Latest news with #happiness
BBC News
3 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- BBC News
The secret to life in the world's best cities
Australia now has three cities in the global top 10 for liveability. Residents reveal what makes daily life here so appealing – and why it's not just about the weather. The world's most liveable and happiest cities lists are usually dominated by European countries – but it may be time to look down under. This year, three Australian cities made the top 10 in the Economist Intelligence Unit's Most Liveable Cities index, with Adelaide joining Melbourne and Sydney there for the first time. It's no surprise to Australians, who have long relished a high quality of life. They point to big city benefits – galleries, concerts, sports, diverse cuisine – combined with Australia's iconic natural beauty as the winning formula. "Australia has a deep respect for the outdoors. Lunch breaks can be swims, weeknights mean open-air cinemas and weekends are for farmers' markets packed with produce so good it barely needs cooking," said Andrea Seifert, a senior comms director for Eight Communications who grew up in Europe and Asia and recently moved to Sydney. "That kind of access to nature and culture is rare!" This also translates into a culture where residents work to live instead of live to work. "The lifestyle is just easier. Not necessarily cheaper, but there's a different mindset here," said Cheryl Monkhouse, who lived most of her life in the US and now lives in Adelaide where she works for SeaLink Marine & Tourism. "Holidays are taken, and time off is not just expected but respected. Four weeks annual leave is the norm, not the exception." She also says the national healthcare system is a lifeline, compared to the US where losing a job can mean losing health benefits and paying out of pocket for care. "In Australia, there's a sense of security knowing you and your family are covered no matter your employment status," she said. To find out more about what makes these Australian cities so liveable, we spoke to residents about the things that most impact their daily quality of life. Melbourne: Multicultural, caffeinated and sports-mad Ranked highest out of the Australian cities and fourth globally, Melbourne scored perfect marks in both education and healthcare, and inched out Sydney and Adelaide with its high culture & environment score. Residents point to its cultural diversity as a major draw. "The people, the food, the lifestyle – Melbourne is so multicultural," said Dani Feludu, who was born in Melbourne to European parents. "My husband is Nigerian. My closest friend is Indian. I live in the suburbs, not the city, and can walk 10 minutes from my house to get dinner from restaurants that serve cuisines like Mexican, Thai, Filipino, Korean and Turkish. The list goes on!" Feludu recommends experiencing Melbourne's vibrant cultural life in iconic areas like Carlisle Street in Balaclava, Sydney Road in Brunswick and the city laneways. Residents also rave about the city's cafe culture, a product of the Italian immigrants who moved here from the 1950s to 1970s, says resident Katherine Tuominen, founder of Catalyst Brand Strategy. "Beyond the quality and variety of coffee beans, cafes are a great place to connect with strangers and strike up a conversation – once you've enjoyed the beverage that is," she said. And for sport lovers? Melbourne is paradise. "International events like the Australian Open and the Formula 1 Grand Prix take place right in the city centre," said Melbourne-born Michael Rozenblit, founder of travel site The World Was Here First. "We also have great local sports like Aussie Rules Football (AFL) that draw huge crowds and are incredibly fun to attend." Rozenblit recommends visitors go to an AFL game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). "The atmosphere is intoxicating, the game is unique and it's fundamental to Melbourne culture," he said. "Some games can draw crowds of more than 80,000 people." Sydney: City perks, beach lifestyle Australia's most populous city ranked sixth overall in the index, with perfect scores in education and healthcare, and strong rankings in infrastructure and culture & environment. Residents consistently mention that Sydney combines the buzz of a major global city with a lifestyle built around the outdoors. "What I love most is the balance. You get all the perks of a big city, great food, art, culture and jobs, but with easy access to nature," said Sydney resident Liam Duffy. "I can be in a buzzing cafe one minute, and then at the beach or hiking in a national park within the hour. The lifestyle here feels very grounded and healthy." Sydney's Bondi neighbourhood in particular is known for its strong wellness culture, contributing to