The Blue Zone of Happiness by Dan Buettner

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 · 1,471 ratings  · 137 reviews

Kickoff your review of The Bluish Zones of Happiness: A Pattern for a Meliorate Life

April 24, 2018 Jill rated it actually liked information technology

I have read a lot on this field of study, so about of it was not earth-shattering news to me. Notwithstanding it did give me food for thought equally far as what I desire out of the next place I choose to telephone call home. I wish every politician would read this book—the info in information technology should be guiding our policies. Happiness of ALL citizens should be a priority, and I call up many politicians, especially Republicans, make the mistake of equating a potent economy with happiness. Certainly a potent economic system adds greatly to the happ I accept read a lot on this subject, so most of it was not globe-shattering news to me. However it did requite me nutrient for thought as far equally what I desire out of the side by side place I cull to call domicile. I wish every pol would read this book—the info in information technology should exist guiding our policies. Happiness of ALL citizens should be a priority, and I think many politicians, especially Republicans, make the mistake of equating a strong economy with happiness. Certainly a stiff economy adds greatly to the happiness of a nation'southward or city'south citizens, but there are so many other factors that are just as important. People first need to feel that their bones needs are taken intendance of, and that is hard when and then many people in our country lack access to affordable healthcare. We sink a lot of coin into our military and homeland security (the happiest countries tend to have modest militaries), while cutting budgets of things that would lead to greater happiness and well-beingness, such equally didactics, parks, mental-health handling and transportation. ...more

Dan Buettner shares enquiry on the happiest places on earth and uses that research to help all of united states make our workplaces, our homes, and our communities happier places to live.

There are several wonderful lists in this book, including the Blue Zones Happiness Test, the 15 "cowbell" factors that indicate true happiness, and the Community Blueprint for Happiness, that are alone worth the cost of the book.

Dan Buettner shares inquiry on the happiest places on globe and uses that research to aid all of us make our workplaces, our homes, and our communities happier places to live.

There are several wonderful lists in this book, including the Blue Zones Happiness Examination, the xv "cowbell" factors that signal true happiness, and the Community Pattern for Happiness, that are solitary worth the price of the book.

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Blue Zones are places where people live longer, happier, healthier lives. These places make it easier for individuals to thrive by incorporating design elements and programs that encourage building friendship networks, eating well, walking, and cycling. For example, communities that limit sprawl and preserve open up spaces with walking and biking paths encourage a more active lifestyle. Broad sidewalks encourage people to walk and talk together. Some communities revenue enhancement sweetened beverages to limit obes

Blue Zones are places where people live longer, happier, healthier lives. These places brand it easier for individuals to thrive by incorporating design elements and programs that encourage building friendship networks, eating well, walking, and cycling. For case, communities that limit sprawl and preserve open up spaces with walking and biking paths encourage a more active lifestyle. Wide sidewalks encourage people to walk and talk together. Some communities tax sweetened beverages to limit obesity.

The existing economy is organized to maximize GDP growth. This volume asks the question of whether government ought not instead to prioritize happiness as the greatest object of society. Thomas Jefferson's Declaration of Independence clearly included the pursuit of happiness equally a major responsibility of regime. Later he said, "The happiness and prosperity of our citizens...is the only legitimate object of government." And then what would the pursuit of happiness await like on a local level? Certainly it would include an excellent education system that prepared the immature for fulfilling, salubrious lives. Information technology would provide complimentary healthcare, considering, without health, happiness is difficult. Buettner suggests a national measure of well-being should be bachelor to politicians and the public, every bit a measure out of regime t success.

If you lot are looking for a book that provides research-based guidance on how to transform your community into a Blueish Zone, this is not that book. I wish it were. Rather, Buettner provides a panoply of examples and waxes enthusiastic well-nigh many bromides that are already role of the community development canon.
In a few places, he misses the mark entirely like when he suggests that anybody going to church would create better communities, and that the police should require parent so young children to consider staying together and to co-parent (with abusive spouses? With alcohol and drug-addicted partners? Are you sure, Mr. Buettner?).

I did manage to cease this book but wish it had been a ameliorate one. I'one thousand still on the lookout for a book that would assist guide my own community to get healthier and happier. Let me know if yous've establish one.

