Finland is like stepping into a calm, never-ending yoga retreat where stress just doesn’t exist. An old lady at a farmers’ market captured it perfectly when she handed me a basket of vibrant red berries and said, “I don’t have time to think. Thinking too much brings stress!” And you know what? She was absolutely right. In the U.S., we’re always racing around, staying busy for no real reason—and maybe that’s where all the stress comes from. But Finland? Finland whispers, “Slow down, take a breath, and just be.”

Autumn in Finland is like nature throwing its best fashion show. The trees are showing off, dressed in fiery reds, golden yellows, and every shade of brown imaginable. Even the sky gets in on the act, glowing red as if it’s winking at the earth below. The ground? Covered in perfectly crunchy leaves. It’s like the whole country decided to coordinate their outfits!

I was lucky enough to catch an autumn carnival in Helsinki, and it felt like the happiest place on earth. Families were everywhere, kids were laughing, and even babies weren’t crying—maybe Finnish babies come with a built-in “whisper” mode. One of the highlights was this game we played, where we had to pick a column filled with numbers. To our surprise—and pure joy—we won! Our prize? A massive bag of Dumle candies, wrapped in vibrant red and black. In that moment, we all forgot how old we were and felt like kids again. The excitement of winning that huge bag of Finnish sweets made us realize that Finland’s happiness is found in the simplest things, like sharing candy with friends.

The joy didn’t stop at the carnival. Even our client’s office felt like a vacation spot, sitting right at the water’s edge, overlooking a clean bay with an island in the distance and yellow trees lining the horizon. A day at the office felt like a day at a resort. We had healthy meals for lunch, and during breaks, we could stand on the balcony, sipping hot chocolate while soaking in the view. And if you were up for it, there was always the sauna or even a little dance session on the gleaming floors of the dance studio by the gym. It was the perfect blend of work, wellness, and a touch of luxury—like a mini-vacation every day.

Then there I was, sipping coffee at a café, painting cups like some artsy bohemian. Finland is all about the small joys—painting cups, picking berries, soaking in the autumn colors. And those red super berries? They find their way into everything—pies, snacks, you name it. They fit right in with the autumn palette, adding a perfect pop of red to the golden and brown backdrop.

And then came the sauna. This was a solo adventure, and it started with me facing my fear of sweating in public—but don’t worry, I had my swimming trunks on, just like everyone else! Sitting in a small, steamy room, surrounded by strangers quietly sweating together, was oddly calming. Once I got over my initial claustrophobia, I realized why the sauna is such a big deal in Finland. It’s a personal, yet shared moment of just sitting with your thoughts—or without them. The heat melts away the outside world. They suggested I jump into an ice-cold pool afterward to “feel 10 years younger,” but I chickened out and went for a cold shower instead—still refreshing enough after my long flight from Atlanta.

This sauna experience—alone yet connected—felt like the essence of Finland itself: peaceful, reflective, and in tune with nature. It was the perfect antidote to all the hustle and noise I’d left behind. It settled me right into Finland’s easy, laid-back rhythm.

The food in Finland was another delightful surprise—vegan steaks, cinnamon buns, and of course, more of those red berries. But nothing compares to the sheer serenity of watching the leaves fall, as red, yellow, and brown swirl together in nature’s final autumn dance.

Soon, winter will blanket Finland, and the reds and yellows will turn to shades of blue and white—frozen lakes and snow-covered forests. But for now, autumn reigns supreme. Finland, with its quiet joy, steamy saunas, and nature’s perfect color palette, invites you to slow down, take it all in, and maybe, just maybe, leave your stress behind.

Even as I write this, I can feel that calmness again. The silence around me isn’t empty—it’s full of meaning, full of life. Sometimes silence can be deafening, but here, it has purpose. Finland’s stillness is like a deep breath, reminding you to pause, be present, and embrace the beauty of the moment.

I hope this piece brings you right back to the calm of Finland, just as I felt while writing it. For those who missed my earlier reflections on Helsinki, you can read it here. Together, these stories weave a tapestry of Finland’s quiet beauty, its autumn palette, and that unmistakable invitation to slow down and truly be present.