For five consecutive years, Finland has been number one the World Happiness Report's list.
How's that possible in a country where cold weather is a perennial problem?
Apart from having working systems that guarantee a less stressful life (few other countries have too), they also have beliefs and habits that promote happy living.
Some of these beliefs and habits are;
People in Finland are encouraged to make nature their friend and teacher. The country's Everyman's Right says, "Hello, enjoy the seaside and forest. Don't pay to do so, just don't abuse this privilege."
They also encourage each other to tell the truth about their feelings. They share their emotions freely and become strengthened by the sense of oneness that comes with that. This habit reduces the chances of early death associated with social disconnectedness.
Culturally, the Finnish people create plenty time to get away from work and relax in the company of family and friends. There seemwd to be this unspoken understanding that happiness doesn't come from how much that is accumulated but from personal contentment.
This personal contentment could be summed up in the following words; happiness is found in living everyday to enjoy the special gifts of trusting family, real friends and beautiful nature. Every other good thing is a bonus.
Bottom line, you've to continuously remind yourself that happiness lives within you. It's not derived from any material thing acquired.
