Finding Calm in a Storm: What the World’s Most Relaxed Countries Can Teach Us
Let’s face it: modern life can feel like a pressure cooker. Between endless emails, tight deadlines, and the constant ping of notifications, it’s no wonder stress has become a global epidemic. But what if I told you that some countries have cracked the code to stay calm, cool, and collected? A recent study by GroundingWell ranked nations based on their “Relaxation Score”—a clever mix of annual working hours, paid vacation days, work-life balance, stress levels, anger levels, and life satisfaction. The results? Denmark is the most relaxed country globally, followed by the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Finland. Let’s unpack what these chill champions are doing right—and how we can steal a page from their playbook.
Denmark: The Gold Standard of Chill
Picture this: a country where people work fewer hours, take generous vacations and still manage to be some of the world's happiest. That’s Denmark in a nutshell. With a work-life balance index of 73.45—the highest in the study—and a life satisfaction score of 8.8, Danes are living the dream. Only 18% of the population reports feeling stressed, and they clock in the second-lowest annual working hours globally. Plus, they get 25 paid vacation days a year to sip coffee, ride bikes, and enjoy hygge (that cozy Danish vibe we all secretly crave).
What’s their secret? It’s all about prioritizing balance. Denmark’s culture doesn’t glorify burnout—it celebrates living well. At Breakfast Leadership, I’ve long argued that work-life balance boosts productivity, and Denmark proves it. Less stress, more satisfaction—it’s a winning formula.
The Netherlands: Masters of Moderation
Next up is the Netherlands, landing at number two with a Relaxation Score of 10. The Dutch boast a work-life balance index of 69.1 and a life satisfaction score of 8.7. Even better? Only 9% of the population reports feeling angry—the second-lowest rate in the study—and just 28% feel stressed.
The Dutch have a knack for keeping things in perspective. They work hard but don’t let work define them. With a strong emphasis on family time and leisure, they’re a shining example of how to thrive without frying. Want to channel some Dutch calm? Check out my tips on avoiding burnout at Breakfast Leadership—it’s all about setting boundaries and reclaiming your peace.
Germany: Efficiency Meets Ease
Germany snags third place with a work-life balance index of 71.84 and a life satisfaction score of 8.1. While 32% of Germans report stress and 15% experience anger, the country’s knack for efficiency keeps it near the top. Germans work smart, not just hard, and their generous vacation policies give them time to recharge.
I explore this balance of discipline and downtime in my piece on effective time management. Germany shows us that structure doesn’t have to mean stress—it can pave the way for relaxation if you do it right.
France: Leisure Is Life
France comes in fourth place with a Relaxation Score of 15. With a work-life balance index of 66.62 and 30 vacation days a year, the French have mastered the art of leisure. In fact, they dedicate over 16 hours a day to non-work activities—more than any other country in the study. While 33% report stress and 17% feel anger, their life satisfaction score of 6.1 reflects a culture that values joie de vivre.
France reminds us that downtime isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. I dive deeper into this idea in my article on why breaks boost performance. Maybe it’s time we all start sipping espresso and savoring the moment, French-style.
Finland: Happiness Over Hustle
Rounding out the top five is Finland, with a Relaxation Score of 16. Finns enjoy the highest life satisfaction score in the study—10 out of 10—and the lowest anger levels, with just 7% of the population feeling mad. 33% report stress, but that doesn’t dim their glow. Finland’s long, dark winters haven’t stopped them from prioritizing well-being, thanks to saunas, nature, and a culture that puts happiness first.
Finland’s approach aligns with my thoughts on building resilience. Stress might knock on the door, but a strong foundation of satisfaction keeps it from moving in.
What We Can Learn
Oliver Bennett from GroundingWell sums it up perfectly: “High workloads and minimal recovery time fuel a culture where stress is the default state.” The data backs him up—countries with higher work-life balance scores consistently show lower stress and anger levels. Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Finland aren’t just lucky; they’ve built systems prioritizing people over profit.
So, how do we get a slice of that relaxation pie? Start small. Take a page from Denmark and schedule some hygge into your day. Borrow the Dutch habit of unplugging after hours. Embrace Germany’s efficiency in freeing time, France’s love for leisure, or Finland’s focus on joy. And if you need a roadmap, swing by Breakfast Leadership for more insights—I’ve got your back.
In a constantly connected world, these countries remind us that calm isn’t a fantasy—it’s a choice. Let’s make it ours.
Explore insights and strategies for success with Breakfast Leadership Network, your trusted source for leadership articles, shows, and more. Subscribe today to stay informed and inspired!
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/MichaelDLevitt
X: https://X.com/bfastleadership
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bfastleadership/
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@breakfastleadership?sub_confirmation=1
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bfastleadership
Blog: https://BreakfastLeadership.com/blog
Interviews: https://BreakfastLeadership.com/media
Podcast: https://apple.co/3ywz8SE
Books:
Burnout Proof: https://amzn.to/37prw48
The Great Resignation & Quiet Quitting: https://amzn.to/3JgeusB
Baby Boomer Burnout: https://amzn.to/3Yei4rf
369 Days: How To Survive A Year of Worst-Case Scenarios: https://amzn.to/38Zd807
Burnout: How You Entered The Path To Burnout: https://amzn.to/2GQWFyZ
