Easy to get started '6 world happiness habits'



In the 2020

World Happiness Report , the top five happiest countries in the world are dominated by the Nordic countries such as Denmark and Finland. Jade Wu, a clinical psychologist who investigated 'habits for happiness' around the world, was particularly impressed by the question, 'Why are the people of the Nordic countries suffering from severe cold happy?' I selected 6 habits I received and explained them.

6 Science-Backed Wellness Practices from Different Cultures | Savvy Psychologist
https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/health-fitness/mental-health/cultural-wellness-practices

◆ 1: Danish 'Hygge'
Hygge is a word derived from the old Norwegian word meaning 'happiness' and is a concept that includes things such as 'comfortable', 'warm' and 'fun'. For example, drinking warm cocoa and relaxing in a fluffy blanket, chatting with family and friends around a bonfire, and enjoying the taste of a candle are all Hugge.

'It's the concept of Hygge that makes Danes find happiness in the winter,' Wu said of Hygge. It also teaches us the philosophy of coexisting without rushing. In other words, instead of complaining about the cold, it's like enjoying a little winter luxury with your favorite kettle or wool mittens. '



◆ 2: Spanish 'Siesta'

Siesta is a break after lunch, and many people in Spain take a nap during siesta time. Nap is practiced not only by children but also by adults, and in areas where siesta is customary, siesta is so important that shops, churches, museums and other facilities are closed for two to three hours after lunch.

Recent studies have shown that taking a nap is not just a break, it's also good for your health. A study published in January 2021 showed that 'regular afternoon naps improve cognitive abilities,' and most psychologists and sleep professionals say ' You should take a nap. '

Research results that 'regular afternoon naps improve cognitive ability' --GIGAZINE



◆ 3: Japanese 'forest bath'
Forest bathing is called 'forest bathing' or 'shinrin-yoku' in English. It's not so strange for Japanese people to sit in nature and enjoy the scent of trees, the sound of foliage, and the babbling of streams, but for foreigners, 'even if you're doing sports or hiking.' It seems that 'just spending time in the woods' is a surprising way of interacting with nature.

According to a study published in 2007 by Sir Lee, a doctor of medicine at Nippon Medical School, forest bathing has the effect of boosting immunity and strengthening the function of anticancer proteins. In recent years, attention has been focused on 'green prescriptions' that encourage doctors to come into contact with nature instead of medicine, as some studies have shown that nature has a large effect on mental health as well as physical health. I am.

What is a 'green prescription' that is prescribed instead of medicine? --GIGAZINE



◆ 4: Indian 'Laughter Yoga'
Laughter Yoga and is a yoga that incorporates the 'laughter' in the breathing techniques of yoga, also known as the 'laughter yoga'. Wu said of Laughter Yoga: 'No one hates laughing with a belly, but not many people laugh on purpose. Laughter yoga doesn't have to wait for something interesting to laugh, but rather. We are based on the idea that laughing itself is the purpose. '

According to a 2019 study that cross-analyzed various papers on laughter, 'pseudo laughter is more effective in improving mood than spontaneous laughter.' However, in 2014, a research result was reported that 'If you make a smile against your feelings, you will feel more depressed', so it seems better to avoid forcibly laughing when you are depressed. ..



◆ 5: South Africa's 'Ubunto'
Ubuntu means 'people become people through people' in Zulu, and is sometimes translated as 'compassion for others' or 'I am with everyone.' This idea was spread around the world by South African theologian and human rights activist Desmond Tutu , and the open source operating system Ubuntu is also named after this Ubuntu.

Wu said, 'The point of Ubuntu is that it is the very humanism of accepting diversity, compassion, warmth and dignity of all. It may be a lifelong challenge to put it into practice, but first of all. It's important to start by respecting everyone's personality, having a learning attitude, and even if they have conflicting ideas or conflicts. '



◆ 6: Jewish 'Sabbath'

The Sabbath is the day that Judaism stipulates that 'you must not do any work.' 'Work' here includes not only occupation as a source of income but also cooking using fire and operation of machines, so those who strictly adhere to Jewish rules do not cook on the Sabbath the day before. He spends his time eating what he has prepared and does not drive a car or operate a smartphone.

In an article in the American monthly magazine The Atlantic, Jewish writer Menahem Kaiser said, 'It's true that weekends come, but modern people's holidays are as busy as weekdays, and as a result. It can be stressful. A rest day, when you are not supposed to do anything productive, may be a true 'holiday'. '



Research results have shown that on the Sabbath, you will inevitably spend time at home, which will lead to a grouping with your family and is good for your physical and mental health. From this, Mr. Wu said, 'Even if you are not Jewish, if you practice the secular version of the Sabbath, you can have a day to cherish the connection with people once a week.'

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