Rediscover Your Happy Place with ‘The Blue Zones of Happiness’ [REVIEW]

One of the secrets to longevity is happiness, and these two in Boulder, Colorado seem to have that in spades. (Photo by Mark Doliner, Flickr)

Last time I chatted with Dan Buettner, he introduced my radio audience to the concept of “blue zones,” those places on our planet where people seem to live the longest . He also taught us why they have such remarkable longevity. Now, in The Blue Zones of Happiness, he uses further research to show us why these folks are also among the happiest in the world and what key strategies we can impliment in our own lives to find our happy place.  

National Geographic

Dan has literally traveled the globe in the pursuit of happiness. He’s talked to lots of happy folks. And he’s discovered a thing or two about what all these deliciously joyful people have in common. Each of them actually live, in every sense of the word. They eat well, exercise regularly, communicate thoughtfully, and find work rewarding. They enjoy spending time with family and friends. They get off their sofa and move. And when they go to work, they don’t have to navigate through claustrophobic, choked commutes. And these are just a few of the things these folks have in common. There’s so much more to it!

One of those things is realizing we need to promote a cultural shift in our cities, organizations, and workplaces. We need to learn the importance of investing in our community. Why? Happy people not only live longer, but they work harder, are sick less, and they become fully functioning, thoughtful citizens who happily contribute to the greater good. But how do we inspire such a dramatic change in a nation that only promises us the right to pursue happiness and not the means by which to achieve it? Dan shows us how in this smart, fascinating, and thought-provoking new volume. If you want to live your best life and help others do it too, reading The Blue Zones of Happiness is a great start filled with “Aha!” moments.

One of the things I like most about this new edition is how it makes us stop and assess our own happiness. Do we even know what happiness really is? Have we experienced it? And if we’re not sure, how can we identify it and make it a vital part of our lives? There’s a breakdown of key happiness components on pages 24 through 26 that will make you think.

Dan also takes us into the lives and homes of people from the far flung corners of the globe. From Costa Rica to Denmark, he highlights what works in each society and what contributes to happier citizens. The Danes, for example, love joining groups which helps them become quite social, they work less than 40 hours per week, and take lots of vacations (six weeks per year). These are ideals I can get behind!

My favorite takeaway, however, is the section on “Designing Your Social Network,” which gives practical advice on building a support system in our lives. Here, he demonstrates that happiness begets happiness, and it is important for us to surround ourselves with positivity. There are lots more great ideas here too, but you need to pick up a copy of the book to find out what they are. C’mon, I can’t tell you everything!

Needless to say, with The Blue Zones of Happiness, Dan Buettner and National Geographic have once again hit the nail square on the head. We are living in what may very well be one of the most disastisfied periods in American history. But there is hope for happiness out there, and Dan shows us where to find it with intelligence, candor and lots of compassion. By the time you finish reading this book, you’re simply going to want to track  him down and give him a big hug, because the reminders he gives us within these pages will make you smile and find your happy place again.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dan Buettner
(Photo by Theo and Juliet Photography)

Dan Buettner is the founder of Blue Zones, an organization that helps Americans live longer, healthier, happier lives.

His groundbreaking work on longevity led to his 2005 National Geographic cover story, “The Secrets of Long Life,” and three national bestsellers: The Blue Zones, Thrive, and The Blue Zones Solution.

Buettner lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Visit him on Facebook and Twitter, and at bluezones.com.

THE BLUE ZONES OF HAPPINESS: LESSONS FROM THE WORLD’S HAPPIEST PEOPLE
By Dan Buettner
288 pgs. National Geographic. $26.

You may purchase The Blue Zones of Happiness at one of these fine online retailers: National Geographic, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.

The Blue Zones of Happiness is brought to you in association with TLC Book Tours.

The Blue Zones of Happiness Giveaway

Want to win a copy of The Blue Zones of Happiness for your personal library? Simply complete the form below and click submit to enter. Giveaway is limited to U.S. residents only. Contest ends November 6, 2017.