Frank Martela
CNBC.com
Originally posted 5 Jan 23
For five years in a row, Finland has ranked No. 1 as the happiest country in the world, according to the World Happiness Report.
In 2022′s report, people in 156 countries were asked to “value their lives today on a 0 to 10 scale, with the worst possible life as a 0.” It also looks at factors that contribute to social support, life expectancy, generosity and absence of corruption.
As a Finnish philosopher and psychology researcher who studies the fundamentals of happiness, I’m often asked: What exactly makes people in Finland so exceptionally satisfied with their lives?
To maintain a high quality of life, here are three things we never do:
1. We don’t compare ourselves to our neighbors.
Focus more on what makes you happy and less on looking successful. The first step to true happiness is to set your own standards, instead of comparing yourself to others.
2. We don’t overlook the benefits of nature.
Spending time in nature increases our vitality, well-being and a gives us a sense of personal growth. Find ways to add some greenery to your life, even if it’s just buying a few plants for your home.
3. We don’t break the community circle of trust.
Think about how you can show up for your community. How can you create more trust? How can you support policies that build upon that trust? Small acts like opening doors for strangers or giving up a seat on the train makes a difference, too.
