For more than six years, the Finland wins the title of the most happiest country in the world. However, it is a common misconception to think that people there are simply born with a positive outlook on life, says Frank Martela, a Finnish researcher psychology and philosopher.
“It would be more accurate to say that Finland is the country with the least unhappy people in the world,” Martela says in “CNBC Make It”. According to the psychologist, this is largely due to three principles, common in Finnish society, that help enhance happiness, says Martela:
- a strong sense of community and kinship,
- doing good deeds for other people,
- finding a clear purpose in life
These elements are very “critical” to incorporate into one's daily life, according to Martella.
Community, charity and clear purpose
“Having people around you who care about you and you care about them makes you happy,” says Martella. “Fortunately, this can be true even in very bad economic conditions.” Even without a stable home, people can find her happiness, hanging out with friends, visiting relatives and connecting with others through board games or other fun activities, according to studies.
As for doing good actions for other people, a 2023 Ohio State University (Ohio State University) study of 122 people with anxiety, depression and stress found that doing acts of kindness for others gave them a greater sense of life satisfaction and happiness. Acts of kindness are counted by small actionssuch as telling someone they look great today to older ones, such as helping a colleague with a job or buying a gift for a loved one.
“When you help someone, when [έχεις] positive impact on others, your own happiness increases,” says Martella. “In crisis situations, the opportunities to let's help each other there are usually many and this also helps to build a sense of solidarity.'
“Finding your purpose in life can be the hardest of the three. If you're not sure about it, make a list of what makes you happy in life,” advises Harvard University scholar Suneel Gupta in his recent book “Everyday Dharma: 8 Essential Practices For Finding Success and Joy in Everything You Do ». Then figure out what connects these things together.
“A strong sense of purpose also makes it easier to tolerate bad circumstances,” says Martela. “In fact, focusing on changing these conditions is an obvious source of purpose that could animate the person and help them find meaning in their present phase.”
Charities play a big role in Finland's happiness
There is another “key” aspect to Finland's overall morale, according to Martela: “Well-functioning state institutions. I tend to say that governments cannot make people happy, but they can take away many sources of happiness.”
The affordable health care and education, for example, are ambitious goals in many countries around the world. For Finland it is the reality. “How your country works has a huge impact on your happinesssays Martela. “If you're surrounded by economic, political, or social turmoil, no amount of mindfulness or gratitude journals or other popular interventions will significantly affect your happiness,” he concludes.
Source: News Beast
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