Main Street News
Creating Happiness
By now, we all know too well the many reasons why so many people seem so unhappy. The political divide, economic stress, digital isolation, and the pressure to perform are just a few of the culprits.
According to The World Happiness Report 2026, the United States ranked number 23 of the more than 147 countries/territories surveyed. Finland, a country applauded for its fair and equal society, landed in the top spot. Again.
Business Finland explained why. “The answer is rooted in the fundamental trust present throughout the Finnish society, enabling individuals to feel safe and relaxed. Another reason is the proximity of nature and the disconnection it offers.” (hint, hint).
The annual report on global happiness is published by the University of Oxford’s Wellbeing Research Centre in partnership with Gallup, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and its Editorial Board. By making the essential insights from wellbeing science accessible to all, it aims to give everyone the knowledge to create more happiness for themselves and others.
In an article in Newsweek, Psychiatrist Dr. Sam Zand, the founder, and CEO of the Anywhere Clinic, said that the United States often shows “a mismatch between their international success and their internal wellbeing.”
Find happiness now
Rather than digging up more data and details on why Americans may not be happy (from the pandemic through the current day, most of us are already well acquainted with the long list reasons), let’s focus on finding happiness.
The well-respected Mayo Clinic has published some good information on creating happiness. With a little effort, it cites that happiness is within reach. For those who can use a boost, read on, and try to adapt some of these ideas.
Mayo Clinic advises people to think about what makes them happy. Not sure where to start? Take time to reflect on these questions:
- What might you be able to reconnect with that brings you joy, contentment, or delight?
- How might you stay focused on the tasks at hand when life continues around you?
- How might you find novelty in everyday life?
- What would it look like if you put yourself first instead of making everyone and everything else a priority?
- When was the last time you spent time immersed in nature?
It also mentioned small steps to elevate happiness. First, surround yourself with happy people. Then, make a commitment to practice gratitude. Identify at least one thing daily that improves your life. When you find yourself thinking an ungrateful thought, substitute it for a grateful one.
Seek opportunities to appreciate the small pleasures of everyday life—the taste of ice cream, a dip in the lake or ocean, the wonder of a flower, the glee in a child’s laugh. Focus on the positives in the present moment rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about tomorrow.
Mayo Clinic also encourages people to spend time with friends or family, focus on your sense of purpose, and exercise. Make a commitment to finding happiness daily. Use this list as a guide:
- Make a list of activities you used to enjoy but have given up. Choose one to reconnect with and dedicate at least two weeks to it. See if this activity makes you happier and consider making time for it again.
- Spend at least 10 minutes a day outside. Tune into the trees, grass, water, breeze, or whatever surrounds you
- Consider things that have made you happy and unhappy in the past. Make a list and let it guide your path.
Healthline also has a few suggestions. One involves giving back to the community, which can certainly elevate a person’s mood. Small acts of kindness often some with mental health perks. Pitch in at a food bank, walk a friend’s dog, or offer to watch a friend or relative’s children. Not enough time to spare? Spread joy by giving small compliments to people that you encounter throughout your day.
Next, create a thought list. If you arrive at an appointment early and have a few minutes to spare, rather than scrolling through social media or checking your email, make a short list of happy memories or things you’re looking forward to.
Another pick-me-up: declutter. Although it sounds like a daunting project, start by setting aside 20 minutes per week. Set a timer and tidy up a specific area of one room. Put everything in its place and give away any extra items. That always makes us feel good.
Find the fun
Finally, summer is a great season for committing to upping the fun in your life. According to Talker Research, which helps clients like Squarespace and Forbes Advisor gather insights and new perspectives, a recent study revealed that one in two Americans is massively lacking in the amount of fun in their lives.
The state-by-state poll of 5,000 U.S. adults found 48% of the responders feel like their overall life is currently lacking in fun; 12% can’t remember the last time they had a full free day to have some fun.
The Talker Research study (conducted for Dave & Buster’s restaurant and entertainment chain) revealed that the positive impacts of fun means feeling less stress (72%), feeling more motivation (57%), and feeling closer to family and friends (56%). Most (89%) of the people polled believe having fun with others helps them maintain a better, healthier relationship with those people.
Conversely, 52% argued that it’s harder to have fun than it was 10 years ago. They believe it’s largely because they can’t afford the same activities (51%), their social circle has shrunk (45%) or that they have more responsibilities (42%).
Fun for free
You don’t always need money to have fun. Plan a game night with friends or neighbors, stroll a new town, go for a hike, or watch the sun rise and set in the same day. Invite a friend over and have a dance party—even if there’s only two of you.
Other ideas (which require some funding) go to a drive-in movie, visit a brewery or winery, catch a live band, join a Meetup to meet new people, learn new things, find support, and get out of your comfort zones. Some Meetups are free. My first meetup was a night hike in Hawaii with a group of strangers who became acquaintances. A decade later, I am still in touch with some of them.
This summer, make it a priority to find some adventure. Get inspired and make that bucket list. I have one. Fly fishing and white-water rafting are recent additions to my list. I already checked off surfing, ziplining (at Hunter Mountain), rappelling, and dog sledding.
So, what’s on your bucket list? Now is the time to start planning!
