Be Happy Like the Nordics.

I happened to be reading an article about the happiest countries in the world.

For the 6th year, Finland has come out on top, followed by the Nordic countries of Denmark, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, plus the Netherlands and Switzerland.

In 2023, the United Kingdom was ranked 19th.

Why should that be? Is it because they are relatively small countries which can look after their communities well? 

None of them  generate massive wealth, although the oil boom certainly helped some of the Scandinavians, but more on a communal beneficial  level rather than individual profiteering.

The U.K. is also a small country with it`s history of  free education, free health care, an advanced economy and freedom of speech, so why does it lag so far behind?

The climates can`t be blamed, as all of the countries in the top ten have harsh winters which bring their own challenges, so life isn`t particularly easy.

It seems that there is indeed a common thread running through these countries and it is the recognition and appreciation of each other as individuals, families and country as a whole.

They don`t seem to be so obsessed with making lots of money, or amassing material goods like some countries, including the U.K., but are more content with an overall pleasing, happy lifestyle.

 They seem to operate on a less greedy outlook, by having enough to make life comfortable, room to make individual  choices, a stable political vision which encompasses everyone, good health, education and child care, adequate vacation time and a respect for nature.

It doesn`t seem like a big ask, and if the results are so enviable, why are more countries not following their lead?

In the U.K. we have a huge and increasing divide between the haves and have nots. Because of our political system, this is inevitable, with the rich getting richer, even in poorer times, and the less well off being beaten by a political stick.

It would seem we are not a happy people, even when things are better financially.

We have a country where consumerism still reigns, as people "must have". Whether it is an outer symbol to tell the world what their  financial status is, or whether it is to be like someone else, it is still the thing that almost everyone aspires to.

There is nothing wrong in making money. Entrepreneurs make the world go round. Look no further than the Ikea success story. Of course money makes life easier and brings personal satisfaction, but many millionaires will testify that it does not necessarily bring happiness, as a great many of them don`t actually like themselves and are riddled with all sorts of mental health issues.

Unless we like and accept ourselves, no amount of money or "things" will change that.

Due to the Pandemic and the follow on financial dip for many in the country, it has given a window to pause for reflection.

Because buying more material objects has had to be restricted or halted in many households, it may be that families are actually appreciating the smaller things in life, and looking out for each other in ways that they didn`t before.

Certainly many are now even more stressed as mortgage rates rise, but they may not be so concerned with the next new "must have" which comes around, as they are facing what concerns only them and how they handle it, which brings their own strengths and capabilities into focus..

Because there has been such emotional  and financial turmoil, mental health has become a huge issue, and people don`t know how to deal with it or where to turn. Professional help is thin on the ground, so what is everyone to do?

Perhaps a lifestyle that does not put so much pressure on making huge amounts of money or  having the latest gadget, but getting to know yourself and your family and friends as  individuals, and not just on a superficial level.

You may be familiar with the Danish word Hygge, pronounced Hoo-ga.

It is a word which encapsulates a feeling of well being, comfort  and cosiness. 

It can include comforting food, drink, home furnishings and clothing, and may involve the company of friends or family. 

It derives pleasure from simple things such as picnics, enjoying nature and just generally relaxing and feeling happy and grateful. 

Screens and mobile phones are very anti - Hygge.

By appreciating the things that surround us in the natural world, we may pick up on what seem to be the secret to  the happier, less stressed lives of our Nordic neighbours.