I enjoy deep dives for myself as we learn about different cultures. When we studied Finland, I encountered the concept of sisu through author Katja Pantzar. What does sisu mean? She defines this Finnish word as “everyday courage or resilience.”
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The Finnish Way to Happiness
Two years ago, I read “The Finnish Way: Finding Courage, Wellness, and Happiness Through the Power of Sisu” in which author Katja Pantzar describes her journey to better mental health. After moving to Finland from America, she embraces the Finnish practice of using outdoor saunas, alternated with a cold water dip or swim. Pantzar credits cold water swimming as playing a major role in curing her depression. It turns out, scientific research supports this, as cold water swimming activates the vagus nerve which regulates neurotransmitters responsible for mood.
What does Sisu mean?
In Pantzar’s recent release, “Everyday Sisu: Tapping into Finnish Fortitude for a Happier, More Resilient Life,” she defines the Finnish word as “everyday courage or resilience.” The book reads as a collection of Pantzar’s thoughts loosely related to sisu. Each chapter highlights a different aspect of life in which sisu can be applied.
Many exemplary and interesting stories are woven throughout. A few of Pantzar’s suggestions are more easily accomplished in Finland: relaxing in the sauna, cold water swimming, and the local efforts of towns to reduce their carbon footprints.
Can Finland attribute its title of ‘the happiest country in the world’ for 4 years straight to the development of this resilience, or “sisu?”
Ten Practices for Everyday Sisu
Other action steps are more easily managed regardless of one’s location. These are nicely summarized in the final chapter, “Ten Practices for Everyday Sisu.”
Number 5 would be more difficult without the investment of a portable sauna or membership to a health club. However, I plan to prioritize the rest of the list with the kids as part of our homeschool. Here the old adage applies, to “lead by example.” Most of the items on this list were mentioned in the books featured in my post about Finland’s educational system.
- Exercise and movement
- Increasing self-awareness by communication (therapy)
- Empathy for others and self
- Prioritize sleep, and general self-care
- Use the sauna, a great equalizer between people
- Increase time in nature
- Make sustainable choices (quality over quantity)
- Recharge with positive people
- Breathe, delay reactions in the face of conflict
- Ask for help when you need it
At home
My husband and I did have the opportunity to use a cold water tub after heating up in a sauna. It was late November and the water was probably 40˚ F. I stayed in for 11 minutes to beat his record of 10. In case you think I got off easy, we have since purchased one of these tubs for ourselves. I’m waiting for spring to get in again, though.
We have explored alternatives to the sauna-cold water combo. Try this: exercise until sweaty and then stand outside in the cold. Of course, this will only work when it is colder outside than inside. OR, exercise until sweaty and then take a cold shower.
Want your own cold water tub? It’s actually a storage bin for animal feed, and available at your nearest Tractor Supply store.