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I very much enjoyed Buettner's original The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who've Lived the Longest and so I thought this would be some other slam douse. Unfortunately, this actually fell flat to me. Past well-nigh one-half-way through, I got bored with the information as it got very repetitive and started to feel similar filler simply to make the book "long enough." I besides really hated how and then many of the recommendations definitely cannot apply to many people. One large example of this was all the s I very much enjoyed Buettner's original The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who've Lived the Longest and then I thought this would be another slam dunk. Unfortunately, this really fell flat to me. By virtually half-style through, I got bored with the information every bit information technology got very repetitive and started to feel like filler only to make the volume "long plenty." I likewise really hated how then many of the recommendations definitely cannot apply to many people. 1 big example of this was all the shade Buettner threw at introverts: "Act extroverted, fifty-fifty if you are an introvert." I only don't believe that telling someone to act outside of what makes them feel happy (i.e., being recharged past having time alone) is good advice. ...more

Lots of corking info in the book! The kickoff part will seem a tad redundant if you read Dan Buettner'due south early on Blue Zones book, but still a overnice recap. The best part of the book is the third part with the tips on how to bring greater amounts of happiness into the concentric circles of your life. Lots of great info in the book! The first part will seem a tad redundant if y'all read Dan Buettner's early Blueish Zones volume, simply still a overnice recap. The best office of the book is the third office with the tips on how to bring greater amounts of happiness into the concentric circles of your life. ...more than

Unrealistic

Example: a thought exercise: imagine you have ten million dollars. Proper noun 5 things you would do. At present make a iii year programme to achieve at least one of those goals. ??? My goals were to retire early on, put my 2 kids through college, travel a lot, and exercise some abode remodelling. Since those all require lots of money, how am I supposed to achieve them in three years with imaginary coin. False statement: you should be around lots of people and have the goal of socializing for at to the lowest degree six hours a da

Unrealistic

Example: a thought practise: imagine you lot have ten one thousand thousand dollars. Name five things y'all would exercise. Now make a 3 yr program to achieve at to the lowest degree ane of those goals. ??? My goals were to retire early on, put my 2 kids through higher, travel a lot, and do some home remodelling. Since those all require lots of money, how am I supposed to attain them in 3 years with imaginary money. False statement: you lot should be around lots of people and have the goal of socializing for at least vi hours a day. Even introverts [like me] are happier when they spend lots of time socializing. Also, he says that you should be in a committed relationship with a compatible mate, because loners are unhappy. ??? He assumes a one-size-fits-all prescription for happiness that doesn't have individual differences into account, and makes sweeping generalizations based on septic examples. Also I don't think he understands the difference between correlation and causation. It was an entertaining read, merely I annoyed my husband with my constant exclamations of incredulity and reading outrageous passages aloud to him. Possibly this book could be helpful to some people but in my opinion it is likely to do more harm than proficient.

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Dec 16, 2017 Daniel rated it really liked it

Alright Singapore was featured so of grade I take to read information technology. Singaporeans are happy because nosotros work hard and are proud of our achievements. Danish people are happy because they don't need to worry nearly bones necessities of life. Costa-Ricans are happy because they have life easy and talk to people.

The author provides to practice lists to be happy: become married, spend time with family and close friends, get involved with religion or a club, learn to be likeable, do, focus on other'southward happiness,

Alright Singapore was featured so of course I have to read it. Singaporeans are happy because nosotros work hard and are proud of our achievements. Danish people are happy because they don't need to worry about basic necessities of life. Costa-Ricans are happy because they take life easy and talk to people.

The author provides to do lists to be happy: get married, spend fourth dimension with family and close friends, get involved with religion or a society, learn to be likeable, exercise, focus on other'due south happiness, savour life and find a purpose.

Unfortunately I didn't observe the book very engaging - it reads similar a manual. All the same a practiced summary on happiness.

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Jan 11, 2019 Sharon rated information technology liked it

I recall that he raises some good points nearly changes that we can make in our lives that could make usa happier. I also think that many of the suggestions are untenable for people who work full time, if you socialize for half dozen hours and slumber for 7.5 hours, when are you supposed to work, exercise, meditate and spend time with your family.

I also disagree with his take on Singapore. I alive in Singapore and people piece of work also difficult, are stressed out and have no universal health intendance. Older individuals are f

I recollect that he raises some good points most changes that we can make in our lives that could make the states happier. I also think that many of the suggestions are untenable for people who work full time, if you socialize for 6 hours and sleep for seven.5 hours, when are yous supposed to work, exercise, meditate and spend fourth dimension with your family.

