For this week’s stress buster article I thought I’d pay a little credit to those nations that are relatively stress free. It’s Common Wealth Day, so with unifying states in mind, let’s open the door to equilibrium on wellness. Stress free living! I suppose you could say our top tip this week is live venture beyond the British Isles, (if you’re in the UK) because these are the places you are statistically proven to be less stressed.
Australia
The land of nightmares? For a country where seemingly 99% of wildlife seems intent on killing human beings the people here are reasonably relaxed. With the third highest minimum wage in the world and the seventh highest salaries, Oz happens to be one of the richest countries on the planet. So fire up the barbie and put the country’s mortality rate by snake bite out of your mind.
Sweden
If this was a list of top regions where people are most stress free then Scandinavia would top the group. We have limited ourselves to two countries for this list, with Sweden being the first. The Swedish Krona is doing reasonably well against the Pound and the Euro and the quality of life ranks in the top three in the world. The progressive welfare system means there are very few people below the poverty line and unemployment is at its record lowest in years.
Switzerland
Take everything I just said about Sweden, amplify it and add the longest life expectancy, after retirement in the world. The Swiss have a national average wage that matches the dear expenses it takes to live there. It’s also a country where crime seems like an anomalous blip with 0.7 murders being committed per 100,000 people. Known for its luxury resorts and spas, many find that a holiday to Switzerland is to unwind more than anything else so imagine upping sticks and living there.
Luxembourg
Not known for its size or advantageous geographical position, Luxembourg has really come into its own during the last century. Perhaps because it is one of the least populous countries in the world that people feel so chilled out. Maybe it’s because they pay the highest minimum wage in world and people can work in the relative peace and quiet while earning a ‘liveable’ wage. Its high income market economy promotes growth, low inflation and a high level of innovation. An all-round five star review for the tiny landlocked nation.
Norway
A Scandinavian country had to be top of the heap really. A country built on Viking legends, a healthy plethora of fresh fish and snow topped fjords. There are almost two million more people in London than there are in the entirety of Norway. It’s a place where there is an astoundingly low level of crime and where the welfare system works to make sure everyone receives their due. A naturally happy people, Norway has the lowest stress levels of any country in the world.
