We’d like to wish everyone an extra happy Wednesday today, not only since it's the first day of spring (technically speaking here), but also because it's the International Day of Happiness.
According to the United Nations, happiness stands as a fundamental aspiration for humanity, necessitating "a more inclusive, equitable, and balanced approach to economic growth that fosters the happiness and well-being of all individuals." To commemorate this sentiment annually, the organization unveils the World Happiness Report, assessing the happiness levels across nations worldwide and offering insights into the global state of joy.
The 2024 edition of the World Happiness Report, which evaluates nations according to self-reported happiness levels, has been published. And the thrilling revelation is that Finland has clinched the title of the world's happiest country for the seventh (not a surprise) consecutive year. It's extending its positive energy to all who are intrigued: In the past year, Finland organized a four-day happiness masterclass, and this initiative has now evolved into a free online course. So why not find your inner FIN now? It seems like a really happy thing to do! https://www.visitfinland.com/en/find-your-inner-finn/
Here is the list:
1. Finland:
2. Denmark
3. Iceland: I want to travel here one day.
4. Sweden
5. Israel
6. Netherlands
7. Norway
8. Luxembourg
9. Switzerland
10. Australia
Canada didn't make it into the top ten, but kudos for coming in fifteenth.
In order to arrive at these conclusions, researchers scrutinized survey responses collected from individuals across 143 countries who participated in the Gallup World Poll over the preceding three years. Participants were tasked with rating their life satisfaction on a scale from zero to 10, with these ratings forming the basis for country rankings. Additionally, experts delved into various factors such as life expectancy, generosity, GDP, and perceptions of freedom to accommodate differences among nations.
This year, the report also introduced a novel focus on variations in well-being across different age groups. Distinct lists were formulated based on these findings, often displaying significant deviations from the overall rankings. For instance, while Lithuania claimed the top spot for happiness among individuals under 30, it ranked 19th overall. Analysts meticulously examined data stretching as far back as 2006 to discern shifts in these trends.
Ways to Feel Happier, According to Science:
1. Make someone smile/laugh:
2. Share Kindness:
3. Express Gratitude: Harvard Health puts it simply: “giving thanks can make you happier.”
4. Build (and Maintain) Friendships: Friendships are powerful — in fact, some research shows they may be even more important than familial bonds as we get older.
5. Help someone who is in need:
6. Know and Use Your Strengths: Instead of focusing on weaknesses (we’ve all got them), celebrate your strengths.7. Set a Regular Exercise Routine:
8. Escape into a book:
9. Rescue a Dog:
10. Smile!
11. A bonus: Buy funny gifts for your friends and loved ones:
via nice news