Canadians are less happy than ever. What can we learn from the world's happiest countries? Mindfulness and community, experts say
This year, Canada slipped to 18th in the World Happiness Report. In turn, a therapist and psychologist share what other countries are doing best.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle.
People in Canada are less happy than they were last year, according to the 2025 World Happiness Report, and unhappier than they've ever been since the survey began polling in 2005. The country has dropped three spots from last year, slipping to 18th, with a 6.8 out of 10 life satisfaction rating. It's now further from its highest spot of 5th in 2015.
Nordic countries have snagged the top four spots this year, with Finland as number one for its eighth year in a row with a 7.74 out of 10 rating. While Nordic countries are routinely in the top 10 slots, this year saw some newcomers. Costa Rica rose from 12th last year to sixth, and Mexico took 10th — a rise from its previous 25th slot.
With this data in mind, it's worth examining what some of these countries do that might contribute to their residents being happy. "I think what's interesting about this report is the shared commonalities in the culture of the countries that consistently rank higher," Vikas Keshri, clinical director and founder of Bloom Clinical Care in Ontario, told Yahoo Canada.
Researchers of the report found happier countries noted "higher levels of social support and lower levels of loneliness." Interestingly, believing someone will return a lost wallet is strongly tied to happiness, and Finland happens to be a country with high rates of returned wallets.
Countries like Finland, Keshri explained, prioritize trust and create systemic policies with a strong safety net for their citizens. "In Finland, their robust policies around welfare reduce inequality and prioritize human interaction and wellness over financial stress. Trust in institutions drives happiness in citizens," he said.
Likewise, the social culture in Costa Rica and Mexico is very family-centric, prioritizing humans over finances. Keshri added people in these countries often share communal meals, celebrate events together and have large families — sometimes multiple generations — living in the same home.
As part of the report's theme centred on how sharing and caring affect happiness, researchers examined how sharing meals impacts well-being compared to eating alone. "Things such as shared meals, intergenerational support and a sense of community help promote happiness far more than just money," Keshri noted.
What's missing for Canadians?
The results of this survey come as no surprise to Canadian mental health professionals, according to Toronto-based clinical psychologist Dr. Monica Vermani. In 2023, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared loneliness a global public health concern.
Vermani explained that, especially for people under age 30, social restrictions had a strong and lasting negative impact on their access to healthy routines, as well as building and sustaining strong social connections. People who worked remotely were also disconnected from workplace support and communities, especially young people just starting their careers.
Keshri further explained that in Canada, kids tend to move out in their early 20s with grandparents living in different residences: "There isn't much emphasis on communal activities, such as dedicated time for meals where everyone comes together." He added Canadians are often focused on their own successes, and opportunities to share them are lacking, leading to a lack of community and support.
Aside from cultural differences, which help other countries rank higher, Canadians currently face tremendous economic challenges. Keshri noted the following all contribute to the reduction in world happiness rankings:
Record-high housing prices
Decreasing value in the Canadian dollar
Rising unemployment
Fear of tariffs and financial future
Inflation in grocery and gas prices
Inadequate health care support
How Canadians can boost their happiness
"While everything may seem chaotic, there are a few actionable things Canadians can do today to help cope with stress," Keshri shared.
Practice mindfulness
Feeling happier will come naturally if you try to take joy in the micro-interactions of your day-to-day life. For example, instead of thinking about how annoying the traffic during your commute is, reflect on happy moments from the day before. That might include a moment with your child, a compliment from a friend or a delicious meal. "Truly seek the happiness in the little things, and everything will seem slightly happier," Keshri added.
Focus on what you can control
Keshri explained anxiety often comes from a sense of impending doom rather than something that has actually happened. In turn, it's a good idea to work on letting go of things that are out of your control. "A great strategy to cope with anticipatory anxiety is to write down things that are in your control, and if they are, how can you work on those things to reduce that stress?"
For example, Keshri said recent news regarding the Trump administration implementing tariffs has caused Canadians a lot of stress. "Determine, to a realistic degree, if you have any control over the situation. And if you do, what can be done?" In this case, Canadians can shop local, buy Canadian-made products and cancel that trip to United States.
If you do not have control over the situation, he suggested asking yourself what specifically is causing you to feel that way and how can you take your mind off those things? "Maybe avoid the news, go for a run, pick up a hobby that takes up your time," Keshri recommended.
Seek out community
"When we live without such connections, we suffer, develop insecurities, foster anxiety and self-doubt and simply struggle," Vermani indicated. She shared that living with limited or no social connections leads to increased stress, anxiety and depression. That can lead to feelings of isolation, insecurity and as if you're alone in life.
Vermani's tip: Be proactive and intentional. Re-engage in activities and pursuits that bring you joy, and rebuild a more active and interactive social and work life. "Don't wait for other people to make plans. Instigate casual get-togethers with old or new friends. Invite family or friends to an evening of games, a potluck dinner or brunch, attend community events, concerts and lectures."
Keshri recommended seeking out community to feel connected to others, whether with family, friends, a sports team, neighbours or through volunteer opportunities. "A community of like-minded individuals, with shared values, can be very powerful in uplifting an individual in times of distress," he explained, adding that humans are inherently social beings who seek belonging.
"Finding a place where you 'fit in' can be so powerful and beneficial to your mental health," Keshri said. "It gives you a place to go for help, and it gives you a sense of purpose, which is going to be higher than chasing a promotion."
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