Want to Be Happy in Canada? Move to the North Shore of Vancouver

A room with a view. From Wikipedia.

Today Jane Seyd of North Shore News reports on a new survey by the Vancouver Foundation that found residents of the North Shore to be happier and more optimistic than other people in the Lower Mainland. The results don't indicate why this is, but project director Lidia Kemeny says that it may be due to the incredible view and comfortable standard of living, while still maintaining a "small-town" feel.

As for the actual numbers, around 69% of residents describe themselves as happy, while 79% are optimistic about the future of their community. Looking at this most recent survey of happiness by country, Denmark still ranks as the happiest country in the world, with the rest of Scandinavia close behind. Canada is tied for eighth with Australia, Switzerland, and Israel. The United States is tied for 14th with Austria.

What are some of the happiest countries YOU have been to? This isn't a scientific question, but an excuse to post some gorgeous photos in the comments section.

Weekend Viewing: Martin Seligman

Here he is, the father of modern happiness science:  Martin Seligman. Mr. Seligman coined the term "positive psychology" in the early '90s as a response to most psychologists' focus on mental disorder (as opposed to the good parts of the human psyche). Psychology students may also recognize him as the creator of the learned helplessness concept.

In this TED Talk, Seligman gives a good introduction to his theories. He starts out being maybe a little too down on regular psychology, but he soon moves on to discuss the difference between real happiness and "Hollywood happiness," flow, and optimism. He gives very practical advice on finding happiness, especially after the 18-minute mark, so give it a watch! Hopefully it'll get your weekend off to a (meaningfully) happy start!