Sydney's enviable quality of life. "I'm often down at the beach at 05:00 running or training with friends, followed by a quick dip in the ocean, sauna and ice bath session and a coffee, all before 07:00," said Alice Moore, director at Élysée Collective communications agency. Visitors can get a taste of this by doing the popular Bondi to Bronte walk, a 2.5km coastal path that passes through the city's best beaches and has plenty of hip cafes and bars along the way. Beyond the 1,500km of walking and biking paths available in the city, Sydney's well-planned and easy-to-access infrastructure also makes the city feel more liveable. "Public transport is solid, healthcare is reliable and the city feels generally safe and clean," said Duffy. Similar to Melbourne, Sydney has a diverse food scene that includes both high-end and affordable fare, including Japanese BBQ, Korean, Lebanese, Greek and Turkish. The new Sydney Fish Market is set to open this year, showcasing Australia's best seafood and set to attract nearly six million visitors annually (more than twice the current visitation). "Fresh prawns, oysters, bugs will be enjoyed right where the fishing trawlers come in every day," said Amanda Bolger, a general manager at Luxury Escapes. To best appreciate the city, she recommends jumping on a ferry from Circular Quay to Manly. "You'll get a different perspective of Sydney from the water and essentially have an inexpensive Sydney Harbour cruise," she said, recommending a walk around Manly before hopping back aboard the ferry. "Don't forget to get a seat on the outside deck so you can get that Insta-worthy image with the Harbour Bridge/Sydney Opera House in the background." Adelaide: The quiet achiever Jumping up two spots in the rankings from 2024 to break into the top 10 for the first time, Adelaide saw its boost come directly from strong growth in its culture & environment score. The capital and most populous city of South Australia, Adelaide scores high marks from its residents for being a "big 'country' city", with a solid mix of access to nature and comprehensive infrastructure that makes life easier and more enjoyable. More like this:• The world's most liveable cities for 2025 – and what it's really like to live there• The Indian Ocean's laid-back 'paradise on Earth'• The world's five happiest cities for 2025 Locals describe it as a place where simplicity, affordability and nature come together. "Living in Adelaide, life is simpler," said Monkhouse. "It's connected and convenient without being overwhelming. Public transport is reliable, and my kids use it daily to get to school, the beach or meet friends." She contrasts it to her life in the US where public transport is often unavailable or unreliable outside of major metro areas, and rarely something kids would use independently. Even though the population nears 1.5 million, residents say Adelaide remains easy to navigate. "You can still get just about anywhere in 30 to 45 minutes," said Erin Carey, director of PR agency Roam Generation. "I live in the Adelaide Hills and I can be in the city centre in just 25 minutes. It's easy to live here with the hills, the beach and the wine regions!" In the Hills, she finds herself surrounded by nature, with kangaroos and koalas often visiting her property, while the beach is just 30 minutes away and world-class wineries even closer. "My ideal Sunday involves a countryside drive, either south to McLaren Vale or north to the Barossa [wine regions], to discover a new cellar door, sipping a crisp white wine in the sunshine while the kids hang out on the lawn," she said, noting she always takes first-time visitors to the Chalk Hill Winery, with vineyards dating to 1839 and the best views in the region. Autumn (March-May) is a favourite time of year here, especially in the Hills town of Stirling when the leaves start to change. Elsewhere, Carey recommends the beachside suburbs of Aldinga and Moana for their laid-back vibes. "In just a few days, you can experience three incredibly diverse sides of Adelaide: the English village feel and leafy beauty of the Hills, the rolling vineyards of McLaren Vale and the rugged, ochre-coloured cliffs of the southern beaches," she said. -- For more Travel stories from the BBC, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Washington Post
a day ago
- Health
- Washington Post
7 simple, science-based ways to be more joyful
With the stresses of daily life, it can often seem difficult to find moments to smell the proverbial roses. But you don't necessarily need a lot of time or effort to experience meaningful joy, a recent study reported. The study, which researchers dubbed the Big Joy Project, enrolled more than 17,000 people across 169 countries to receive one daily joy-boosting activity for a week via email.
