Global Survey: Sleep And Recovery Are Greatest Wellbeing Challenges For Business Professionals
More than 100 000 people from 160 countries took part in Hintsa Performance’s wellbeing survey** on Visit Finland’s website. The survey results, based on Hintsa’s holistic wellbeing model, suggests that lack of sleep and recovery are global challenges for business professional’s wellbeing and performance. One out of three (33%) respondents sleep less than six hours per night and one out of two (51%) feel their everyday recovery is compromised.
Heli Jimenez, Senior Director, International Marketing at Business Finland, says the results also help explain why wellness travel is on the rise. People are looking for new ways to improve their wellbeing, performance and increase their time spent in nature through their travels as well.
“Finland has all the makings of a great getaway from stress. Nature and urban life can be found side by side here. Our glorious forests, lakes, clean air and tranquillity make Finland a great destination for those looking for balance”, Jimenez says.
Even a short journey can be eye-opening. As a part of the Rent a Finn initiative Visit Finland welcomed travellers to get to know Finnish way of life. One of the visitors was 21-year-old Charlene from Singapore. “This has been a life changing experience. I can feel calm and peace inside of me. People in Finland don’t really see nature as a means to an end. Everyone just loves it and values it as a part of their daily lives”, Charlene says.
Finland has been named the world’s happiest country for two consecutive years*. Could the secret to happiness be a strong connection with nature and a life lived close to it?
People struggle with sleep, recovery and focus
Visit Finland wanted to know more about the wellbeing of it´s possible visitors, a survey based on Hintsa Performance’s wellbeing model has been online on Visit Finland´s website for the past six months. More than 100 000 people from 160 countries participated in the survey.
Analysing the results, Hintsa’s Coaching Director Mikko Lilja sees many challenges that manifest around the world.
More than half (51%) feel their daily recovery is compromised. Adequate rest is also an issue, as one in three (33%) said they typically sleep less than six hours per night. Fragmentation is also a common problem, as more than half (53%) feel that constant interruptions during the workday are taking their toll.
“The amount and quality of sleep are in direct correlation with your vitality, resilience and resistance to illness. Sleep also helps us learn new things. If you neglect sleep in order to put in more hours at work, you might be doing yourself a disservice”, Lilja says.
The survey also suggests that people have a hard time finding time for exercise. Two out of three (66%) stated that exercise is not part of their daily routine.
“Activities in nature, such as forest walks, and trail running are easy ways to add exercise and active recovery into your day”, Lilja summarises
How can Finnish nature and way of life help you feel better?
Nature and silence
Studies show that forests provide fantastic relief for stress: your heart rate slows down and
muscles relax. Being in nature and digging around in your garden also boost your microbiome.
http://www.metsa.fi/web/en/healthbenefitsfromnationalparks
Clean air
Studies have found Finland to have the world’s cleanest air. The cleanest air on record has been measured in Finland.
Picking berries and mushrooms, food from the forest
Spend time in nature, put food on the table. We can connect with nature through sight and sound, but also by eating, drinking, breathing and touching our surroundings.
https://www.luke.fi/en/natural-resources/forest-berries-and-mushrooms/
Sauna
Sauna is part of every single day in Finland. A haven for the mind, retreat for tired muscles and sanctuary from stress and worries. A sauna leaves you feeling happy and relaxed. Studies have even shown saunas to help with high blood pressure!
https://saunafromfinland.com/sauna-articles/the-health-benefits-of-sauna-part-i/
*UN World Happiness Report 2019 http://worldhappiness.report/ed/2019/
**Based on the Hintsa Performance survey which was conducted between 17 Mar – 1 Nov 2019. More than 100 000 people from 160 countries took part. Countries that produced less than 200 responses are not included in the general findings.
You can still take the survey at www.rentafinn.com and receive your personal report and recommendations.
