10 secrets of happiness from around the world

2024 Author: James Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 14:00

Today, March 20, is the International Day of Happiness. Scientists and philosophers have been searching for what makes a person happy for centuries, but they have not found a definite answer. Is it happiness to be able to spend time with your loved ones or relax alone in nature? Do people become happier when they dance to their favorite music, or, conversely, when they meditate calmly? The answers vary from country to country and from culture to culture.

For some peoples, conscious physical and mental practices are important. For example, the Chinese have been practicing tai chi for centuries. For others, the secret lies in a special philosophy that is put into practice. Thus, Costa Ricans are guided by the idea of a simple, carefree “clean life” known as pura vida. Index Happy planet ranks Costa Rica as the happiest country on Earth, despite the low level of the economy.

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Experts from HomeToGo.ru, the largest search engine for vacation rentals, shared their recent research on the main components of happiness from Costa Rica to Egypt, from China to Spain.

While there are different approaches around the world about how happiness is defined, there are common themes. The most visible is the attitude towards money. Material things or financial success make no one happy. Here are 10 secrets to happiness and research on why it even works, and you can try each of these methods in practice!

2. Sweden - Gökotta

Yukota is a special delight to wake up early in the morning and go outside to hear the birdsong.

Why does it work? A 2008 study published in the journal Psychological Science found that immersion in nature increases cognition and helps us to rest and recover better.

3. Spain - Sobremesa

Sobremesa is a special time spent at the table with family and friends in the afternoon.

Why does it work? Sobremesa provides an important time for communication with loved ones. As you relax and rest, your stress levels decrease.

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4. Iceland - Strong sense of community

Icelanders never feel lonely when faced with difficulties. They can always count on each other and the help of society.

Why does it work? Research published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology shows that a sense of community and the realization that you are not alone is the key to happiness and well-being.

5. Costa Rica - Pura Vida

Pura Vida, literally “pure life,” is a Costa Rican perspective on life that creates a carefree, relaxed and optimistic mood.

Why does it work? According to researcher Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky, enjoying small pleasures, we learn a brighter and happier attitude towards life.

7. India - Yoga

World famous, which includes various postures, meditation and controlled breathing, the goal of which is to feel your body and, ultimately, reach a higher level of consciousness.

Why does it work? Many studies show that yogis are very receptive to the outside world, relaxed and in good health. And, of course, very happy!

8. Israel - Shabbat

A weekly rest day (Saturday) when you can put work aside, disconnect from the digital world, and spend time with family and loved ones.

Why does it work? Our body and brain need to rest and recover from work. This is important for maintaining long-term physical and mental health.

10. Croatia - Fjaka

Fjaka is literally the sweetness of doing nothing. Fjaka allows Croats to unload the body and brain and get some rest.

Why does it work? According to Dr. Mark Hyman (Dr. Mark Hyman), short-term idleness is an integral part of mental and physical rejuvenation, as well as a guarantee of health.

There is no one sure way to achieve happiness, but one thing is for sure: you can try any of these practices and philosophies right now!