Independent Singapore
a day ago
- Lifestyle
- Independent Singapore
'Singaporeans, what did you sacrifice or upgrade to keep up with today's lifestyle?'
A woman who appears happy and independent (for illustration purposes only) SINGAPORE: In an active city known for its breakneck productivity and high standards, some Singaporeans are gently redrafting the rubrics of how to live well. A recent Reddit thread asked a simple question: 'Singaporeans, what have you given up or improved to adjust your lifestyle?' The responses and reactions depicted an unexpectedly consistent picture, that of people stepping off the treadmill of conventional success, and instead, seeking balance, happiness, and purposeful living. One netizen's story encapsulated the spirit of the shift: 'I have given up chasing my career and now lie flat to enjoy exercising. I travel to participate in several races now.' That disposition greatly reverberated with others. 'Are you me?' another reacted. 'I almost don't care what happens at work anymore as long as I'm paid my fair wages and get to fly off to race.' It's not lethargy or indifference — far from it. It's a mindful 're-prioritisation.' Gone were the days when one lived to work. Now, it's about working to live, and living well. Another Redditor put it concisely: 'Chasing promotions. I'd rather just do my job, go home, and live life outside of it. I'm trying to work on not making my job my whole identity.' See also BLACKPINK's Lisa tops most beautiful list This change isn't just about career preferences. It's an overhaul of one's full existence, beginning with everyday habits. One netizen shared, 'I stopped binge-drinking to not only save money but improve my quality of life.' Others echoed parallel alterations — choosing healthier food options, ditching coffee and sugary drinks for water, and working out in the park instead of paying for the gymnasium. The trend towards practicality also spreads to how people use entertainment. 'No paid TV services, not even Netflix,' one Redditor commented. 'Just WiFi access and more time spent offline.' However, the most compelling reflections were internal — and emotional. One netizen wrote: 'Internally, it has been rewarding to just forgive people, be it family, friends, or any past issues. Being kinder to myself has also been very helpful.' Their everyday life now consists of reading, activities with friends and other like-minded individuals, and spending valuable time with loved ones. 'I also like to smile more and laugh more at things that happen in life. Why so serious?' See also Tech jobs no longer lead the Best Jobs list in Singapore This new mindset isn't about renouncing ambition, but about redefining it. Success and achievements are no longer gauged solely by job designations or bank account balances. For many Singaporeans, it's now about peace of mind, good health, more profound relationships, and the choice and liberty to enjoy life. In a society usually associated with go-getting, high productivity, and structure, this silent revolution feels excitingly courageous. () => { const trigger = if ('IntersectionObserver' in window && trigger) { const observer = new IntersectionObserver((entries, observer) => { => { if ( { lazyLoader(); // You should define lazyLoader() elsewhere or inline here // Run once } }); }, { rootMargin: '800px', threshold: 0.1 }); } else { // Fallback setTimeout(lazyLoader, 3000); } });
CTV News
3 days ago
- General
- CTV News
‘It can be quite alienating': Islanders react to happiness poll that ranks P.E.I. last
Despite its scenic charm, a new survey ranks P.E.I. lowest in national happiness, leaving many Islanders surprised. CTV's Maria Sarrouh reports. You wouldn't guess it from the boardwalk chatter in Charlottetown, or the smiles in bloom on a sunny afternoon, but Prince Edward Island has ranked last in a national poll on happiness. A recent Leger internet survey of nearly 40,000 Canadians asked respondents to rate their happiness on a scale from zero to 100. Islanders reported an average score of 66.5 per cent, the lowest of any province. By comparison, Quebec came out on top at 72.4 per cent. While some Islanders are brushing it off, others say the ranking reflects deeper issues, from cost-of-living struggles to social isolation. 'That's pure lie. We're very happy people,' said Michelle O'Hanley at the Victoria Park boardwalk. 'Quality of life is really good, so that surprises me,' added Jessica O'Hanley. 