So we all know Walt Disney World (my former place of work) is the happiest place on earth, but who are considered the happiest people?

Well, according to a scientific survey of international happiness carried out by Leicester University in England, the Danes carry the number one spot. Americans rank at a distant 23rd.

There was a report on CBS News’ 60 Minutes this weekend, and it was quite fascinating to hear the Danes’ outlook on life (in general). For one, expectations aren’t set so high, so when something out-of-the-ordinary happens, like the national soccer team winning the European championship, a state of euphoria kicks in.

This isn’t to say they don’t have ambition: “I think that we have very high hopes. Just like any other people who, we just don’t get so disappointed when we don’t see them through,” a man in a focus group explained (italics are mine).

The piece also stated that 94 percent of U.S. college students are stressed and overwhelmed (sound familiar?) as a result of all the pressure to succeed.

“The number one predictor of well-being is close friendships and close relationships in general, which includes of course, family relationships. Much better predictor of well-being than affluence is,” said Psychology lecturer Tal Ben-Shahar.

The Danish students in the focus group shown said Americans put too much importance in stuff and accumulating material wealth.

Asked what he would advise Americans to do, a student said, “Well, okay. I have an advice. Don’t depend too much on the American dream. Yeah. I think you might get disappointed.”

This reminds me of a discussion we had in my Spanish class. My professor brought up the point that in our society “we spend how many hours a day at and commuting to/from work?” Minus time spent sleeping, showering, exercising, etc… from the 24-hour day, and how much do we actually spend with our family (whoever this is for you, not necessarily biological)…plus, for the usual work day, it’s not our “best hours” (its evening, you’re tired). Then, we don’t have a lot of free time until we retire (the Danes have 6 weeks of vacation a year), and by then, relationships may not have been nourished as much as they could have…and honestly, those aren’t necessarily the best years of our lives in terms of health.

So I hope that wasn’t too depressing. My point is, that even though we are running around a million miles a minute and stressing out about school work – especially where to find a job – stop for a second. Take time to call your mom for no reason, send your grandpa a card just to say “Hello!” Even just a text message to your brother to say “Good luck on your exam!” I know this isn’t entirely PR-related, but PR is about relationships, right? And what relationships are more important than those with the ones you love and who love you? I think we all know this at some level, but the way our society is, its not always the utmost priority.

In no way am I saying one particular way of life is better than the other. We, as a nation, have achieved so much in such a short time, and it is due to the strong work ethic, entrepreneurial spirit and intellect of the people. I’m just saying, my advice is not to get too caught up in material happiness and to take some time every day to enhance a relationship with a loved one.

What makes YOU happy?

If you want a few tips to help “make the world a better place,” which, in turn, could make you happy, Click Here

What’s your take on how Danes view the “American Dream?”