Are you ready to argue, you never thought about why the inhabitants of the Scandinavian Peninsula are recognized as the happiest in the world? And, mind you, they live far from simple conditions!
But thanks to the ability to appreciate life, every little thing around and not burrow into the cycle of their own problems, the Scandinavians and Finns practically caught a bird of happiness. Do you want to know what is their secret? Then read and take note!
1. Santa Claus
We, of course, have their own Santa Claus, but Santa from Lapland - it's so romantic! Scandinavian Santa comes not at night, but in the evening on Christmas, so you can safely sleep and not wake up early in the morning waiting for gifts. How everything is thought out!
2. Taxes
The sick theme of our citizens. The call to pay more taxes, for sure, will cause resentment. But judge for yourself. In Sweden, the average employer pays about 60% of his salary for taxes. But! He has incredibly large childcare benefits, pensions, excellent care in hospitals and prisons. So the tax deductions are worth it.
3. Wildlife
Scandinavians appreciate every individual, every species. We should learn a lot from them.
4. People
Such men are clearly not enough for us. And not only on the catwalks or in the cinema, but also in ordinary life.
5. Movies
By the way, about the movie. Such a movie, like that of the Scandinavians, is clearly not enough for our unsophisticated viewer either.
6. Bathhouse
To get together in a bathhouse is a Russian tradition, which we can not take away from us. We all love and willingly go to the bath. But unlike us, the Scandinavians and Finns are not afraid to seem naked. Especially in the forest.
7. Attitude towards pregnant women
All pregnant women in Finland, regardless of their socio-economic status, receive a so-called special box with a set of essentials for the infant from the state. This is humanitarian aid in the form of diapers, diapers and all the most necessary for the first months of a baby's life. Thus, the state is struggling with abortion. And very successfully. This figure in Finland is the lowest in the world.
8. Attitude to the popes
Do not deprive Scandinavians and dads. In Sweden, the pope along with his mother can take a maternity leave to care for the child, though only for two months. But the Swedish authorities now want to extend it for a longer period.
9. Neighborhood
Finns are not used to living as close to each other as we are. They do not hear the sound of a drill, the crying of a child, loud music at night. Imagine that you will forget what it is. Is not that so, great?
10. Eating? Never!
Exclusive restaurants with an unusual interior, eateries, bistros, family cafes ... All this is not for Scandinavians. Nothing will replace them a quiet, cozy place, in which it is so nice to have dinner and spend time with family or friends. No queues, no noise. Only food and rest.
11. Work
In Denmark, it's unheard of to stay at work after 5 pm. All offices are closed, and people are rushing to their families. By the way, Copenhagen is considered to be the city with the highest happiness indicators among residents.
12. Schools
Education at us not bad, but nevertheless to understand with that brothel which is created in our schools - costs. For example, in Finland there are no school uniforms, entrance exams, no fees from parents, scores, ratings, inspections. Previously, 7 years of children are not accepted, and the separation of children according to ability is a violation of human rights. Children turn to teachers by name. As for the homework, in general, it should take no more than 30 minutes to complete it.
13. Medicine
Not everything is so smooth in our health care. For example, in Norway when you write to a doctor, you can get to the reception on the same day. And after the birth of the child you will be provided with a ward with the contents and 24-hour nurses for 3 days. Is free!
14. Licorice
Incredible salted liquorice! This you have not tried!
15. Dishes
We can borrow dishes from Scandinavians and Finns and stop preparing fatty foods. For example, bake traditional pies from Eastern Finland from a mixture of butter and boiled eggs. Despite the fact that the recipe does not sound very appetizing, the taste of pies is simply delicious.
16. Cinnamon
Scandinavians just love cinnamon. No baking can do without this amazingly flavorful seasoning.
17. Ivan Kupala
The Scandinavians celebrate this day on a grand scale. They gather herbs, dance, drink drinks. Soon the holiday is planned to be made official. We could as well.
18. Books
All the favorite character - Pippi - Long stocking. Amazing girl. At the age of 9 she could raise a horse with one hand! More of such kind characters!
19. Tournaments
If in our concept this is not quite a sport, then for Scandinavians to wear a wife in their arms is a genuine sporting match. Men carry their wives, bypassing many obstacles and receive a prize - a beer weighing their wife. Such tournaments help to strengthen relations.
20. Sports
Taking an example from the Scandinavians, we could develop more exciting and interesting sports. For example, skiing from a huge springboard. Much more spectacular than usual football.
21. Celebrities
Charming Victoria, Crown Princess of Sweden, studied at Yale University and worked as a diplomat in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We just do not have enough of them.
22. Jem
Strawberry and cherry jam. To the greater we are not used. But the Scandinavians are preparing such jams, as cranberry and cloudberry. It sounds much more interesting.
23. Snow
To make the same snow as in Finland, of course, it will not work, but at least it is necessary to stop thinking that what falls from the sky in Russia for six months in a row is snow. 90 cm of snow in March. These are real large precipitations. And incredible beauty.
24. Laughter
Do you know what the Scandinavians are doing when they fail to do something? They laugh. Recently, the Swedish politician Lars Ohli has become embarrassed. Accidentally post on Twitter a photo from the beach, where he is completely naked. In the frame came his male dignity. "Oh," he wrote after them, "forgive me. It turned out to be much more than there is. "
Despite the fact that our countries are not very similar to each other, we are united by one thing: we live in a harsh climate, but we have something to learn from Scandinavians and Finns. Love and care, kindness and humor, carefree and simple attitude to life. What else is needed for a happy and dignified life?