'Everything kind of slows down here, people enjoy life,' Chris Carsten said while on a stroll with his family. 'You almost never get a traffic jam,' said Tracy Nguyen. While the province is often seen as postcard perfect, some residents say daily life does come with real pressures. 'It's not a cheap place to live as far as groceries and rent, and income isn't as high as other cities,' said Pius MacPhee. 'Crossing the bridge. And accessibility to metro cities,' added Dhvanit Upadhyay, listing challenges he faces. Suggestion: Listing the challenges he faces, Dhvanit Upadhyay cited 'crossing the bridge' and 'accessibility to metro cities.' Statistics Canada data shows that in the first quarter of 2025, 48.5 per cent of Islanders rated their life satisfaction between eight and 10 out of 10 - nearly identical to the national average of 48.6 per cent. Still, the Leger results have sparked a broader conversation about what well-being looks like in smaller communities. Michael Arfken, an associate psychology professor at the University of Prince Edward Island, said the results reflect what many are feeling, from limited access to family doctors, to struggles with work and wages. He added that the province's size can be both a blessing and a curse. 'A lot of people that have grown up on this Island feel a sense of connection and a sense of community,' he said. 'On the flip side, if you're new here and don't have those established relationships, it can be quite alienating.' For some Islanders, gratitude for the simple pleasures goes a long way. 'I woke up this morning, and my feet touched the floor, I knew I was alive. And I was going to make the most of today,' said Kenny Tierney, back on the boardwalk. On the UPEI campus, a chalk smile drawn on the pavement offered a quiet reminder that joy can still be found all around.
CTV News
3 days ago
- General
- CTV News
‘That's pure lie,' Islanders say as P.E.I. ranks last in happiness poll
You wouldn't guess it from the boardwalk chatter in Charlottetown, or the smiles in bloom on a sunny afternoon, but Prince Edward Island has ranked last in a national poll on happiness. A recent Leger internet survey of nearly 40,000 Canadians asked respondents to rate their happiness on a scale from zero to 100. Islanders reported an average score of 66.5 per cent, the lowest of any province. By comparison, Quebec came out on top at 72.4 per cent. While some Islanders are brushing it off, others say the ranking reflects deeper issues, from cost-of-living struggles to social isolation. 'That's pure lie. We're very happy people,' said Michelle O'Hanley at the Victoria Park boardwalk. 'Quality of life is really good, so that surprises me,' added Jessica O'Hanley. 'Everything kind of slows down here, people enjoy life,' Chris Carsten said while on a stroll with his family. 'You almost never get a traffic jam,' said Tracy Nguyen. While the province is often seen as postcard perfect, some residents say daily life does come with real pressures. 'It's not a cheap place to live as far as groceries and rent, and income isn't as high as other cities,' said Pius MacPhee. 'Crossing the bridge. And accessibility to metro cities,' added Dhvanit Upadhyay, listing challenges he faces. Suggestion: Listing the challenges he faces, Dhvanit Upadhyay cited 'crossing the bridge' and 'accessibility to metro cities.' Statistics Canada data shows that in the first quarter of 2025, 48.5 per cent of Islanders rated their life satisfaction between eight and 10 out of 10 - nearly identical to the national average of 48.6 per cent. Still, the Leger results have sparked a broader conversation about what well-being looks like in smaller communities. Michael Arfken, an associate psychology professor at the University of Prince Edward Island, said the results reflect what many are feeling, from limited access to family doctors, to struggles with work and wages. He added that the province's size can be both a blessing and a curse. 'A lot of people that have grown up on this Island feel a sense of connection and a sense of community,' he said. 'On the flip side, if you're new here and don't have those established relationships, it can be quite alienating.' For some Islanders, gratitude for the simple pleasures goes a long way. 'I woke up this morning, and my feet touched the floor, I knew I was alive. And I was going to make the most of today,' said Kenny Tierney, back on the boardwalk. On the UPEI campus, a chalk smile drawn on the pavement offered a quiet reminder that joy can still be found all around.
