Slowing down did a world of good
Comparing housing costs and quality brought a digital marketing entrepreneur from Espoo to Kuopio. A new home was found on the shores of Lake Kallavesi a year and a half ago.
Anna Jalava, who moved from Espoo to Kuopio, runs several businesses, and her husband recently started his own venture in property management. Jalava wasn’t worried about losing clients due to the relocation, as her work is mostly done remotely.
“I have clients all over Finland and the world, so I knew my network would remain intact regardless of where I live,” Jalava says.
She chuckles, saying many clients didn’t even notice the move because it had no impact on her company’s operations.
“Of course, in some cases, it’s essential to meet clients and sit around the same table for planning, but a lot can be done remotely.”
Jalava has adapted well to Kuopio, even though the unhurried and calm lifestyle of the Savo region gave her pause initially.
“I’m a fast-paced and energetic person, and I don’t have much patience for hesitation. But in the end, I realized that slowing down has done me a world of good.”
Jalava’s work rhythm is still as dynamic as is typical in the marketing world, but the calm environment provides a counterbalance, shifting life from chaos to harmony.
“There was nature in Espoo too, but here, I can step straight out the door into the forest or to the lakeshore. Forests are visible from every window. Nature plays a big role here.”
Jalava’s elementary school-aged children have also benefited from the slower pace of life, with the constant noise of traffic replaced by tranquility.
“There are plenty of kids their age around, and they can safely walk to their friends’ houses and school. It’s so nice when complete strangers strike up a conversation at the store.”
Jalava also trains Brain Relief practitioners through her other company, making stress and its management familiar topics. This work helps her observe her own well-being from a professional perspective.
“Research shows that being close to nature significantly reduces stress, which is reflected in overall well-being. Personally, I’ve noticed its impact in improved sleep quality and recovery, measured in many ways. It’s amazing to take a thermos of coffee and sit by the lakeshore in complete silence.”
Despite its tranquility, Kuopio is far from being a sleepy town. Beneath its gentle exterior beats a genuine spirit of productivity.
“I have no reason to move back to Espoo,” Jalava says.
Text: Maiju Korhonen
Photo: Anna Jalava
The article was written during the Future Savo project in 2020-2021.
