|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"I release fears over things that are out of my control."
|
|
We hope you've had a great week so far! In today's newsletter:
- The happiest countries around the world
- How going outside can boost our joy
- How you can easily access therapy
- What to know about relationships and how they can help us be happier
|
|
True or False?
Our genetics can contribute to our happiness.
Scroll for the answer!
|
|
Report: Discover the Happiest Countries Around the World
Who in the world is the happiest?
A new report has ranked countries around the globe by how happy citizens consider themselves.
The "World Happiness Report" was a collaboration between Gallup, the University of Oxford, the Wellbeing Research Centre, and the Sustainable Development Solutions Network. It examines how living in different places may impact our moods through self-reporting from those countries' citizens!
According to the World Happiness Report, the top 10 happiest countries include:
- Finland
- Denmark
- Iceland
- Sweden
- Israel
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Luxembourg
- Switzerland
- Australia
Canada holds the 15th spot, the U.K. comes in at 20th on the list, while the U.S. ranks 23rd.
Heli Jimenez, senior director of international marketing at Business Finland, told AFAR that the Finnish are so happy because of "simple things," including "connecting with nature, caring for oneâs mind and body, and appreciating design and art around us."
Take some inspiration and find simple things around you that bring you joy!
|
|
How Going Outside Can Boost Our Happiness
Ever notice how going outside after a long day can help you decompress and feel better? If you've been feeling in a rut, going outside can help give you a happiness boost.
Here are some of the ways connecting with nature helps us feel better:
- One meta-analysis of different studies found: "Those who are more connected to nature tended to experience more positive affect, vitality, and life satisfaction compared to those less connected to nature."
- A small study found that even just 20 minutes outside can decrease stress.
- The sunlight helps our bodies make vitamin D â and, according to research, can help boost our bodies' serotonin levels!
- Being out in the natural light also helps our bodies' circadian rhythms regulate, which helps us sleep and move better throughout the day.
If you're looking to improve your mood, find one way to connect with nature and see how it makes you feel!
|
|
Therapy Made Easy
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, the perfect reminder to take a step back, do some reflecting, and prioritize yourself. There is no better way to do that than by trying therapy. Did you know nearly 5 Million people have connected to a licensed therapist on BetterHelp, the world's largest therapy platform fully online. Getting started is easy: take the quiz and get matched to a therapist that fits your needs and preferences in as little as 24 hours. Note to Self subscribers save up to $70 on their first month HERE!
|
|
|
Note To Self is sponsored by BetterHelp.
|
|
Ways Our Relationships Can Help Us Live Longer and Be Happy
Friends, family, and those around us can greatly impact how we feel â and it turns out, they can help us live longer and happier lives!
As shared by Innovation Origins, an ongoing, more than 85 years-long study from Harvard found that social relationships can help our happiness more than many other factors â including money, genetics, and social class!
Seven keystones â including fun and relaxation, safety and security, and learning and growth â play key roles in these relationships and how they impact us.
Furthermore, those relationships also help fight cognitive and physical decline, helping our overall longevity!
That's all the more reason to reach out to a friend or family member today!
|
|
A Note From Us:
Note to Self subscribers save up to $70 with BetterHelp on their first month HERE!
|
|
Parting Thoughts:
- True or False: True! As shared by AARP, research shows that our genetics are estimated to account for anywhere from 40% to 50% of the variation in our happiness.
- ðžââïļ Snapshot Of The Day: We'd love to see moments from our readers lives that they are proud of! If you recently accomplished an achievement, experienced a joyful moment, or are proud of a picture you have taken, be sure to capture it on camera and send it to us for a chance to be featured next week!
- Final Self-Care Thoughts for Today: Try to focus today on one thing that brings you joy!
- ðŠī Do You Know How Environmental Health Affects Our Mental Health: Did you know your environment plays a pivotal role in your mental health? Yep, it's not just genetics or lifestyle; environmental factors are significant players too. Understanding this can be a game-changer in...
|
|
Share the love
Know a fellow self-care lover who would benefit from joining the Note To Self Community? Forward this email or refer them at readnotetoself.com!
|
|
|
|
Know of a great self-care tip or article you'd love to share with the community? Want to send us pictures of you completing one of your self-care rituals? Email us at care@readnotetoself.com!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