I also disagree with his accept on Singapore. I live in Singapore and people piece of work likewise hard, are stressed out and take no universal wellness care. Older individuals are forced into menial labour then that that they tin can survive.

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October 25, 2017 Sara Strand rated it actually liked it

I don't hibernate my personal struggles with mental illness since the nascence of my fourth child. Her birth was traumatic, I died, I was revived, and I haven't been the aforementioned ever since. My depression is the worst information technology'southward e'er been, my feet is through the roof, I now battle PTSD, and suicidal thoughts. If there was anyone meant to read this volume- information technology's me. I jumped at the chance to review this specifically because I'm essentially desperate to be happy. I don't fifty-fifty want to exist SUPER happy, but anything is I don't hibernate my personal struggles with mental illness since the nascence of my fourth child. Her birth was traumatic, I died, I was revived, and I haven't been the aforementioned ever since. My depression is the worst it's always been, my anxiety is through the roof, I now boxing PTSD, and suicidal thoughts. If there was anyone meant to read this volume- it's me. I jumped at the chance to review this specifically because I'grand substantially drastic to be happy. I don't fifty-fifty desire to exist SUPER happy, simply anything is better than wanting to die everyday, so I went into this book fix to take notes and make changes.

The book itself is a rather fast read and it covers all major areas. The writer talks about happiness in unlike parts of the earth, things that could affect your happiness, places that happiness could happen (your job, your customs, your fiscal well-being, personal life, etc) and of course- what IS happiness? We say we want to exist happy, only what does that really mean? Of grade, it'south subjective- what makes me happy won't necessarily make you happy or charge per unit loftier in your life and vice versa. This volume sets out to help you figure out what areas y'all need to make changes, how to prioritize the things that make you happy, and what to exercise if you're stuck. Sometimes it might mean being brave and quitting that job you lot hate and do something that (perchance) isn't every bit financially rewarding, but it could open upwards new doors to happiness for you.

Perhaps the nearly interesting part of the book was discussion on building happiness inside communities. Of class, information technology could mean the city you live in or communities could be smaller circles of people that you operate in (clubs, groups, school, etc) and what you can practise to foster happiness inside the community. I found it interesting because the city I live in has gained a reputation of existence the lamer of the Twin Ports cities, we accept a lot of bars and dingy areas, we need more jobs and essentially an unabridged revitalization of the city. We're making progress but when you go to city meetings or even expect at the community social media pages you find two groups of people: the we've-e'er-washed-information technology-this-way grouping who offering no positive solutions but love to give criticisms, and the dreamers, the people who have a positive outlook and are excited at the strides we're making. I notice that when you have those people, and you hear their enthusiasm, information technology's catchy. All of a sudden I'grand doing what I tin to bring together the revolution, so to speak. So that's my really long way of saying I remember this would exist a really expert book for immature adults. Seniors in loftier schoolhouse, higher students, those only starting out in the workplace every bit a grown upwardly- we (as communities and a nation) need more than dreamers, more happy, positive people with the goal of making everything ameliorate.

If I had to find a critique, and you lot know I effort to always residuum a review, I didn't become a lot of data about mental disease. I'm depressed, how exercise I get happy? How do I turn the transport around? It's most geared towards full general happiness versus specific solutions to specific issues, if that makes sense.

Overall? A solid 4/5 stars. I actually flew through this and I could see this beingness adjusted for a public speaking appointment or morale boosting sessions.

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Jan 28, 2019 Kend rated it information technology was ok

I don't know; this book felt very insular. It's non terribly helpful to tell people trapped in cycles of poverty and economical exploitation that they just need to pay downwardly their credit carte du jour debt and alive in spartan homes with only minimal decorations. I know this isn't what Buettner is intending to say—and the frontward points out that as with any volume, one ought to accept the parts that utilise and go out the parts that don't—merely the volume is just list after list of recommendations, and information technology's hard not to I don't know; this book felt very insular. Information technology's not terribly helpful to tell people trapped in cycles of poverty and economical exploitation that they just need to pay downward their credit card debt and live in spartan homes with only minimal decorations. I know this isn't what Buettner is intending to say—and the forward points out that as with whatever volume, one ought to have the parts that use and leave the parts that don't—but the book is but list afterwards listing of recommendations, and information technology's hard non to accept them as representations of an unattainable ideal. For me, the most appreciable department was the one dedicated to changing the policies that underpin our social behaviors, only fifty-fifty then, the recommendations felt similar the sort of things that financially secure retirees with lots of spare time might exist able to do, but non the average American (or boilerplate resident anywhere). The volume besides makes some major missteps when it comes to dealing with depression; I'm saying this equally someone who both has depression and someone who has made a betoken out of reading up on the neuroscience of it. ...more

