The key to a high quality of life according to a Finnish philosopher & More Trending News

For the previous 5 years, the World Happiness Report has ranked Finland because the happiest nation on the earth. Last yr’s report confirmed that folks in 156 nations had been requested to “value their lives today on a 0 to 10 scale, with the worst possible life as a 0”. It additionally ana­lysed elements that contribute to social assist, life expectancy, generosity and absence of corruption. 

Kenneth Vella, Ambassador of Malta to Estonia and Finland and head of Mater Boni Consilii St Joseph School, Paola, has been collaborating with Finnish entities for over 15 years. Recently, he had the chance to focus on these outcomes with one of his pals and colleagues in Finland, Frank Martela.

The latter is a main philosopher and psychologist and in addition a researcher on the basics of happiness. Martela can also be a lecturer at Aalto University, in Finland and the writer of A Wonderful Life: Insights on Finding a Meaningful Existence.

During one of his current conversations, Vella requested Martela concerning the secrets and techniques that make the Finnish folks so glad with their lives. But, as an alternative of divulging these secrets and techniques, Martela talked about three issues Finns do so as to preserve a high quality of life. 

Do not examine your self together with your neighbours

“First of all, we do not compare ourselves to our neighbours.  In this aspect,  I always refer to the verses by one of our leading poets which says: ‘Kell’ onni on, se onnen kätkeköön.’ In other words, ‘Don’t compare or brag about your happiness’,” Martela stated.

“I guarantee you that Finns actually consider on this, particularly when it comes to materials issues, materialism, cash and wealth. For instance, I as soon as bumped into one of the richest males in Finland, pushing his toddler in a stroller in the direction of the tram station.

“I thought he could have bought himself an expensive car or hire a driver but he opted for public transportation.”

One ought to focus extra on what makes them pleased and fewer on wanting profitable

The Finnish philosopher and psychologist added that this man confirmed he needs to be handled similar to everybody else. He urged that one ought to focus extra on what makes one pleased and fewer on wanting profitable.

The first step to true happiness is to set our personal requirements, as an alternative of evaluating ourselves to others, Martela reiterated.

Be conscious of the advantages of nature

Martela additionally reminded Vella that, according to a survey carried out two years in the past, 87 per cent of Finns really feel that nature is vital to them as a result of it offers them with peace of thoughts, vitality and leisure. 

“In Finland, and in summer, employees are entitled to four weeks of holidays. Many of us use that time to live in the countryside and immerse ourselves in nature. Sometimes, we even stay in country houses without electricity or running water. Similar to other major European countries, a lot of Finnish cities are also densely built, however, many people in these cities still have access to nature at their doorsteps,” famous Martela, who himself lives subsequent to Helsinki Central Park, the place he goes on common walks and practises cross-country snowboarding in winter.

He burdened that spending time in nature will increase one’s vitality, improves psychological well-being and helps one to develop personally.

“We should all find ways to add some greenery to our life, even if it’s just buying a few plants for our home,” he urged.

Honesty and belief

Various worldwide analysis research have confirmed that the upper the degrees of belief inside a nation, the happier its residents can be.

For instance, an experiment was carried out final yr to take a look at the honesty of folks. Referred to as ‘the one of the lost wallet’, the experiment noticed 192 wallets dropped in 16 cities all over the world. In Helsinki, 11 out of 12 wallets had been returned to their proprietor. 

“Finnish people tend to trust each other and value honesty. If you forget your laptop in a library or lose your phone on the train, tram or bus, you can be quite confident you’ll get it back. Kids also often take a public bus home from school or they go to school on foot or play outside without supervision. This is because we are still considered a safe country,” Martela identified.

“I suggest you and your fellow citizens do think about how they can support their community. How could you bring about and create more trust? How could you support policies that build upon that trust? Small acts like opening doors for strangers or giving up a seat on the bus make a difference, too.”

Martela and Vella are planning to organise a seminar in Malta later this yr, specializing in Martela’s publication and analysis. More data might be offered within the coming weeks.