Ways to Improve Your Happiness and Why it Matters More Than You Think

Each year, the 🌍 World Happiness Report gives us a glimpse into global well-being — and this year’s results are a mix of inspiration and concern.

• Once again, Nordic countries topped the list, with Finland ranked #1 for the 7th year in a row (time to update your travel bucket list!) 🇫🇮

• Meanwhile, the United States dropped out of the top 20 for the first time ever — with young adults experiencing the sharpest decline in well-being.

It’s easy to read headlines like this and feel powerless. But here's the thing — we’re not.

But dig into the data, and you'll find it points to small, tangible actions we can — ones that not only boost our happiness, but strengthen our communities, and improve public health, too.

Let’s explore evidence-based ways to do exactly that.

✅ 1. Tweak Your Algorithm

Here's one of the more surprising insights from the data:

Our expectation that others will be kind is one of the strongest predictors of our happiness. Even more so than experiencing major life stressors like unemployment or mental health struggles.

But many of us tend to be pessimistic about how kind people really are. And honestly, that's not too surprising.

Our social media feeds are full of conflict, outrage, and worst-case scenarios. These trigger strong emotional reactions — which keep us clicking, scrolling, unknowingly reinforcing the algorithm (and incenting content creators to produce more of it). The more negative content we engage with, the more we see — and the more our brains begin to believe the world is less trustworthy and more divided than it actually is.

What you consume shapes how you feel.

So instead of doomscrolling, try a daily dose of hope.

➡️ Follow accounts like Goodable or The Good News Network.

➡️ Curate your feed to spotlight human kindness, everyday wins, and inspiring breakthroughs.

Shifting your inputs can shift your mindset — and help you rewrite the story you tell yourself about the world.

✅ 2. Do Something Kind

This one’s simple: kindness creates happiness.

According to the data, engaging in benevolent acts — especially those aligned with our personal values — can significantly boost happiness. And they don't have to be big to make a difference.

➡️ Donate to a cause close to your heart.

➡️ Volunteer with a local nonprofit or community group you believe in.

➡️ Perform a random act of kindness — no reason necessary — something you'd be delighted to have someone do for you.

It's not about the size of the gesture. Instead, when those small actions come from a place of personal meaning, they don't just feel good. They resonate deeper and amplify the impact.

The best part? These moments ripple outward. They not only boost your happiness, but that of the people around you — creating a more connected, resilient community in the process.

✅ 3. Eat with Someone

Here’s a surprising insight from the report:

Sharing meals is as strongly linked to happiness as income or employment.

And yet, in countries like the U.S., we’re increasingly eating alone — grabbing meals between meetings, eating at our desks, or scrolling through dinner in silence.

But eating together fosters something deeper — connection, conversation, and a sense of belonging — all essential ingredients to happiness and emotional well-being.

So what can you do?

➡️ Make time once a week to eat with someone you care about. Think lunch with a colleague or dinner with a friend or family member.

➡️ Bonus points if it's someone you've been meaning to spend more time with, but haven't made the time for it lately.

It doesn’t have to be fancy — just intentional.

Talk about what's going on in their world, and share what's happening in yours. It's not about asking for favors - it's about showing up for each other, connecting, and being human.

✅ 4. Share the Load

Stress is at an all-time high for many of us. And when we’re overwhelmed, our instinct is often to withdraw. We don’t want to burden others or admit we’re struggling.

But here's the twist...our biology tells us we should be doing the exact opposite!

When we’re stressed, our bodies release oxytocin (a.k.a. the "love hormone"), which promotes connection and bonding.

In other words, our biochemistry is urging us to reach out, not shut down. So the next time you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed:

➡️ Don't bottle it up. Talk to a trusted friend or colleague.

➡️ Share what’s on your mind — what you're experiencing and how you're feeling. The goal isn't necessarily to get advice or solutions. Often, feeling seen and heard is enough.

That moment of vulnerability can restore your emotional balance and deepen your relationships. It’s a win-win!

Remember: Your Happiness Has Impact

Improving your happiness isn’t just good for you — it’s good for all of us. According to the report:

• Lower happiness and declining trust lead people toward more extreme political ideologies — deepening our polarization and division.

• A 10% rise in prosocial behavior (e.g., kindness, generosity, and helping others) is associated with ~1 fewer death per 100,000 people per year. In the U.S., that could be nearly 3,400 lives saved annually.

Let that sync in for a minute. By investing in your own happiness and well-being, you can literally bring communities closer together and help save lives!

Your happiness isn’t a luxury. It’s a public good. So go ahead — prioritize your joy, connection, and peace. You’re not just changing your life. You’re shaping the world around you.

🌱 Final Thoughts: Small Shifts, Big Impact

You don’t need to overhaul your life to make a meaningful change. Start by:

✨ Curating your social media feeds.

🤝 Reaching out when you're stressed.

🍽️ Eating with someone you care about.

💛 Giving your time and energy to a cause that matters to you.

These aren't grand gestures — they’re small, intentional steps. But when done consistently, they can create ripple effects that transform how you feel, how you connect, and how you show up in the world.

Ready to go deeper?

Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or out of alignment with what truly brings you joy? I can help! I'll partner with you to reconnect with your values, reignite your spark, and redesign your career (and life) into one you're genuinely excited to live.

📩 Schedule a free consultation — let’s explore what’s next for you.