Be Happier Together

March 20th marks International Day of Happiness and the theme for 2019 is about what we have in common rather than what divides us. I think every so often we need to reflect on our happiness and think a little about how we as individuals can improve our happiness and the happiness of those around us.

The Global Happiness Report by the Global Happiness Council has identified that for the second year running, Finland is the happiest country in the world, with a score of 7.769 out of 10. It is closely followed by Denmark, Norway, Iceland and the Netherlands. The United Kingdom has moved up the table from 19th in 2018 to 15th in 2019, with a score of 7.084 out of 10.

What is it about Finland and other Nordic countries that keep them consistently in the top 5 happiest countries of the world? The Global Happiness Council reports that Finnish people feel that they are living in the most stable, safest, best governed and least corrupt country. Self-reported wellbeing from Nordic countries include having personal freedom, good health, good income and governance, honesty, generosity and care for one another.

There is a definite correlation between wealth and wellbeing. Despite Nordic countries paying some of the highest taxes in the world, their overall wellbeing is the highest. This is related to the free healthcare (including dental), free education, and free child day-care. Nordic countries place a high value on family time. They work shorter days, focusing on work whilst in the office, and use their out of office time to focus on their families.

Another important aspect of their living attitude is about dedicating themselves to enjoying life, appreciating life and all the benefits life brings. Their lifestyles are very active, social and they embrace the outdoor life. Exercise is part of their lifestyle, rather than something that needs to be slotted into your life.

The term ‘Hygge’ (pronounced Hoo-gah) is an important part of the Danish culture. It is a Danish word used to describe a warm atmosphere, cosiness and the act of enjoying the good things in life with good people. So, for example cosying up in a dark winter’s night, watching a film, or socialising and chatting with friends all create that feeling of hygge.

Other Nordic countries have their own cultural traditions to aid happiness and wellbeing.

In Finland the use of saunas is a key part to their lifestyle.

Sweden uses the term ‘Fika’ to describe the daily ritual of coffee, cake and social hour. Fika is something again that is important to the culture of Swedish people, and encourages socialising, increases work production and overall wellbeing.

The Dutch use the term ‘Gezelligheid’, which has a similar meaning as the term ‘Hygge’, meaning conviviality, fun, surrounding yourself with loved ones, a feeling of togetherness.

There are simple daily actions that we can all undertake to improve our happiness. We can work on the following;

1. Waking up with a smile

2. Managing stress

3. Making a conscious effort to enjoy yourself

4. Building up self esteem

5. Socialise with people who make you happy

6. Focus on what you are passionate about

Gratitude is an important part of our attitude to improving happiness. We seem to be forever wanting more in our lives, more money, material goods, bigger and better possessions, but these things do not necessarily bring happiness. Gratitude and appreciation for what you have rather than what you want creates a greater sense of happiness. Rather than thinking inwardly and ruminating about why you are unhappy and what you haven’t got I would suggest you actually think about what you have to be grateful for.

Do you have a roof over your head?

Do you have enough money for food on the table?

Do you have access to transport whether it be your own car or public transport?

Do you have a good social network?

Are you, your family and friends well in health?

Are your children happy?

What positive experiences and memories do you have?

In consideration of the lifestyle of Nordic countries, there is a much bigger message about how happiness is achieved. We are all responsible for own levels of happiness, and it is something we need to continually work on to reap the benefits. We have a tendency to focus on how and why we are unhappy and who we are unhappy with, but don’t necessarily action change in our lives to promote better wellbeing. Our happiness is influenced greatly by our sense of community, our social relationships, and lifestyle choices. As a lasting note, just have a little thought about how you can make changes to your lifestyle to improve social contact, gratitude and generosity to embrace a little more of the Nordic attitude to wellbeing and happiness.