It appears that Finland and Denmark have figured out the secret to joyful living.
The two nations are ranked first on the World Happiness Report’s yearly list of the happiest nations on earth, which was most recently released in March. With seven consecutive years at the top, Finland has a long history of contentment.
A panel of psychologists and business executives from Finland and Denmark was asked by CNBC Make It to provide an explanation for those findings. A number of them mentioned some of their favorite proverbs, which serve as a helpful reminder to think positively and optimistically even—or especially—in difficult circumstances.
Experts advise adding these three expressions to your vocabulary if you want to live a better life:
‘Whatever you leave behind, you will find in front of you’
Everyone has challenges in life. You can prevent those setbacks from happening again by addressing them head-on.
For this reason, the proverb “Whatever you leave behind, you will find in front of you” is common in Finland. The statement suggests that ignoring a problem would only make it worse, according to Anni Hallila, head of people and culture at the Finnish manufacturing company Framery.
For example, failing to respond right away if your friend makes a crude joke about you could send the message that it’s acceptable to make jokes like that in the future.
At another time this month, Hallila told Make It, “If you leave problems behind you, you will find them in front of you.” Hence, when they are brought up, the only appropriate course of action is to really address them.
‘Pyt med det’
An American Psychological Association survey from 2022 found that over 25% of Americans are so anxious that it is impairing their productivity and mental health. They are frequently concerned about situations that are beyond their control.
Meik Wiking, the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute, claims that people in Denmark employ the three-word phrase “Pyt med det” every day to avoid that.
According to a piece Wiking wrote for CNBC Make It in April, the term means “It doesn’t matter” or “Don’t worry about it.” The concept of “pyt,” or “never mind,” represents a deep acceptance and letting go of anxiety. In the midst of life’s storms, it is a comforting breath of relief that everything will work out even when it doesn’t seem like it.
Using this statement will help you get past life’s low points and find happiness, regardless of the size of the problem or the setback. Wiking composed text.
It serves as a helpful reminder to “not sweat the small stuff,” he continued. “‘Pyt med det’ encourages us to bounce back from negativity and proceed with grace and resilience.”
‘Some have happiness, everyone has summer’
When you see other people exclusively posting their greatest moments on social media, it’s natural to feel jealous or self-conscious. Content individuals understand that everyone has terrible days and that, even in difficult times, there’s “no point” in comparing oneself to others. In March, Frank Martela, a psychologist from Finland, wrote for Make It.
The 100-year-old proverb “Some have happiness, everyone has summer” is used in these circumstances by the people of Finland. Stated differently, better days are coming, regardless of what you’re going through.
Life can be giving or taking at times, according to Martela. “Someone else may be going through a difficult moment tomorrow, while you experience something wonderful.”
“We Finns know that no matter the situation, you can always count on one thing: sooner or later, summer will come to us all,” he also added.
Inside thoughts
Finland and Denmark, perennial leaders in happiness, show us the power of cultural wisdom in living joyfully. Their proverbs – like facing problems head-on, letting go with “pyt med det,” and embracing the idea that tough times pass for everyone – teach resilience and optimism. These insights remind us to tackle issues directly, release unnecessary worries, and understand that life’s difficulties are temporary.
By embodying these values, these nations exemplify how a positive mindset contributes to lasting happiness, as reflected in their consistent top rankings on the World Happiness Report.
(Tashia Bernardus)