It's The Little Things In Life: Happiness Practices Around The World

Mar 20, 2018

Happiness can be found in the simplest of tasks. You don't have to be shouting from the rooftops to feel joy. Cultures and nations around the world have different practices for ensuring happiness. If you're feeling a little glum or you just want a fresh perspective, why not try one of these happiness practices from around the world? 

Japan: ‘shrinrin-yoku’

In Japanese, "shirin-yoku" literally means "forest bathing" and refers to the practice of fully submerging yourself in and around nature to improve your well-being. Although the practice only began in the 1980s, it feels like it has been around since time immemorial. Taking a walk through woods, on a sandy beach or in mountains will do wonders for your mental clarity.

Hawaii: ‘Ho‘oponopono’

Ho‘oponopono is a Hawaiian practice that refers to reconciliation and forgiveness within yourself in order to bring peace and harmony within yourself. The people of Hawaii are well aware of how dangerous anger and resentment can be for a person. That's why they have developed a practice which maintains peace and happiness by allowing forgiveness within yourself. Instead of letting feelings fester, Hawaiians believe it is better to talk openly with someone about grievances so that both parties can move on.

Norway: ‘friluftsliv’

Literally meaning "free air life", the Norwegians are firm believers in "nature heals all". According to Norwegians, being aligned with nature is what defines us, so the more at one with nature we are, the happier and more content we will be. To help find your place in the world, try finding time each day for a walk or take in the natural sounds in your environment.

Germany: ‘gemütlichkeit’

The German word "Gemütlichkeit" literally translates as coziness or warmth, but in fact, it covers far more than that. Germans believe this feeling of cozy contentment produces feelings of belonging. By treating each meeting with family or friends as an occasion, a sense of "gemütlichkeit" will permeate and encourage a sense of happiness and belonging.

Spain: ‘siesta’

How many of us have been craving a little nap after lunch? In Spain, this is known as a siesta and is considered a regular feature. While the practice is slowly dying out thanks to our 24/7 lifestyles, the principle remains, it is better to have a cat-nap to restore energy and make the most of the warm weather than it is to persevere and face disappointment when your energy levels decline.

France: ‘aperitif’

A French apéritif is a small drink among friends to draw a line under the working day and bring on the evening meal and festivities. Small rituals like these are known to produce happiness in those who do them. What sounds better than a small tipple after a long day at work?

Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Brazil: ‘mate’

"Mate" is currently a very fashionable tea drink made from the yerba mate leaves. However, it has also been long-proven as a health drink. “Yerba mate raises morale,” wrote the French Society of Hygiene in 1909, “sustains the muscular system, augments strength and allows one to endure privations. In a word, it is a valiant aid.” It goes without saying that such a super-tea improves overall happiness in the drinker!

Turkey: ‘keyif’

We have all heard how important it is to take time for ourselves, to collect our thoughts. In Turkey, they have a specific phrase for it: "Keyif". Wherever you choose to do it, the practice merely requires that you quietly live in the moment. It is important to take stock every now and again and be appreciative of what you have.

Bosnia & Herzegovina: ‘kafa’

Making a ritual out of meeting with friends for coffee is second-nature to many in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It encourages conversation and learning from others which in turn promotes feelings of happiness and community. What's more, chilling with a coffee is a great way to reduce stress and thereby improve those good vibes!

Nigeria: ‘ubuntu’

In Nigeria, the community is everything. To promote a feeling of well-being and happiness, Nigerians practice "ubuntu" which means putting the needs of the community above those of the individual in order to show humanity. The word ubuntu stems from the Zulu phrase "Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu " which is not dissimilar to the commandment given to Moses which states "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."

If you found this list fun and inspiring, let your friends and family know about it too to spread the joy!