5 Nordic words that show the importance of finding your happiness

Financial planning is all about achieving your goals and maximising your life satisfaction and happiness. And of course, happiness means different things to different people.

However, in order to quantify it for research purposes, the World Happiness Report 2025 has used the theme of “caring and sharing”, looking at various aspects of this to assess global outlooks.

In keeping with previous years, the Nordic countries of Finland, Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden all fare well, coming in the top four, respectively, for “life evaluations”, with Norway at number seven.

These same countries were also seen as highly benevolent, ranking in the same order as the likeliest place to have your lost wallet returned!

Each of the Nordic countries takes its own unique approach to living happier. Here are five things you can learn from them that you could build into your financial planning to help you discover your own path to happiness.

1. Hygge – the Danish art of embracing contentment and wellbeing

Perhaps the best-known of the Nordic “happiness” concepts is the Danish hygge (pronounced hoo-ga). It isn’t a word which has a direct translation, instead acting as an all-embracing attitude to wellbeing.

A big part of hygge is taking time away from the daily hustle and bustle to spend time with family, friends, and loved ones, usually at home or somewhere quiet. The dark, cold winters in Denmark encourage this, with winter usually associated with hygge.

These gatherings often involve food and drink, gentle conversation and the chance to just drift along with no agenda or hurry. They also reflect Danish values of equality and wellbeing. No arguments or tension, just a rejuvenating, calming time of peace.

What you could learn from hygge

That home is where the heart is, to cherish those close to you, and the value of focusing on the simple pleasures in life.

2. Lagom – the Swedish state of balance

This Swedish word (pronounced law-gom) means “just the right amount”. It refers to balance and appropriateness: unlike English counterparts such as “sufficient”, which imply just okay, lagom is more about everything being “just right”.

In fact, there’s a Swedish proverb, “Lagom är bäst”, which translates as “The right amount is best”. Lagom is a reflection of Swedish values, equality, and living a fulfilling life.

Embracing the concept of sharing, lagom in practical terms is about letting go of greed and making sure everyone is on a par. In more emotional terms, it means a shift in our thinking, moving away from a constant need for more.

Accepting that what we have right here, right now is something to treasure.

What you could learn from lagom

In financial planning, we often talk about the concept of “enough”. When do you stop filling your pension pot and start spending it?

Lagom teaches us that you don’t constantly need to be striving for bigger or for excess, but that there’s a time to relax and start enjoying the moment.

Read more: Knowing how to spend your money in retirement is just as important as saving. Here’s why…

3. Sisu – the Finnish mastery of resilience and tenacity

This Finnish word means strength, perseverance, and dignity, a concept of drawing on inner reserves to withstand even the most challenging of situations. It’s an expression of the national character of the Finns, who embrace sisu in their mental resilience, capacity to persevere, and ability to push themselves where others might give up.

However, it can also tip over into stubbornness at times, an insistence on doggedly pursuing a certain path when everything points in a rationally different direction.

What you could learn from sisu

Resolution and determination are key characteristics of good financial planning. Set out your goals and stick to them, without distraction or second-guessing yourself.

Equally, it is always a good idea to retain a certain amount of flexibility if it starts to become clear you need to make some changes.

4. Koselig – the Norwegian values of warmth and comfort

Norwegian koselig (pronounced koosh-lee) is often translated as “cosy”. But, as with the other Nordic concepts, it transcends a like-for-like word comparison, serving instead as an entire ethos. As with hygge, it’s inspired by the long, dark days of winter, helping Norwegians to lift the season and create warmth from within.

This means roaring fires, warm blankets, hot drinks, and friends gathered together. But it also means embracing the season, wrapping up in cosy layers and furry boots and getting out into the snow and the air.

Essentially, celebrating the season for what it is, not trying to turn it into something it’s not.

What you could learn from koselig

The contentment brought about by koselig also reflects the financial concept of “enough”, and of not looking at what others have but rather rejoicing in your own journey. It encourages you to embrace what exists and discover how this can enrich your life without having to keep adding more.

5. Gluggaveður – the Icelandic appreciation of the outside from within

Pronounced as gloog-ahveh-thoor, this Icelandic word translates as “window weather”, meaning weather that is best enjoyed at home.

It’s all about listening to the rain, watching the snowfall, and enjoying the outside weather in the warmth and comfort of your home. In doing so, you can appreciate the beauty, drink in the spectacle, and absorb the stillness, feeling good inside without setting foot outdoors.

What we could learn from gluggaveður

An appreciation of the good things in life doesn’t mean we have to be directly immersed in them. Learning to gently look and take your time can help you figure out what gives your life meaning.

Get in touch

If you’d like to find out more about discovering how to fill your life with meaning, we can help.

Email contact@caliberfm.co.uk or call 01525 375286 to speak to one of our team today.

Please note

This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.

All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.