This article first appeared in theSun BUZZ International Day of Happiness edition HERE
Each year, the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network publishes the World Happiness Report. The annual report contains reports and rankings of national happiness based on respondent ratings in each country.
In the midst of the pandemic, the World Happiness Report 2020 focused on how the environment – social, urban and natural – can affect the happiness levels in each nation.
The report discussed how the social environment (having someone to count on, having a sense of freedom to make key life decisions), urban happiness (having better economic circumstances and opportunities) and sustainable natural environments (clean outdoors and air) can lower or raise the happiness levels around the world.
The top 10 World’s happiest countries of 2020 are:
1. Finland
2. Denmark
3. Switzerland
4. Iceland
5. Norway
6. Netherlands
7. Sweden
8. New Zealand
9. Austria
10. Luxembourg
Where is Malaysia in the list? In the 2019 report, Malaysia ranked 80th in the list. According to the World Happiness Report 2020, Malaysia ranked 82nd which means we fell two places within a year. It’s still not a good look.
In comparison to the other Southeast Asian countries, Malaysia remained at 4th place. Sadly, Malaysia has still a long way to go and more improvements need to be made. The silver lining is that Malaysia was significantly improving over the years and that means we can do it again.
At the end of the day, the report is just an overall consensus. What’s important is that fellow Malaysians find happiness for themselves and others whenever they can.
We’ve asked Malaysians what makes them happy to give everyone some happy ideas to emulate.
What makes me happy?
Every time I wake up, I’m glad my loved ones and I are alive. – BigMama Wawa
When I see my children and the people around me laughing, it helps me to laugh and release oxytocin and endorphins which makes me happy. Very contagious. – Hazlin
Girlfriend. Romance. Wine. – Anonymous
Recently, I find myself smiling every time I see my grandmother slurping her mango flavoured milk because it’s yummy and cold. – Farishah
Sleep (I have a 6 month old!) – Syarina
Drinks and spending time with friends – Praveen
Finally able to play a piano piece that I’ve been struggling to learn – Morticia
Optimal health, ability to move at ease, and time to love people around me to the fullest – Isabel Martinez
DANCE. That makes me happy! – suekamari
What makes me happy is when I’m treating my body well. Like eating healthily and exercise. My go to sports are swimming and hiking.- Yi Jean
Money – Yago
Being myself. I can’t think of any other thing – Callen
Reaching the goals and the freedom that I fought for a long time when everyone told me I was just a dreamer and that I will never achieve them - Alessio
Playing with my cat after work – Rae
Trying out new things such as exploring new places and food hunting – Dhiya
The best sign of contentment is being able to get a peaceful sleep – NYN
Having a productive day – Sonia
Hello from old friends. Pretty much warms the heart – Anonymous
I never thought being a mother would bring so much joy as my son’s million kisses and cuddles daily makes me happy - Devina
Need more ideas?
Brighten up your mood by listening to happy songs such as the ones listed HERE.
You can gather your loved ones for a quick game too. For something new, try out the Malaysian-made card and board games HERE.
Also, check out the 30-day Coping Calendar by Action of Happiness if you want to spark a little joy in your life. Check out the Coping Calendar HERE
