At just 19, Emmi Salonen left her native Finland for the UK, hoping to sharpen her English skills. What began as a brief stay turned into a vibrant journey of discovery, leading her to study graphic design and ultimately carve out a successful international career.
In 2005, she launched her own studio, producing a diverse body of work that spanned exhibitions, book designs, and visual identities, sending her jetting across the globe. However, the relentless pace soon became overwhelming, and Salonen found herself faced with the harsh reality of burnout.
“I lost touch with myself, my creativity, and what brought me joy,” she reflects.
In her upcoming book, The Creative Wellbeing Handbook (BIS Publishers, 2025), she recounts her struggle: “I began to experience a new level of exhaustion after each workday. Social engagements dwindled, exercise fell by the wayside, and over weeks that turned into months, I realized I was feeling increasingly unwell. More troubling was the realization that I no longer felt the urge to create.”
From an early age, Salonen had forged a profound connection with nature—an enduring bond that would later play a pivotal role in both her artistic expression and her recovery.
Growing up in Turku, Finland’s southwestern expanse, summers were spent at her family’s holiday cottage in the archipelago. Those long days were filled with adventures through lush forests and rocky cliffs, soaking in the near-perpetual daylight of the “white nights”—moments when the sun barely sets and life outside simply thrives.
A Year of Renewal
Emmi Salonen found rejuvenation during her summers in the Finnish archipelago. Photo: Emmi Salonen
Upon recognizing her burnout, Salonen took a year-long sabbatical, embarking on solitary travels to recharge and contemplate what truly mattered in her life. This period of reflection allowed her to devise a personal framework that would lay the groundwork for her innovative five-step well-being approach.
Encouraged by her family to share her insights with others navigating similar challenges, Salonen began hosting online talks and workshops during the Covid-19 pandemic. To her surprise, she found a receptive audience, with her framework resonating deeply. As restrictions eased, invitations poured in from conferences, universities, and organizations across Japan, Australia, and Canada.
“I was taken aback by the overwhelming demand for a structured approach to healing,” she admits.
From Personal Journey to Practical Guide
The book features practical exercises and tips designed to enhance happiness and rekindle everyday energy. Photo: Emmi Salonen
Motivated by her experiences, Salonen dedicated herself to documenting the process that aided her recovery. Nearly two years later, The Creative Wellbeing Handbook took shape, melding research, writing, and design into a practical resource.
“It’s designed as a workbook, allowing readers to engage with aspects that resonate with them, rather than simply recounting my story,” she explains. The demand was immediate; within three months, a second print run was needed.
The Creative Ecosystem: Five Elements of Well-Being
- Connection: This is about forging a deeper understanding of what gives life meaning. For Salonen, it involves regularly connecting with fellow creatives and setting aside time each week for meaningful interactions.
- Wonder: Rooted in curiosity, Salonen draws inspiration from nature, actively seeking time outdoors while also noticing colors and patterns woven into her daily surroundings.
- Pause: Creating moments of stillness is crucial. One of Salonen’s daily rituals involves forgoing her phone in the mornings, allowing space for a peaceful start. “It’s such a grounding way to begin the day,” she emphasizes.
- Movement: Essential for both physical and mental health, Salonen incorporates daily walks into her routine, highlighting research that shows even short strolls can boost creative output by up to 60 percent. “Movement also cultivates mental flexibility,” she adds. “We all experience negative thoughts, but learning to shift our focus helps manage anxiety.”
- Joy: She encourages finding happiness in small, intentional moments—be it gathering fresh flowers or revisiting cherished memories. Simple practices can significantly boost positive emotions and overall well-being.
A Distinctly Finnish Perspective
Photo: Jamie Thomas
Salonen sees a clear link between her work and her Finnish heritage. Growing up in a culture that values practicality influenced her systematic approach, while Finland’s profound bond with nature continually informs her philosophy.
“Finns listen to nature and regularly retreat to it,” she says. “It’s one of the most effective ways we recharge.”
Annually, Salonen and her family return to their cottage in the archipelago for a summer creative retreat, drawing strength from the natural environment. For many Finns, nature offers a serene space for pause, reflection, and reconnection.
“It was in the Finnish archipelago, where every detail in nature intertwines, that I conceived the idea of the Creative Ecosystem,” Salonen reflects.
The Science Behind Happiness
Beyond her role as a designer and author, Salonen is also a trained happiness facilitator, steeped in the study of positive psychology and well-being science. She cites research by Sonya Lyubomirsky, which posits that about 50 percent of happiness is genetically determined, 40 percent stems from intentional actions, and a mere 10 percent is influenced by external circumstances.
“What we think and how we act significantly affect our happiness, regardless of life’s ups and downs,” she notes.
Salonen encourages individuals to embark on a journey of self-discovery: What sparks joy? What brings meaning? What shapes your emotional landscape? This understanding, she believes, is the cornerstone of a balanced and fulfilling life.
Her message is both simple and profound: Small, conscious changes can pave the way for lasting well-being.
By Catarina Stewen, June 2026