Full disclosure: this is NOT a self-aid volume. This is a not a list of "tips and tricks." Rather, Buettner presents both anecdotal bear witness besides every bit data from enquiry studies regarding the earth'south happiest populations, adding a few suggestions for application at the close of each chapter. Unfortunately for [probably] near Americans, many of the suggestions (working less than twoscore hours a calendar week, moving to a new environment, changing legislature to back up these findings) seem less than achievable Total disclosure: this is Not a self-help book. This is a not a list of "tips and tricks." Rather, Buettner presents both anecdotal evidence equally well equally data from research studies regarding the world's happiest populations, adding a few suggestions for application at the close of each chapter. Unfortunately for [probably] virtually Americans, many of the suggestions (working less than 40 hours a week, moving to a new environment, changing legislature to back up these findings) seem less than achievable. I did find the research fascinating and appreciate Buettner'south weaving of travel stories and research, and institute all the tips were at least thought- and conversation-provoking. ...more

If I can't discover another adept book to read I will read this book over again and again and again. Great book. If I can't observe some other good book to read I volition read this volume once again and once again and again. Neat book. ...more than

Dec 08, 2018 Lindsay rated it actually liked it

I admire and concord with the overall theme of this book: gear up your life (abode, city, friends, etc.) in a fashion that intrinsically promotes happiness. Merely some of Buettner's examples on how to exercise this are a flake outlandish. Just autumn in dearest with someone who is financially responsible- why didn't I call up of that! In all seriousness though, it is of import to await at your life and surroundings to see how you can better set yourself upwardly for success and happiness.

Nov 09, 2021 Donna rated information technology liked it

Because I felt I got what I needed from other (multiple) Blue Zone materials, including 'Thrive', I did a rapid read of this book. Of detail interest in this edition is the 'Blue Zones Happiness Examination,' which gives the reader overall scores for Pleasure, Purpose and Pride. My results surprised me and gave me break. If you do not take a copy of this volume, you lot can take a similar test (past the Blue Zone grouping) for gratuitous online.
My lower rating of this volume could simply reverberate me currently existence a Because I felt I got what I needed from other (multiple) Blue Zone materials, including 'Thrive', I did a rapid read of this book. Of particular interest in this edition is the 'Blue Zones Happiness Test,' which gives the reader overall scores for Pleasure, Purpose and Pride. My results surprised me and gave me pause. If y'all practice not have a copy of this volume, y'all can take a similar test (by the Blue Zone group) for free online.
My lower rating of this book could simply reflect me currently existence a bit Blue Zoned out. Every bit another reader pointed out, information technology'south become quite the franchise! ...more

Aug 25, 2018 Lindsey rated it liked it

3.v. What I loved most were the actionable suggestions to gear up an environment that supports habits that are a foundation for happiness (rather than trying to "seek" happiness). As well enjoyed the views into different kinds of happiness (pleasure, pride, purpose) and cultures/places in which people exemplify them. 3.5. What I loved almost were the actionable suggestions to set upward an surroundings that supports habits that are a foundation for happiness (rather than trying to "seek" happiness). Also enjoyed the views into different kinds of happiness (pleasance, pride, purpose) and cultures/places in which people exemplify them. ...more

If you wander why people in country like Republic of costa rica, Denmark, or Singapore seem to be happier than those in other countries, read this book. Happiness comes from three elements: pleasure, purpose, and pride. I love the concept and the summary at the end of each affiliate in this volume as well.

February 03, 2018 Kevin Sweet rated it actually liked it

Information technology was refreshing to read a profile of Boulder, CO. The author mentions dreadlocked, puffy-wearing guys hanging out on Pearl Street, which could accept very well been me!

