Who says money buys you happiness?

Is money really worth all the stress?



@AvogelUKHealth


06 November 2013

Who says money buys you happiness?

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) recently revealed a list of the happiest and unhappiest places in Britain. The report revealed that the Scottish Islands are where the happiest people in the UK are, with Bedford and Merseyside being the unhappiest.

Self-worth, life satisfaction and anxiety were also rated within the poll. Scotland was rated the most-laid back country with low levels of anxiety, with Dumfries and Galloway (D & G) reporting the lowest levels in the whole of the UK. Not only are the residents of D & G least stressed, they are also amongst the happiest and rate life satisfaction highly.

Being Scottish myself, and more importantly, from Dumfries and Galloway, according to this report perhaps I should be writing this blog with my feet up and swinging in my chair. However, working in North Ayrshire, which interestingly came in as one of the most anxious areas in the country, I feel I’m a bit of a mixed bag.

Northern Ireland emerged as the happiest country in the UK, with many rating life satisfaction as nine out of 10 despite the fact that it reportedly has the least disposable income.

Going with the theme of money, Inner London, which has the highest disposable income, emerged as having one of the lowest life satisfaction ratings.

The ONS report revealed that this time, the higher overall scores appeared in rural areas. Where previous research conduced that happiness was determined by factors such as health and wealth, the ONS are now doing further research into whether “access to green spaces” is now a leading factor in what makes people happier.

I imagine D & G like everywhere else has its share of stressed people due to factors such as job losses and health matters; in fact I know it has, but maybe having the countryside on your doorstep makes these things a little more bearable.

However, if you don’t have easy access to the fresh country air, or even if you do, but still feel a little anxious or down from time to time, you may wish to try St John’s Wort (Hypericum). This sunny herb is well known to lift people’s mood and ease mild anxiety.

So to summarise, there are two things I feel we can all take from this study:

Perhaps money can’t buy you happiness and life isn’t always a walk in the park but maybe taking that walk will make you feel a little better.

The 9 happiest places to live in the UK are (ratings out of 10. Data from ONS)

Perth and Kinross – 7.6

Northern Ireland – 7.6

Monmouthshire – 7.6

Argyll and Bute – 7.6

Cheshire East – 7.6

Gwynedd – 7.6

Scottish Highlands – 7.7

Dumfries and Galloway – 7.7

Eilean Siar, Orkney and Shetland – 7.9

[1] Personal Well-being across the UK, 2011/12  and 2012/13 [online] Available at:

<http://www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/HTMLDocs/dvc124/wrapper.html>

[Accessed 30 October 2013]

[2] Swinford, S. 2013. ‘Living in the countryside makes people happier, ONS suggests’ The Telegraph [online] 23 October. Available at: <http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/10399019/Living-in-the-countryside-makes-people-happier-ONS-suggests.html>

[Accessed 30 October 2013].

Stress Relief Daytime – for stress and mild anxiety

For the relief of stress and anxiety. Fresh herb tincture. Also available in 50ml size.
More info

What's being asked

What is the difference between low mood and depression?

Typical symptoms of low mood include: - Low self esteem - Worrying - Tiredness - ...
Read more >

I am stressed. Will it be like this for the rest of my life now?

Stress has many causes and how long it tends to last depends on what's causing it and how we deal ...
Read more >

What are the causes of a panic attack?

A panic attack is generally triggered by heightened anxiety, usually through an anxiety provoking ...
Read more >

Are you stressed?

Take our simple 10 question test to see if you are under stress

Take the test

Here's what I recommend

As the A. Vogel Mood advisor, I recommend Stress Relief Daytime Drops to help relieve symptoms of stress and anxiety.

Learn more

Did you know?

When we feel stressed or anxious our body responds as though we are under attack, releasing a surge of adrenaline which can cause a number of baffling bodily behaviours including palpitations, shortness of breath and even a dry mouth!

The physical symptoms our emotions cause

Healthy & nutritious dinner ideas

Get new recipes in your inbox every week. Sign up now

Can’t Sleep? Take our sleep test for personalised results in under a minute!