Pantsdrunk (Kalsarikanni): The Finnish Path To Rel

Danes have hygge.  Swedes have lagom.  But the Finns have the best - "kalsariokanni" or pantsdrunk – drinking at home, alone, in your underwear.

When it comes to happiness rankings, Finland always scores near the top.  Many Finnish phenomena set the bar high: the best education system, gender equality, a flourishing welfare state, sisu or bull-headed pluck.  Behind all of these accomplishments lies a Finnish ability to stay calm, healthy and content in a riptide of endless tasks and temptations.  The ability comes from the practice of "kalsarikanni" translated as pantsdrunk.

Peel off your clothes down to your underwear.  Place savory or sweet snacks within reach alongside your bed or sofa.  Make sure your television remote control is nearby along with any and all devices to access social media.  Open your preferred alcohol. Your journey toward inner strength, higher quality of life, and peace of mind has begun.

Miska Rantanen is a Finnish journalist and author of nonfiction. He works for the largest Finnish newspaper Helsingin Sanomat and specializes in popular culture, politics and digital media.