birch twigs - to gently brush the skin, stimulating circulation and releasing a subtle forest scent.
Cold Water Swims: Invigorating the Body and Mind
After the sauna comes avantouinti - cold water swimming. It might sound extreme, but for Finns, it’s a joyful and revitalising ritual, especially in winter when lakes are carved open through the ice.
Benefits of Cold Water Swimming
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Boosted circulation: The sudden cold causes blood vessels to contract and then expand, improving blood flow.
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Stronger immunity: Regular exposure to cold is believed to increase white blood cell count and overall resilience.
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Elevated mood: The body’s natural endorphins surge, leaving a deep sense of clarity and euphoria.
The Experience
Finns often describe the feeling after a cold plunge as “rebirth”. The body tingles, the mind resets, and the contrast between hot and cold brings an almost meditative calm.
The Finnish Spirit of Sisu
At the heart of Finnish wellness lies sisu - a uniquely Finnish word that means quiet strength, endurance, and determination. It’s about facing challenges with calm resilience, whether that’s a long winter, a cold swim, or a difficult day.
Living with Sisu
Sisu teaches us to stay grounded, to embrace discomfort, and to grow stronger from it. It’s a mindset as much as a wellness philosophy - and one that can be practised anywhere.
A Deep Connection to Nature
Every Finnish wellness ritual is tied to nature. Time outdoors is essential, whether hiking in the forest, swimming in a lake, or sitting in quiet reflection. This connection restores balance and perspective, reminding us that true wellness is found in simplicity.
Bringing Finnish Wellness Into Your Life
You don’t have to live in Finland to bring these rituals home. Start small:
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Create a sauna ritual: If you have access to one, schedule weekly sessions to unwind and reset.
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Try cold water therapy: End your shower with 30 seconds of cold water and gradually increase the time.
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Spend time outdoors: Seek green spaces, fresh air, and natural light whenever possible.
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Practise sisu: Approach each day with quiet strength, even in moments of discomfort.
Finnish wellness is about more than routine - it’s a philosophy of balance, simplicity, and connection. At Inari, our skin care and luxury hand wash collections are inspired by these same principles, designed to bring a moment of Nordic calm to your everyday rituals.
Experience the art of Finnish wellness, wherever you are.
