Finland and Denmark seem to have cracked the code for a happy life.
The two countries occupy the top spots in the World Happiness Report’s annual ranking of the happiest countries in the world, last published in March. Finland has a long track record when it comes to happiness, having held the top spot for seven years in a row.
CNBC Make It asked a group of Finnish and Danish business leaders and psychologists to explain these findings. Some of them pointed to a few sayings that remind them to think positively and optimistically, even when – or especially when – times are tough.
If you want to live a happier life, add these three phrases to your vocabulary, say these experts:
“Whatever you leave behind, you will find before you”
Everyone faces obstacles, and addressing these setbacks head-on can help prevent them from happening again.
That’s why people in Finland often say, “Whatever you leave behind, you will find before you.” The phrase implies that ignoring a problem will only lead to bigger problems, says Anni Hallila, head of human resources and culture at Finnish manufacturing company Framery.
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For example, if your friend makes a tasteless joke about you, not addressing it might give the impression that it’s okay to make similar jokes in the future.
“If you leave problems behind, you will find them in front of you,” Hallila told Make It earlier this month. “The only way to deal with them is to actually address them when they come up.”
“Look in here”
More than 25% of Americans are stressed to the point where their mental health and productivity suffer, often worrying about circumstances beyond their control, according to a 2022 survey by the American Psychological Association.
To avoid this dilemma, according to Meik Wiking, CEO of the Happiness Research Institute, Danes use a three-word phrase every day: “Pyt med det.”
The phrase translates to “It doesn’t matter” or “Don’t worry,” Wiking wrote for CNBC Make It in April. “‘Pyt’ or ‘whatever’ embodies a deep acceptance and release from worry. It is the gentle exhalation amidst the storms of life, an assurance that everything will be OK, even when it doesn’t seem so.”
Whether you are dealing with a small problem or a major setback, this phrase can help you move beyond the depths of life and find happiness, Wiking wrote.
“It’s a good reminder not to get worked up over the little things,” he added. “‘Pyt med det’ encourages us to shake off negativity and move forward with grace and resilience.”
“Some are lucky, everyone has summer”
It’s easy to feel insecure or jealous when you see other people sharing only their best moments on social media. Happy people realize that everyone has bad days, and there’s “no point” in comparing yourself to others, even when you’re feeling bad, Finnish psychologist Frank Martela wrote for Make It in March.
In such situations, Finns use the centuries-old saying: “Some are lucky, all have summer.” In other words, no matter what you are struggling with right now, better days will come.
“Sometimes life gives, sometimes it takes,” Martela wrote. “Tomorrow, someone else may be having a hard time while you may be having a beautiful time.”
“We Finns know that no matter what the situation, we can always rely on one thing: sooner or later, summer will come to all of us,” he added.
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