According to a new Gallup poll, Finland is the overall happiest country in the world for the seventh year in a row. For those under 30 or over 60, Lithuania and Denmark, respectively, took those honors.
For the first time in the report’s 12-year history, the U.S. didn’t earn a spot among the top 20 happiest countries in the world.
The report, which ranks countries by age group for the first time, shows the U.S. decline is at least partly due to Americans under age 30 feeling worse about their lives. The U.S. still ranks in the top 10 countries for those 60 and older. But for those under 30, it ranks 62nd.
While this study is a glimpse into the world’s happiness, it begs the answer to the question:
What do you do if you can’t relocate and want to be more happy exactly where you are?
The answer depends on what happiness means to you, your experience, values and goals. But a good start would be to find hope and happiness in the moment.
Here are a few ways to find happiness:
- Show gratitude. Identifying things that you are grateful for can bring you immediate joy. Upon waking or before going to bed, picture those things that you are grateful for in your mind to stimulate the feeling of gratefulness.
- Eliminate stress. No matter how healthy you are, how much water you drink, or how much sleep you get, stress can wreck havoc on your mental and physical health. Separate yourself from people, places or situations that cause you stress.
- Enjoy nature. Getting outside in nature, absorbing some sun and breathing fresh air can stimulate feelings of gratitude and happiness.
- Rest. Whenever you feel overwhelmed or time, stop what you’re doing and do nothing. If possible, lie down and close your eyes to reset your mood.
- Spend time with someone you love. Pick up the phone and chat with family member or schedule lunch with friends you haven’t seen in a while. Studies show that having positive social interaction can have tremendous benefits on mood and mental health.
- Show kindness. Giving of your time or positive attention to others can make you feel good.
Check out this article on ways to feel better now.
