The UN (United Nations) Word Happiness Report used seven indicators to conduct a study of more than 130 nations to understand which countries are the happiest in the world. Brazil is already on a downtrend, and Rebeca Toyama, Career and Behavior Specialistshares his take on the outcome and even shares tips for Brazilians to live happier and more meaningful lives.
One of the indicators used, perhaps one of the most important when asking what grade one would give life in this country, is data suggesting that Brazilians are unhappier. The figures show that in Brazil, even without a serious incident such as a declared civil war in the country, there is a climate of political hostility and this also influences the descent in the ranking.
In addition, the UN uses some data from the country, such as: GDP, life expectancy and individual perceptions of corruption. Brazil has been on a downward trend for some time, this year the country ranks 49th, down 11 places from 2022 when it was 38th.
In 2020, Brazil ranked 29th and in 2015, when it reached its best level, it was 16th.
For Rebeca Toyama, a behavioral specialist, the drop in the ranking is related to an almost civil warlike situation motivated by political polarization, to the reflection on the pandemic and also to all the issues of an economic crisis.
“In recent years we have had factors that have hurt Brazilians and kept them from happiness: the impact of the pandemic, the global economic crisis and the political scenario in Brazil, and this has shown that the Brazilian muscles have not been able to deal with it,” comments Rebeca Toyama, career and behavior specialist.
Finland tops the rankings for the sixth consecutive year, followed by Denmark and Iceland. And what stood out in the top 10 was Israel, which ranked 9th in 2022 and 4th in 2023. When we talk about the last positions in the rankings, we find among the bottom five countries in Africa and the Middle East, such as Botswana, Lebanon and Afghanistan, finishing the rankings.
According to the expert, in order to improve Brazil’s position in the ranking, the country will be asked to mature and behave like a country that is included in the top 10 economies.
“We have the ability to change reality! We need to come out of the victim role and into the protagonist role and maybe this is the invitation that we have to accept, we are a big nation and we have to behave like that, starting with the political leaders. It is very important to understand that quality of life and wellbeing are things that need to be planned and not left to chance. We have to be the cause of the outcome and build a different future with more quality of life and wellbeing from it,” reveals Rebeca.
How to bring more happiness and wellbeing into the lives of Brazilians?
According to Toyama, it is also necessary for Brazilians to mature, to feel responsible for the reality of the nation, rather than wanting to find ways to change countries or even planets.
“Understanding that this is where we can build our story and take care of this place so that it is the setting for that story to happen in a harmonious and healthy way. Brazilians must mature as citizens, learn to vote, participate in the decisions of their city and feel responsible for our spaces. So it’s about walking the path of responsibility and maturity. Brazilians must see problems as opportunities for growth and understand that a strong, economically, socially and ethically healthy nation is an incredible legacy to leave to future generations,” he concludes.
Rebeca Toyama, Specialist in Career and Behavior, selected 5 tips for Brazilians live happier and more meaningful lives:
1 Try to bring your work closer to your purpose: Recognizing and working with your talents and knowledge will empower you and give meaning to your career;
2 Practice Gratitude: When you focus on the things you are grateful for, you can increase your happiness and appreciate the positive things in your life.
3 Maintain positive relationships: Strengthening relationships with friends and family can help increase your happiness and sense of connection with others.
4 Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Taking care of your body and mind through healthy eating, regular physical activity, and getting enough sleep can improve your health and emotional wellbeing.
5 Support a social movement: Doing volunteer work, building a support network, getting involved in a cause, there are a multitude of options: children, seniors, women, pregnant women, animals, art, culture, ecology, human rights.
About Rebeca Toyama
Rebeca Toyama MSc It is Spokesperson for SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by UN Leadership with Impact program, Founder of ICA Academy for Integrative Competence, a Signatory company of the UN Global Compact It is Participant from Spirit in Focus Movement sponsored by Rede Brasil do UN Global Compact.
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Teacher In Clinical Psychology It is Administrator. specialist In Leadership, career and trend of the world of work. works there 20 years as Speaker, mentor and coach.