Is reality the magic ingredient? It turns out the best place to live is not in the big city, but in a quiet rural town.
Secrets of Britain’s happiest town
Is reality the magic ingredient? It turns out the best place to live is not in the big city, but in a quiet rural town.
A recent survey found the happiest place in Britain is the town of Woodbridge in SuffolkA county on England's east coast. .
The top reasons cited by residents are access to green spaces, local amenities and a sense of belonging - with no mention of the internet.
Some think this proves we should be putting down roots and taking the time to appreciate what is around us, rather than spending our time in the virtual world.
Getting offline reduces anxiety, boosts memory and improves sleep.
And spending time in nature improves our attention span and mood, and reduces our stress levels.
While we bond with similar people online, living locally means meeting a broader range of people, older and younger, with different experiences and ideas. And being part of a diverse community forces us to help others and accept help from others.
Is reality the magic ingredient?
Yes! A place like Woodbridge is appealing because it is real - a place, not a virtual space. We need to recover the joys of rootedness, community, and nature.
No! The mild pleasures of a small country town might be good for a short holiday, for the retired, or for those content with a slower pace, but most of us need more excitement in our lives.
Secrets of Britain’s happiest town
Glossary
Suffolk - A county on England's east coast.