Finland has been the happiest country in the world for six years.
But Finnish psychology researcher and philosopher Frank Martella says it’s a common misconception to think that people there are simply born with a positive outlook on life. “It would be more accurate to say that Finland is the country with the least unhappiness in the world,” Martela told CNBC Make It.
The main reason for this, Martela says, is due to three tenets common to Finnish society that help foster well-being.
- A strong sense of community and connection
- do good deeds for others
- find your own clear purpose
Here’s why they’re “important” and how to incorporate them into your daily life, according to Martella.
“People are happier when they’re surrounded by people who care about them and who care about them,” Martella says. “Fortunately, that’s true even in the most dire material circumstances.” Even without a stable home, people can find support through playing with friends, visiting family, playing card games and other fun activities. Research shows that we can find happiness by connecting with others.
When it comes to doing good things for others, a 2023 Ohio State University study of 122 people with anxiety, depression, and stress found that doing kind acts for others led to greater life satisfaction and happiness. It was found that it increases. It can be a small action like telling someone “You look great today” or a big action like helping a co-worker with a project or buying a thoughtful gift for a loved one. maybe.
“When you help someone, you [have a] “You can have a positive impact on others and increase your own sense of well-being and meaning. In times of crisis, there are usually many opportunities to help each other. This also helps foster a sense of community.” Martella says.
Finding your “purpose” may be the most difficult of the three. If you’re not sure about this, make a list of the things in your life that make you happy,” says Sunil Gupta, a visiting scholar at Harvard University, in his recent book Everyday Dharma: 8 Essential Practices For Finding Success and Joy in I give advice in “Everything You Do.” Then find something that ties them together.
”[A] “A strong sense of purpose makes it easier to endure bad situations. In fact, focusing on changing those situations provides a clear sense of purpose that energizes the person and helps find meaning in the current situation.” One of the sources,” Martella said.
There is another “important” aspect to Finland’s overall morale, Martela said. “Government institutions working well. I often say that government can’t make people happy, but it can eliminate many sources of happiness.”
For example, affordable health care and education are coveted goals in many countries around the world. For Finland, that is the reality. “How your country is run has a huge impact on your well-being,” Martella says.
If you’re surrounded by economic, political, or social anxiety, it can have a significant impact on your happiness, “no matter how much mindfulness, gratitude journaling, or other common interventions you do.” No, he added.
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