Looking through various reports on "relaxed and happy " places to live, it seems that islands are often in the top slots.
It`s not hard to see some of the very obvious reasons from a tourist point of view, as islands are generally blessed with wonderful scenery, surrounded by water, and tend to have a slower pace of life.
However, delve a little deeper, and you will find other reasons why island life is so different.
If you are a city dweller who loves shops and varied amenities all within easy reach, then living on an island would probably not be for you.
However, as everyone in the UK seems to lead life at a frenetic pace, with stress levels, anxiety and general mental health conditions becoming more common place, it seems that typical mainland lifestyles may not be the best recipe for happiness.
Islands are varied, they can be hot, cold, wet or stormy, or a mixture of all four. They can be very large with populations of many thousands, indeed the U.K. itself is an island which is often forgotten, but they can also be small with sometimes populations of just several hundred people, and these are the ones to which I am referring.
There are islands all over the world, and one common denominator seems to be the friendliness of the people who live there. The many islands of Indonesia seem to come out as winners as being very relaxed friendly places, surrounded by a huge variety of immense beauty.
Islands do not tend to be financially affluent areas, so the constant material "must have" element does not have the same importance as in other areas. They tend to have a much more practical outlook.
There is usually a thriving community spirit within island life, as things are done on a smaller but much more personal scale, with local people generally at the helm when it comes to the organization and well being of the island.
Transport is of huge importance, and has to be available, as obviously boats and planes are required to reach other destinations, so not taken quite so much for granted as buses and trains.
Supplies of all sorts will require to be brought in by these life line links, so there are always outside influences such as weather, which need to be taken into account.
Depending on the size and location of the island, there tends to be a general friendliness between islanders, which is extended to those visiting. Young and old mix together, and are well looked after.
There are often strong family connections, and neighbours are well known to one and other. Schools and places of work tend to be smaller, allowing for good social mix and interaction, and crime levels are generally low.
Most islands do not have the same urban traffic congestion and high stress levels of the busy commute, or the full social calendar which seems to take up such a large part of domestic life.
However, islanders have to be responsible for many things that the average person doesn`t even think about.
They may have to fight hard for facilities and financial assistance in order to keep the general infra structure going, as islands tend to be low down in the queue when money is being divided up.
Employment and housing may be restricted, and many have to reluctantly leave home in order to further education and find work, and it is not unusual for people to have more than one job.
Islanders have very firm roots. They can have cultural or religious differences and may speak a different language to that of their mainland neighbours.
This cultural streak is strong, and stays with most born and bred islanders wherever they go.
Islands have always been welcoming places where others have found themselves for a variety of reasons, so have stayed, bringing further diversity. Many islands have a huge mix of cultures which have filtered in over the years.
Seafaring has always been an important part of life, whether fishing as employment, or making a career at sea, so others, particularly from other sea going communities generally fit into island life well.
A general ethos of sharing is also a part of island culture. Neighbours help one and other, farmers for example may share a piece of expensive equipment, or assist each other at busy times.
Anyone requiring support will get it, and often systems of good will and social care are delivered by local people who devise ingenious ways to take care of aspects which are ignored by the authorities.
There are usually many opportunities for celebrations of island social life, with once again an input from the community as a whole, and with the emphasis often being on tradition and history linked to the sea. Home grown music is also popular.
By looking at this snapshot of island life, it is not difficult to pick out the things that compare and contrast it to mainland life.
It would seem that family life and interaction with the community is important, as it gives a sense of pride, stability and belonging.
This brings with it a respect of a culture and way of life, which is there for everyone to enjoy and nurture.
Residents relate well to one and other and find ways to care for their community.
Although not so busy rushing, islanders are busy looking after themselves, their livestock, their neighbours and visitors alike, often having to find innovative solutions to island problems.
They also appreciate their usually beautiful surroundings, and take care to preserve what they have, by making the most of what nature has given them and how it is good for their general well being.They have a sense of peace and gratitude from working so closely alongside the natural world.
Island communities have been on the forefront of looking after the environment for years, but sadly many islands, particularly very small ones, are under threat from several factors.
It would seem that rising tide levels and climate change are making some small islands uninhabitable, and the islanders are having to find other places to live.
Others face economic threats, with populations decreasing due to lack of employment and financial investment.
Island living tends to be of a fragile nature, the weather often playing a significant part when it comes to delivering services and travelling, and in many vulnerable islands, subject to heavy storms and resulting damage.
However it is a unique way of life, and those who have experienced living on an island are extremely lucky as it truly enhances so many important qualities which seem to be missing from society today.
There are a few words of caution.
Islands have become huge tourist attractions, and indeed the industry has been a life line for many.
However, if visiting an island, please respect its way of life and its inhabitants.
There are reports of people visiting islands, with totally the wrong attitude, who tend to view islanders as some sort of curiosity, and complain if standards are not what they are used to, and generally upset the whole delicate balance of island life.
It has to be remembered that islanders have been guardians of their homeland for many hundreds of years, and have carved out family and working lives for generations, often under difficult circumstances. They are strong, independent hard working people, who are resilient, resourceful and capable of living a life which many of the critics would be ill equipped to do.
Islands are wonderful, magical places, and should be treated as such.
