Finland’s Happiness Secret Is Here

The World's Happiest People Have a Secret – Part 1

For the 8th consecutive year, Finland has been named the happiest country in the world. Their secret isn't more money. It isn't more technology. It's balanced. Every summer, millions of Finns head to lakes, forests and trails to unplug, slow down and reconnect with nature. The UN World Happiness Report describes it as stepping away from the noise of everyday life so "nature can do its work." Science increasingly agrees. Time outdoors lowers stress, restores attention, improves mood, and helps our minds recharge. It’s even Biblical. “He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.” Psalm 23:2

Why it matters here

Greenville County citizens do not need to travel to Finland to find balance. Our rivers...Our parks...Our trails...Our forests...can provide many of the same benefits.  And as our population continues to grow, so too should opportunities to get out to a green space near home. That's why the Greenville County Historic & Natural Resources Trust continues investing in parks, trails and conserved lands that give every resident a place to breathe, move and reconnect. Nature isn't an escape from life. Sometimes it's exactly what makes life happier. Protecting land today helps ensure that all of our citizens can enjoy improved mental health tomorrow.  Research continues to show that one of the simplest ways to improve your mental wellbeing may be as close as your nearest park or trail.