Have you received a happiness card in your mailbox?

“Take time for yourself and do things you enjoy” is one of the pieces of advice given in the card distributed to households in Vaasa this week. The card is sent by the City of Vaasa, and its purpose is to encourage residents to do small, good deeds in everyday life that promote happiness. The city’s strategy aims to be Finland’s happiest and safest city with well-being and happy residents. 

The city’s various units continuously work on measures to promote the happiness and well-being of residents. We sent a happiness card to the residents where we highlight meaningful themes and factors that affect happiness. Although the city can do a lot, an individual’s happiness also depends on themselves and the actions they take in their daily life, says Head of Communications and Marketing, Leena Forsén. 

The card is available in Finnish, Swedish, and English. Cards have been distributed to households based on the chosen language in the population register. More cards are available in all three languages at the Citizen Services in Tammipiha (Teräksenkuja 1). 

-Actions that increase happiness are often very small, but in a busy everyday life, they can sometimes be forgotten. The card contains happiness tips for the whole year, so it’s worth saving and putting on the refrigerator door. There is also a lottery that will be held at the end of the year, tips Leena Forsén. 

On the last day of the year, 31.12.2025, a lottery form will open at vaasa.fi/worldshappiestcity. Residents can report their acts of happiness for the year 2025 and participate in the lottery. Among those who respond, a happiness weekend in Vaasa will be raffled off. 

Vaasa’s happiness tips

• January-February: Take time for yourself and do things you enjoy
• April-June: talk to someone new and meet new people
• July-September: cycle, walk, and use public transport – it’s easier to be happy in a cleaner environment
• October-December: do charity work or donate to charity