Small Changes to Feel Happier Every Day
Lately, I’ve been reflecting on what I truly want and what it means to be happy. Over time, I’ve realized that genuine happiness isn’t found in monumental achievements or extravagant vacations. It emerges from our everyday activities. Happiness is an overall feeling—a sense of balance and contentment—rather than fleeting bursts of joy.
Without finding comfort and joy in our daily routines—whether it’s meeting friends, making dinner, or supervising homework—we risk feeling stressed and overwhelmed. As highlighted in The Secret of Scandinavian Happiness report by Max Joseph, true happiness lies in cultivating a sense of contentment.
If the Nordic model has taught us anything, it’s that achieving work-life balance on a societal level requires both personal mindset shifts and systemic change. While transforming society is a slow process and often beyond our control, we can adjust our own lives. Embracing joy in the everyday, surrounding ourselves with good friends, and shifting our outlook on life are all within our power.
This is something to ponder amidst the hustle of Christmas shopping. Time is the ultimate luxury. Whether we’re rich or poor, none of us seem to have enough of it. Being present and giving your time is one of the most valuable gifts you can offer. For instance, instead of focusing solely on gifts, take a moment to truly listen to your kids. Do they really want a mountain of presents under the tree, or would they cherish more quality time with you—playing games, talking, or enjoying shared activities?
Happiness also means carving out time for yourself—time for hobbies, self-care, and rest. To achieve this, we need to lean on others. Yet, many of us hesitate to ask for help. One solution is to trade or exchange time with friends and neighbours.
“Social support—viewed as whether people have somebody in their lives they can rely on in times of need—is often the best predictor of whether people are happy or not.”
– Meik Wiking, CEO of The Happiness Research Institute
A key element of the Scandinavian model is their strong support system, built on a culture of collaboration and shared resources. How can you build a stronger support system with your friends and neighbours? For example, before purchasing something you’ll only need occasionally, ask if someone might lend it to you. The sharing economy is filled with initiatives designed to help us buy less while fostering connections.
A friend of mine, Fauve Doucet, co-founded Partage Club, a startup that embodies this spirit. They’ve created a platform for sharing resources within communities—whether it’s among coworkers, condo residents, students, or neighbours.
These ideas are just the beginning. By prioritizing connection and rethinking the rat race, we can create more fulfilling lives for ourselves and our families.
+ Image by Karolina Grabowska from Pixabay
