two yellow flowers surrounded by rocks

Sisu: The Finnish Secret to Resilience and Happiness

My curiosity towards other cultures is never ending and I found another Scandinavian concept worth to be explored, “sisu“. In the heart of Northern Europe lies Finland, a country renowned for its stunning landscapes, innovative education system, and, perhaps most intriguingly, its unique concept of sisu. This Finnish term, which defies direct translation, embodies a profound inner strength and resilience that has become a cornerstone … Continue reading Sisu: The Finnish Secret to Resilience and Happiness

It’s Time to Make Your Holiday “Don’t Want List”

With the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday coming up next week, the festive season will soon be in full swing. For many people, stress and the holidays go hand in hand, but it doesn’t have to be that way. For the next few weeks, I’ll continue the “No”vember thread I introduced last week with ways to reduce stress and focus on what matters this holiday season. Today, … Continue reading It’s Time to Make Your Holiday “Don’t Want List”

Approaching Each Day With Optimism

Yesterday on my personal blog, I wrote about why I decided to try Action for Happiness’ Optimistic October challenge. Today, I continue that thread with a look at the benefits of an optimistic outlook, and ways to be more optimistic every day, even during difficult times. The Benefits of an Optimistic Outlook As an optimistic person, I always wonder what goes on in the brains … Continue reading Approaching Each Day With Optimism

lady in beach silhouette during daytime photography

Why Unhappiness May Be the Key to True Joy

Happiness is often portrayed as the ultimate goal in life, something we should all strive to achieve and maintain. But what if the secret to happiness is not constant joy, but rather the moments of unhappiness that allow us to truly appreciate the good times? Neurobiologist Indira Raman suggests that our brains are wired to find happiness in contrast—in the shifts between cold and warmth, … Continue reading Why Unhappiness May Be the Key to True Joy

woman wearing backpack standing in front building

The Power of Letting Go: Finding Happiness in the Present

Why dwelling on the past? It’s natural to cherish fond memories and learn from past experiences, but clinging to the weight of the past can hinder your present happiness. Many of us carry the baggage of past mistakes, heartbreaks, and disappointments, draining our energy and robbing us of the joy of living in the moment. I once read that happiness is not just about a … Continue reading The Power of Letting Go: Finding Happiness in the Present

woman surrounded by sunflowers

Finding Happiness: Asking the Right Questions to Unlock Fulfillment

In pursuing happiness, we often search for external sources of joy. Yet, true happiness often lies within, waiting to be uncovered through introspection and self-discovery. By asking ourselves the right questions, we can navigate our journey toward fulfillment with clarity and purpose. What is My Purpose? The quest for happiness begins with a fundamental question: What is my purpose? This question prompts us to reflect … Continue reading Finding Happiness: Asking the Right Questions to Unlock Fulfillment

What Can We Learn From Nordic Countries About Happiness?

The 2024 World Happiness Report results are in. Once again, the tiny nordic countries of Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Sweden and Norway all rank in the top 10. These countries are clearly doing something right. What’s their secret? And what can we learn from the nordic countries about happiness? It’s fascinating to me to see these small countries top the World Happiness Report rankings year after … Continue reading What Can We Learn From Nordic Countries About Happiness?

Say Good-Bye to FOMO and Hello to JOMO!

You’ve likely heard the term FOMO recently. If you haven’t, it stands for Fear of Missing Out. You may also be familiar with FOMO’s cousin, YOLO—You Only Live Once. But FOMO and YOLO have a younger and brighter cousin that you may not be aware of—JOMO. Read on to learn how embracing the Joy of Missing Out can restore a sense of calm and balance … Continue reading Say Good-Bye to FOMO and Hello to JOMO!

woman wearing backpack standing in front building

Unlocking Freedom: A Small Guide to Letting Go of Your Past

Our past is about a complex pattern of memories, both delightful and challenging. While cherished moments and valuable lessons contribute to our identity, holding onto the weight of past burdens can hinder our happiness. In this blog post, I explore the transformative impact of letting go of the past and embracing the present moment. Many individuals find themselves trapped in the clutches of bygone days, … Continue reading Unlocking Freedom: A Small Guide to Letting Go of Your Past

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Embracing Outrospection in an Age of Introspection Overload

In our fast-paced world, where self-reflection and personal development have become buzzwords, it’s easy to find ourselves caught in a whirlwind of introspection. We’re constantly encouraged to look inward, understand our feelings, and navigate the labyrinth of our own minds. However, in the midst of this cultural obsession with self-discovery, we may be inadvertently neglecting a crucial element of human connection — outrospection. The Rise … Continue reading Embracing Outrospection in an Age of Introspection Overload

unrecognizable black man training in park

Late Bloomers: Instructions For Use

After Todd’s post last Friday, which also mentions a previous post by Troy, I re-post here an article about getting old. So, here you find some instructions for living your third youth with no worries. There is a direct relationship between aging and physical, and mental activity. People who adopt a sedentary and passive lifestyle after retirement accelerate their aging process. Lack of movement diminishes … Continue reading Late Bloomers: Instructions For Use

The Do-Something-for-Someone-Else Strategy: A Specific Anti-Depressant Re-Connection

In a recent post, I mentioned one specific non-pharmaceutical, anti-depressant strategy: This is, when you sense depression and anxiety beginning to grow, rather than attempting to cheer yourself up by doing something alone and directly for yourself, instead try to do something for someone else. … Today I’d like to reflect on that strategy. Let me start with some cautions, then move toward how get this strategy right, which has a lot to do with understanding it properly. Continue reading The Do-Something-for-Someone-Else Strategy: A Specific Anti-Depressant Re-Connection

laugh neon light signage turned on

May 7 – World Laughter Day – Why We Should Celebrate It

World Laughter Day is celebrated every year on the first Sunday of May, with the aim of promoting the value of laughing and the benefits it brings to people’s physical and mental health. The World Laughter Day was established in 1998 by the Indian doctor Madan Kataria, founder of the Laughter Yoga movement, which aims to spread the practice of laughing as a therapeutic tool. … Continue reading May 7 – World Laughter Day – Why We Should Celebrate It

shallow focus on blond haired woman in white long sleeve shirt carrying a baby on her back

5 Reasons Why Hiking Is Good for the Body, Soul and Spirit

Hiking means enjoying a revitalizing moment. People increasingly appreciate the benefits of slowness and simplicity. Walking is a wonderful way to discover the natural environment too. Here are 5 reasons why you should start hiking: 1. It is an extremely healthy activity. Hiking can improve your general physical health and under many aspects is comparable to other sports. Sleep improves, the risk of cardiovascular diseases … Continue reading 5 Reasons Why Hiking Is Good for the Body, Soul and Spirit

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Mastering the Art of Attention in a World of Distractions

Constantly running from task to task takes away our attention. We make to-do lists in the shower, look at our phone regularly if not all the time, and post photos of our dishes while we have dinner. Learning to take control of your attention through simple daily practical exercises by involving all your senses will help you increase your happiness and well-being.  Our experiences are … Continue reading Mastering the Art of Attention in a World of Distractions

woman in red t shirt looking at her laptop

How Working Too Much Hampers Your Happiness

Your well-being should be your priority, and working too much might hamper your happiness. Our consumerist society often leads us to reverse our priorities in ways that can seriously affect our quality of life and our physical, mental, and emotional health. Ultimately, our happiness. With an increasing rhythm of life, inflation, and bills piling up, we are more and more concerned about working, earning a … Continue reading How Working Too Much Hampers Your Happiness