We can all learn from what they are doing right

For the sixth year in a row, Finland ranks as the happiest country in the world. 

Six happiness factors are ranked from 0–10: social support, income, health, freedom, generosity, and absence of corruption. 

So, how does this country with a population slightly smaller than New York City dominate from one year to the next?

Much of it has to do with what the country itself is doing right: free education and healthcare, low crime rates, and extended parental and annual leave. 

I mean, when your government is doing a lot to take care of its citizens, it’s no wonder they are happy from one year to the next.

It’s more than that though.

While I marvel at what Finland’s government does out of an abundance of taking care of its citizens, I’m also in awe of the simplicity of their lives from day-to-day.

In every article I read and interviews I watched, there was a common thread of relaxed contentment. Being content reaches further than intense feelings of happiness.

We get a dopamine rush from intense happiness and then many of us crash much like coming off a sugar rush. 

However, it would appear that Finns have a high level of satisfaction from the little things. Focusing on pleasant reminders throughout the day like enjoying a good cup of coffee, having reliable public transportation, being able to get to nature easily, connecting to the services of a public library, and walking in safety no matter what time of day. 

How can you reach relaxed contentment?

Some people seemed to be wired for relaxed contentment. It’s just the way they are. It’s their natural vibe.

However, what can you do if you’re not wired that way?

Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Get some fresh air. Take a short walk multiple times a day.
2. Drink hot tea or coffee. Drinking something warm naturally forces you to slow down.
3. Stretch or do yoga for 5–10 minutes in the morning when you first get up and again in the evening before bed. 
4. Set a shut off time for technology each day. Over consuming what is happening in the world and/or comparing yourself to others increases your stress level.
5. Listen to relaxing, instrumental music throughout the day whenever possible. 
6. Take a moment each hour of the day to mentally note one thing you’re grateful for that happened.
7. Light a candle. The mesmerizing effect of looking at the flame engages a slowing of the breath.
8. Speaking of the breath, start a meditation practice. Whether it’s an app or taking 10 deep breaths throughout the day, it relaxes the mind and the body.
9. Tell the people in your life daily how much you love them.
10. Take a relaxing bath with chamomile and lavender in it. 

This list isn’t an end all, be all. It’s a start. There are so many things in the world that are out of your control, but there’s a lot you can do that are within your control.

Pick one or two from the list that makes sense for you in this chapter of your life and then add what will bring you relaxed contentment as your progress.

In Conclusion.

Notice that there really isn’t anything on this list that will cost money. Relaxed contentment comes from within. It’s the little things you commit to over a period of time that will eventually lead you to understand what the Finns do.

Maybe your country won’t be #1 on the happiest list, but you can make your own world #1 with a much more content life.