This has a lot of good info and tips for increasing iii types of happiness: pleasure, purpose, and pride. However, much of the book builds up to the conclusion that you should just live in a better place to be happier. Someone who is unwilling or unable to uproot their life to seek out a better location will notice a good chunk

It was refreshing to read a profile of Boulder, CO. The author mentions dreadlocked, puffy-wearing guys hanging out on Pearl Street, which could take very well been me!

This has a lot of good info and tips for increasing iii types of happiness: pleasure, purpose, and pride. However, much of the volume builds up to the determination that you should simply live in a meliorate place to be happier. Someone who is unwilling or unable to uproot their life to seek out a better location will detect a practiced clamper of this book useless. That said, it's hard to argue with that conclusion. Later on having lived in 2 vastly different places--Boulder, which does a great job of cultivating happiness, and South Korea, a place that does the reverse in and so many ways--I wholeheartedly agree that location is hugely important in a person's mental health.

The 2d half of the book provides more than insight into behaviors nosotros can change to increase happiness. My biggest gripe was the repeated calls to join religion-based communities. Once again and again, the author advocates that even if yous're not religious, you should try to find a religion-based community, and that communities that aren't organized religion-based don't work besides. It seems plausible that believing in God makes people happier, but regardless of whether or not that's truthful, is a minor heave to happiness worth the delusional belief? Is believing a lie and organizing a good portion of your life around it worth the actress happiness?

This is a book I'll probably read once again every bit a reminder for how to meliorate live my life with pleasure, purpose, and pride.

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Nice complement his other books. Proficient tools for practical thought and application.

Jan 01, 2018 Sally rated it liked it

I first read about the Blue Zones, areas in the world where people have the longest lifespans, in National Geographic a decade or and so agone. Since and so I've been intrigued with learning more than about how these cultures and communities support longevity and well-existence.

Bluish Zones - 5 geographic areas where people statistically live longest:
- Okinawa, Nihon
- Sardinia, Italian republic
- Nicoya, Costa rica
- Icaria, Greece
- Loma Linda, California (Seventh-day Adventists)

This book offered a expect at how those living in

I first read about the Blue Zones, areas in the globe where people have the longest lifespans, in National Geographic a decade or and then ago. Since so I've been intrigued with learning more about how these cultures and communities support longevity and well-beingness.

Blue Zones - 5 geographic areas where people statistically live longest:
- Okinawa, Japan
- Sardinia, Italy
- Nicoya, Costa Rica
- Icaria, Greece
- Loma Linda, California (Seventh-day Adventists)

This book offered a look at how those living in Blue Zones bundled social institutions, community, and their daily lives to support happiness. Dan Buettner, the author, notes that at that place are iii distinct, yet interrelated, strands of happiness that compliment i some other and create happiness: pleasure, purpose, and pride.

There were practical tips that anyone could apply:
- Socialize at to the lowest degree 6 hours a day (work with people you like)
- Bike / walk to work (commuting makes us so, and so unhappy)
- Sit on your front porch (engage in the community)

At that place are individual choices one can brand (exercising, eating fruits and vegetables), yet a large portion of what impacts individual happiness is based on social institutions, regime and the environment. The way nations, neighborhoods, and family households organize directly influence individual well-beingness. Individual happiness is intimately related to the governmental and cultural values.

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Aug 26, 2018 Debbie rated it it was ok

Before picking this volume up at the library, I read an interview the author gave to the Huffington Mail service.

Question: Did your research change or confirm the manner you perceived happiness? How?

Buettner: Aye. I lost my religion in motivational courses and the like. Achieving happiness is best accessible through setting up your life and environment so yous're nudged into positive behaviors and abroad from negative ones.

Yet when I checked out his website, he is advert a 2-part online course chosen Staying

Before picking this book up at the library, I read an interview the writer gave to the Huffington Post.

Question: Did your research modify or confirm the way you lot perceived happiness? How?

Buettner: Aye. I lost my organized religion in motivational courses and the similar. Achieving happiness is best attainable through setting upwardly your life and surroundings so yous're nudged into positive behaviors and away from negative ones.

Withal when I checked out his website, he is advert a two-function online course chosen Staying Live: 9 Habits for Living a Longer, Healthier Life. What gives?

For this reason the author started out on sparse ice with me. He and his research team singled out Costa rica, Denmark and Singapore as having the happiest people. Their metrics must be off because he writes that what the Singaporeans value most past their own admission are the five C's: car, condo, cash, credit carte du jour and lodge membership. To attain these material possessions and keep upwardly with their neighbors, they work long hours. Work and shop – that's what they do. And these people are trotted out as happy people we should emulate? Like I said, poor metrics.

