In this BIT: Explore the top French happiness hacks, including how to live in the moment and how to stop feeling guilty. All in all, keep reading to discover happiness advice from the culture of France.
France is a beautiful country, filled with history, delicious food, and iconic art. However, French people themselves have a reputation for being cold and unhappy. During my trip to France I decided I wanted to test this belief and see if it really is true. After speaking to locals, observing local life and culture, researching, and reviewing statistics, I can confirm that in my opinion (which seems to be supported by statistics) French people are rather happy. In this BIT, I’m breaking down what brings French people happiness, and how we can incorporate their happiness hacks into our own lives.
What is Happiness Around The World? This is our latest series, sharing what makes people in different countries, and around the world happy. This new collection includes written BITS posts featured here on our website, YouTube videos, podcast episodes and more. All the content is about exploring what gives people AROUND the world a small bit of happiness, and how we can shift some of the things we do to learn from them and feel happier too.
As I spoke with our AirBnB host about what brings him and the people of France happiness, he shared a very heartfelt quote with me, “the world can be big and small”. We can buy the same car anywhere around the world, buy the same cosmetics and most other things anywhere, most brands are available online and ship around the world fairly instantaneously. What is the one thing that isn’t easily available in that way? Food. French food brings French people a small bit of happiness, it reminds them of their childhood, their mother’s cooking, and simpler days. Plus, many different regions within France have very unique products, specific to the area. When something isn’t available everywhere and all the time, it becomes more special.
HACK: You: What is one food that reminds you of your childhood, or of a fond memory? Make an effort to eat this dish or food soon. Cherish the flavours, and the memories they bring you.
In North America, we often see people walking the streets holding a coffee cup in hand. However, in France, this situation would be quite the sight. Walking with coffee is a faux pas. Cafes are filled with people enjoying coffee outdoors, or indoors. In addition to everyone enjoying their beverage in a coffee shop, the second big difference is that all the drinks (even Starbucks) are served in ceramic cups. French people sip their beverages slowly, staying at the cafe, and enjoying the present moment. This is such an integral part of French culture that even big-chain restaurants, such as Starbucks, have converted to ceramic cups in France.
HACK: I absolutely understand we all have busy schedules and lives. However, take 10-15 minutes each day to simply sit, and be in the moment. Perhaps enjoy a warm beverage and have a conversation with a family member or friend, or sit and reflect on what has brought you joy throughout the day. Set a timer on your phone, put your phone away, and simply enjoy the present moment.
The phrase “guilty pleasure” is rarely used in France. According to Ajiri Aku, a journalist who moved from the US to France, the phrase “pleasure” is far more common. French people don’t feel guilty for doing things that bring them happiness. How can we stop feeling guilty? Embrace joy wherever you find it – and don’t feel bad.
HACK: What have you named a “guilty pleasure”? Do it today, and don’t feel guilty!
We hope that you try out some of these happy hacks from France, giving you a small bit of happiness.
Explore The Rest of Happiness Around The World
YouTube: What Makes FRENCH People Happy?
Podcast: Happy Hacks From France
For more happiness check out our Mood Boost page.
Featuring quick videos created for teens by teens.
Citations:
How to stop feeling guilty? How to live in the moment? Find out all the greatest French happiness hacks in this BITS post.