A FEW hours ago I got back to Dawlish from a week spent in Finland – the country with the title of being the ‘Happiest Country in the World’.

Having practised there as a therapist for several years, I can confirm that the Finnish people have exactly the same kinds of concerns, stresses and worries as people do in this country.

However, there are some big differences in culture which do contribute positively to their general sense of wellbeing. One of them is that wellbeing as a topic is considered a priority in the Nordic countries. Promoting a positive sense of wellbeing is discussed in workplaces, on the television, at a political level and is taught in universities. Research into furthering ways to promote wellbeing is supported and encouraged – so it’s a subject that is at the forefront of people’s minds.

Many companies are shifting towards a shorter working day pattern and annual leave is also considered to be an important priority. In the summer months you are expected to take off four to five weeks in a continuous block.

Many organisations advertise for summer staff specifically so that regular staff are free to take their leave.

There are two real reasons for this longer block in the summer. The first is that the long winters mean that Finns have to make the most of the good weather while it is there.

The second is that Finns take the view that a single week is not long enough to properly wind down from work and fully relax. In order to recharge one’s batteries, a person needs to be off for three or more weeks in a row.

Another major advantage that the Finns have is the concept of space. It is a country with 188,000 lakes and forest which covers 75% of the land. In Finland each person also has the right to walk freely in any forest which means that spending time amongst the trees is second nature to everyone living there.

Much research has been done about the positive effect that spending time in nature has on our mental health. Recently I have been reading about a concept called “Forest Bathing” or shinrin-yoku, which evolved several decades ago in Japan following government investment to promote the wellbeing of the country’s people. Studies have shown that even after a short amount of time walking in a forest stress levels are reduced.

The tranquillity of the forest promotes creativity. It allows you just to be still for a moment in a world in which we are constantly over-stimulated from the very moment we wake up in the morning.

In our daily lives we also forget to take notice all of our individual senses. This means that we miss opportunities to take better care of ourselves and our sense of wellbeing. Being in a forest allows you to focus not only on what you see, but also on what you smell, touch and hear as you spend time there.

Even for people who can’t get to a forest physically, research has shown that even having a view of a tree leads to quicker healing times.

Here in Devon we are blessed with nature being around every corner. Although we don’t have the level of forest cover that the Finns do, there are still plenty of forests within easy reach. I have recently started making a conscious effort to make time for a forest walk, especially at the end of a busy day sitting at the computer and sorting through emails.

I find there is a sense of serenity there which is not replicated anywhere else. Even on a short walk I am able to wind down and absorb enough calmness to balance out the stresses of the day.

Next time you are able to visit a forest or other woodland, try taking the time to really absorb the atmosphere with all your senses.

Put your phone away and listen to the birds and the crunch of the leaves underfoot.

You might be surprised at how healing and calming such a simple thing can be.