Happiness – defining information technology and attaining it – are hot topics in society today. And then many pretend to be happiness gurus and offer to enlighten the rest of united states if we volition but open up our pocketbooks to them. I would advise passing on this book. He repeats himself often, giving me the impression he didn't accept quite enough cloth to make a book

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Ever finished a volume feeling super inspired? Because YUP THAT'Due south ME! Disclaimer... I work for Blue Zones Project and have met Dan Buettner a few times so I may exist a little biased. I also volition say that I have a hard time separating my previous cognition of Blue Zones from the contents of the book then my thoughts and feelings truly are towards Blue Zones every bit a whole.

Dan Buettner does an awesome task explaining how happiness isn't just something individuals create for themselves. Happiness also derives

Ever finished a book feeling super inspired? Considering YUP THAT'S ME! Disclaimer... I work for Blue Zones Projection and take met Dan Buettner a few times so I may be a fiddling biased. I also will say that I have a hard time separating my previous cognition of Blue Zones from the contents of the volume and so my thoughts and feelings truly are towards Blue Zones as a whole.

Dan Buettner does an awesome job explaining how happiness isn't merely something individuals create for themselves. Happiness also derives from optimizing your environment, ensuring policies putting well-beingness starting time are in place, and shifting into a positive and purposeful mentality. Before you lot know it, you lot'll be nudged into living a happier, healthier life.

My favorite office of this book are the stories nerveless from around the world. All individuals that speak with Buettner come from very dissimilar communities/backgrounds and have unique life experiences; however, all seem to weave together the three strands Buettner focuses on: pleasure, purpose, and pride.

I strongly believe in the Blueish Zones mission and I am so grateful for Dan Buettner, his research, and the current work done in our communities. Since joining the projection and reading Blueish Zones of Happiness, I can honestly say that I've become a much happier and healthier person.

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I received this volume from the Goodreads Firstreads giveaway plan. Thank you writer/publisher for the opportunity to read and review The Blue Zones of Happiness!

5 stars!

I enjoyed The Blue Zones of Happiness: Lessons from the World's Happiest People! This volume was definitely of involvement to me. The author, Dan Buettner, has been conducting scientific research on happiness for years. How nosotros can accomplish it is a main topic in this book.

The book starts off with a quiz that helps make up one's mind your c

I received this volume from the Goodreads Firstreads giveaway programme. Thanks author/publisher for the opportunity to read and review The Blue Zones of Happiness!

5 stars!

I enjoyed The Blue Zones of Happiness: Lessons from the World'due south Happiest People! This book was definitely of interest to me. The author, Dan Buettner, has been conducting scientific research on happiness for years. How nosotros can achieve information technology is a master topic in this book.

The book starts off with a quiz that helps determine your current state of happiness. Pleasance..Purpose..Pride are the main quotients to this quiz.

The author then tells us about the Blueish Zones, locations where people are happiest, healthiest, and living the longest. Denmark, Singapore, Costa Rica are the three locations focused on. Several examples of how they all live their lives differently and still achieve maximum happiness.

The book goes on to aid us build our own personal Blue Zone. Our environment is the key to happiness. Things that can exist washed at our workplace, abode, and within our communities that will generate greater happiness in our lives are discussed.

The Blue Zones of Happiness was informative. I plan on keeping this in my personal library. While I live a life filled with pleasure..purpose and pride there is ever room to amend!

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November 19, 2018 Evelyn rated it information technology was ok

The premise was interesting until the author suggests that the government should implement programs to enable people to find happiness.
What a tragedy if we experience that it is an exterior source that allows u.s.a. to observe true happiness and contentment in life.
I shudder to recall of a world where in that location would exist a "Ministry of Happiness", truly Orwellian.
The premise was interesting until the author suggests that the government should implement programs to enable people to find happiness.
What a tragedy if we feel that it is an outside source that allows us to find true happiness and contentment in life.
I shudder to think of a earth where in that location would exist a "Ministry of Happiness", truly Orwellian.
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Mar 17, 2018 Nicole rated it information technology was ok

This volume has a skillful premise but too bad information technology ended upwardly pushing a diversity of political agendas throughout its pages. I believe you can brand your own "blue zone" of happiness wherever you are without the authorities stepping in to get in happen.

