Why the US is Unhappier Than Ever

And What We Can Do To Fix It

It’s that time of year again—the release of the World Happiness Report. And once more, Finland has clinched the top spot as the happiest country on Earth.

Meanwhile, the United States has slipped to its lowest ranking ever, now sitting at 24th place. It’s enough to make you wonder if we should all start investing in saunas and learning to love pickled herring.

But before we pack our bags for Helsinki, let’s take a moment to reflect on what these rankings really mean—and, more importantly, what we, as Americans, can do to boost our own happiness.

And for that, we may not need a plane ticket—just a little wisdom, including some that’s been around for thousands of years.

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The Finnish Formula and the Jewish Blueprint

So, what’s Finland’s secret sauce? According to the report, factors such as trust, connection, and societal support play significant roles.

Finns enjoy a high degree of social trust, a robust social safety net, and a strong sense of community. They believe in the kindness of others and feel supported by their society.

Now, contrast that with the current American experience. The report highlights a troubling trend: an increasing number of Americans are eating their meals alone.

In fact, solo dining has been identified as a stronger predictor of unhappiness than unemployment. In our quest for individualism, we’ve become isolated—physically present but emotionally distant.

This is where Jewish wisdom offers an ancient but urgent remedy. Happiness is not a solo endeavor—it is found in connection, responsibility, and gratitude.

Rabbi Hillel once said: "If I am not for myself, who will be for me? But if I am only for myself, what am I?" (Pirkei Avot 1:14)

It’s a perfect counterpoint to our modern struggle. Yes, self-care and personal happiness matter. But if we live only for ourselves—if our entire focus is on our own satisfaction while we neglect our responsibility to others—then something essential is missing.

Happiness, in the Jewish view, isn’t a fleeting emotion. It’s a practice, a responsibility, and something cultivated through meaningful relationships and acts of kindness.

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Rebuilding Connections: A Jewish and Global Perspective

So, how do we turn this ship around? How do we reclaim our happiness? It starts with reconnecting—with ourselves, with each other, and with our communities.

1. Break Bread Together – Hachnasat Orchim (Hospitality)

Let’s bring back the communal meal. In Judaism, hachnasat orchim, or hospitality, is a sacred obligation. Abraham and Sarah didn’t just welcome strangers into their tent—they practically tackled them with kindness.

Sharing a meal fosters connection and reminds us that we’re part of something larger than ourselves. Maybe it’s time to turn our lonely microwave dinners into Friday night Shabbat gatherings, where we light candles and share bread with others.

2. Practice Gratitude – Hakarat HaTov (Recognizing the Good)

Keep a gratitude journal. Jewish tradition teaches hakarat hatov, the practice of recognizing the good in our lives.

The first prayer observant Jews say upon waking is Modeh Ani—“I give thanks.”

Not “I check my phone.” Not “I make a to-do list.” But simply, “I give thanks for another day.”

Maybe starting our mornings this way would change the trajectory of our day—and, over time, our lives.

3. Engage in Acts of Kindness – Gemilut Chasadim (Loving Deeds)

Volunteer at a local shelter. Help a neighbor with their groceries.

Jewish ethics emphasize gemilut chasadim, acts of loving-kindness that require nothing in return. The Talmud even says that these acts of kindness are greater than charity because they involve not just our money, but our hearts.

In a world that’s increasingly transactional, freely giving of ourselves might be the real happiness hack.

4. Limit Social Media – Tikkun Midai (Repairing Ourselves)

While technology can connect us, it can also isolate us. Reducing social media exposure can help us focus on real-world relationships and reduce feelings of inadequacy.

Tikkun olam, or repairing the world, works hand-in-hand with tikkun midai, repairing ourselves. We can work on repairing what’s broken within ourselves and our relationships.

In other words, instead of scrolling through highlight reels of other people’s lives, what if we spent more time restoring our own?

5. Seek Meaningful Engagement – Simcha (Deep Joy)

In Judaism, joy (simcha) isn’t just happiness—it’s something richer. It’s the kind of deep, abiding joy that comes from meaning, purpose, and connection to something greater than ourselves.

And it’s not always easy.

The Psalmist wrote: "Those who sow with tears will reap with joy." (Psalm 126:5)

Sometimes, joy is found on the other side of struggle. It’s not about avoiding hardship—it’s about finding purpose within it.

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A Call to Community

In the end, happiness isn’t about rankings or statistics. It’s not found in isolation or personal indulgence. It’s found in each other.

We are most fulfilled not when we seek to be happy, but when we seek to make others happy.

Because when we come together—when we open our homes, practice gratitude, show kindness, and find meaning in community—we not only lift ourselves up.

We lift each other up.

And that is a happiness worth striving for.

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