Learning Happiness from Finland: The World's Happiest Nation

Photo by Jake Ingle on Unsplash

Well, they did it again. Now for six years running, Finlanders were named the happiest people in the world by the UN’s Sustainable Development Solutions Network, based on data from the Gallup World Poll. So, what can Finlanders teach Americans about how to be happier?

First, Finlanders prioritize a healthy work-life balance. They work fewer hours and prioritize leisure time, which helps them manage stress. Americans, on the other hand, are known to prioritize work over other aspects of their lives, leading to high-stress levels and burnout.

Second, Finlanders have a strong sense of community and social support. They value spending time with family and friends and have a robust social welfare system that promotes equality and solidarity. Americans, on the other hand, have a more individualistic culture and prioritize personal achievement over social welfare and connections.

Third, Finlanders prioritize education and learning, which is reflected in their excellent education system. They have a high literacy rate and invest heavily in education, which helps to create a knowledgeable and skilled population. By contrast, Americans may overlook the importance of lifelong learning.

Finally, Finlanders prioritize nature and the outdoors. They have access to vast forests, lakes, and parks, which they enjoy throughout the year. This connection to nature promotes mental and physical health and encourages a more sustainable lifestyle. Americans, on the other hand, often prioritize consumerism and may overlook the benefits of connecting with nature.

Taking all this into account, how might we reevaluate our priorities to allow more health and happiness to flow into our lives and culture? Americans are good at so much. If we chose to, we could be good at happiness too!

Wishing you abundant health, happiness, and prosperity,

Mark