Alright alright alright it's REVIEW time…

Blue Zones of Happiness here we come. As mentioned in my other review of non-fiction this will be more a review of things that I want to remember rather than a typical this is why I liked this book…

For those that don't know the "Blue Zones" project originally started looking for places in the world were people lived the longest live, in order to detect the causes for that. Since and then the "Blue Zones" has been expanded to Thrive: Finding Happiness the Blue Z

Alright alright alright it's REVIEW time…

Blue Zones of Happiness hither we come. As mentioned in my other review of non-fiction this volition exist more a review of things that I want to remember rather than a typical this is why I liked this book…

For those that don't know the "Blue Zones" project originally started looking for places in the globe were people lived the longest live, in lodge to find the causes for that. Since then the "Blue Zones" has been expanded to Thrive: Finding Happiness the Blueish Zones Way, The Blueish Zones Solution: Eating and Living like the World'southward Healthiest People and many more. It's quite the franchise.

The Blue Zones of Happiness as the title might advise is what the Blue Zones tin can teach us about living a happier life. The unique contribution of this book it to look at the consequence not just from an individual level only also a social and community level. This is done through the concept of life radius which starts with Communities, then workplaces, social networks, habitation, wellbeing and finally inner life. A useful concept when working with someone to place possible individual intervention strategies, as well equally informing societal social piece of work strategies.

And then what does information technology say? Well the volume can be summed in words 3:

PURPOSE
PLEASURE
PRIDE

Mix these 3 ingredient together in an individual and enable their pursuit in a society and vola! Happiness. The book summaries farther though into the Power of 9!

1. Dearest Someone – Commit to someone compatible with you lot, your interests, values and company you enjoy.
2. Inner Circle – Create a circle of a least 3 friends with whom you can accept meaningful chat, can call later a bad twenty-four hour period for assistance and are by and large happy (for every new happy friend that enters your social network, your own happiness increases by nearly xv per cent).
3. Engage - Exit of the business firm! Engage with a grouping of people around your interests
iv. Acquire Likeability – Acquire to exist likeable to others, requite 18-carat compliments, be a skillful friend, be happy yourself.
5. Move Naturally – become at least xxx min exercise per mean solar day
six. Await Forrad – Focus on meaningful things, set up goals, monitor progress. This will help you get more than of what you want out of life.
seven. Sleep Vii Plus – GET SOME SLEEP! Establish sleep routine (employ sleep hygiene)
8. Shape Surroundings – Look at shaping your dissimilar life radiuses to favour happy decisions. Eg. don't keep junk food in the refrigerator
nine. Correct Community – Live in a community which fosters wellbeing. Example: Immigrants moving from less happy countries to happier places such as Canada prefer the happiness levels of their new country within a yr!

The rest of the book was proficient merely to be honest lacked a lot of meat and seemed to be more interested in anecdotal evidence rather than existent science. While I'chiliad not a fan of simply page later page of statistics I felt similar this volume erred on the side of non having plenty weight behind some of it'southward statements (Hence the low rating) it did however provide some useful stories and a good frame piece of work when working with people.

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January eighteen, 2021 Irene McHugh rated it it was amazing

Pleasantly surprised past this quick read filled with actionable advice.

While I've heard or read nigh these same techniques before, the presentation here is what makes them work for me. Buettner argues that adding activities similar keeping a gratitude journal, meditating, or most of positive psychology strategies creates a scenario where people take to adjust their life to the strategy. He compares the reality of this modify happening to dieting and practice.

As someone who has tried numerous strat

Pleasantly surprised by this quick read filled with actionable communication.

While I've heard or read well-nigh these same techniques before, the presentation here is what makes them work for me. Buettner argues that adding activities like keeping a gratitude journal, meditating, or most of positive psychology strategies creates a scenario where people have to accommodate their life to the strategy. He compares the reality of this modify happening to dieting and do.

As someone who has tried numerous strategies and struggled to work them into habits, I appreciate Buettner'due south approach to leading a happier life. I cannot tell you how many different times I've started a gratitude journal. I've tried incorporating that habit so many different means into routines and none of them have stuck.

Buettner prefers to evaluate the environment and find means where the environs nudge people into making skillful choices for their happiness.

