My “Happy Place” is on a bike
by Steve ~ February 21st, 2008. Filed under: From the Web.
Dave Moulton has a piece on his Bike Blog this week, commenting on a recent 60 Minutes episode where Denmark was noted as having the happiest people in the world. Dave ascribes part of the happiness of Danes to cycling. They ride bikes a lot over there. He mentions research by English social psychologist Adrian White, whose definition of happiness is more along the lines of contentment, or satisfaction, or as they officially call it, Satisfaction With Life (SWL). Canada is listed in the top ten countries where citizens have a high degree of SWL.
Here’s White’s list of the happiest people in the world:
- Denmark
- Switzerland
- Austria
- Iceland
- Bahamas
- Finland
- Sweden
- Bhutan
- Brunei Darussalam
- Canada
Contentment comes from things like having a roof over your head, good health care and education, according to White. Although a lot of people complain about our health care system, it definitely contributes to the peace of mind of many Canadians. On the other hand, our climate, at least the localized climate, seems to contribute more to a pronounced degree of Seasonally Affected Disorder (SAD).
Dave concludes that happiness may be elusive, especially in a country so bent on materialism. He suggests, however, that we can “…if we choose, opt out of the rat-race. Work less, earn less, and spend less on material stuff.”
Yes, indeed. I agree with this notion. I spent a lot of time when I was younger reading books about simplicity, earning less, escaping the rat race. I achieved that to some degree, but at the time didn’t think I was happier. I really wanted the “stuff” I didn’t have. Now I’ve got more of the “stuff”, but I often look back at those days and think I was probably happier then.
I have to say that I agree with Dave that cycling contributes to overall happiness, at least for me. I must have been suffering a little bit of cabin fever over the past month, because getting on the bike has done wonders for my mood.
Not that I smile a lot. That’s too painful with frostbite.
Related posts:
BOD on Holiday — August 6 — 36.1 Km
BOD on Holiday — August 9 to 11 — 8.58 Km
February 22nd, 2008 at 4:48 pm
I rode 4 times in Albuquerque and I have to agree with you…it’s happy making just swinging that leg over the top tube and sliding into the saddle. And the good mood lasts long after the ride.
February 23rd, 2008 at 9:38 am
I like your website. I also ride my bike everyday to go work including winter. I live in Montreal a I find that sometimes is not very easy with the snow and everything.
I am making a little blog on the net. Come and check it out and give some tips about it.
February 24th, 2008 at 3:54 am
I agree with MikeN I went out off road on my bike yesterday for the afternoon and it was so relaxing