I highlighted many passages in this book that I will list in my 2021 planner then that I can cull different strategies to reverberate on as I suit my surroundings. With an upcoming move in the next vi months, this book presented some keen material for me to reflect upon equally my husband and I choose how we desire to organize our new domicile, and build relationships in our new community.

Additionally, I really enjoyed reading about various cultures and their approach to happiness. While I already knew some of these details, I certainly learned more.

I've already put several of his other books on hold with my local library. While I'm certain there will be repetition, the hold times are all over the identify, so reading one of his books every few months is only good reinforcement.

...more than

The first one-half of this volume was a wake up phone call, and the second one-half of the book came off equally out of touch on. I'chiliad incredibly happy that Republic of costa rica, Denmark, and Singapore have people with a greater sense of communities and purpose than we practice. I liked that the showtime of the book gave you a chance to quantify how happy you are, fifty-fifty if some of the questions are kinda bullshit. Non everyone has to be a married religious parent who eats veggies everyday, but I saw what the book was going for. This bo The commencement one-half of this book was a wake up call, and the 2nd half of the book came off as out of touch. I'g incredibly happy that Costa rica, Denmark, and Singapore take people with a greater sense of communities and purpose than we do. I liked that the beginning of the book gave yous a run a risk to quantify how happy y'all are, even if some of the questions are kinda bullshit. Not everyone has to be a married religious parent who eats veggies everyday, but I saw what the book was going for. This book was a good reminder that happiness and purpose are upheld by customs support, authorities assist and a sense of purpose. The aforementioned countries don't have a swollen military budget that soaks up working-class taxes. This book did encourage me to do, eat better, meditate and build my purpose, but it barely mentions the hurdles the American authorities asks united states of america to jump over.

I enjoyed gauging my happiness and learning more than about why happy people are the way they are. But this volume skirts around the class warfare and marginalization that occurs in the The states. I about laughed aloud at the idea of a government that provides for its citizens instead of upholding global imperialism. I wish we could accept health intendance that wasn't for profit, merely people here would fucking riot. Don't get me incorrect, its good to aim as close to an ideal every bit y'all can. However, the volume came off as out of bear on when it encouraged Americans to eat healthier and go on a run everyday. Not everyone has the time or ability to practice those things, and there's a lot of neglected black and native communities who would scoff at the recommendations in this book. I'm extremely privileged and know that modify would help the communities achieve this platonic. However, the volume doesn't acknowledge that our government doesn't give a shit nigh united states.

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Apr 06, 2022 Matthew rated it information technology was astonishing

Pleasance, purpose, pride: these are the three intertwining strands constituting the robust rope of happiness. The Danes, perennially at the top of world happiness surveys, have a lot of their basic needs met by their generous authorities services. Danes also have a strong community ethos, so they join lots of clubs and engage in purposeful activities. Costa Ricans, who may have an even stronger community ethos, have lives total of pleasurable moments or "positive touch": walking to work, joking west Pleasure, purpose, pride: these are the three intertwining strands constituting the robust rope of happiness. The Danes, perennially at the acme of world happiness surveys, accept a lot of their basic needs met past their generous government services. Danes also accept a strong community ethos, then they join lots of clubs and engage in purposeful activities. Costa Ricans, who may accept an even stronger community ethos, have lives full of pleasurable moments or "positive bear on": walking to work, joking with friends, playing with their kids. Singaporeans work 60hr weeks to get the 5 C's: car, condominium, cash, credit card, and order membership. They accept pride in their accomplishments, and that supposedly makes them happy. Although the description of their harried, materialistic, cramped lives seemed the antipodes of happiness, I'll accept Buettner'due south word for information technology.

What I really appreciate about Buettner's work is his thoroughness. He goes into the field with a bunch of scientists, gathers the information, crunches the numbers, and presents us with the best practices. He'southward besides clear-eyed on the benefits of positive psychology: "They may piece of work in the brusk run, just they well-nigh always fail over time. They're quick fixes that may evaporate before you know it." To exist happy in the long run, construction a happy life.

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National Geographic Explorer Dan Buettner has traveled the globe to uncover the best strategies for longevity.

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As dedicated readers already know, some of the all-time and well-nigh innovative stories on the shelves come from the constantly evolving realm of...

"Positive psychology offers several evidence-based strategies for improving our well-being, including mindfulness, meditation, cultivating gratitude, developing resilience, learning to savor experience, and then on." — 0 likes

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Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34736004-the-blue-zones-of-happiness

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