The Relaxed Lifestyle and Simple Way of Life in Dominican Republic
The Relaxed Lifestyle and Simple Way of Life in Dominican Republic
Dominican Republic takes the crown for the top spot in the world for wellbeing charts (2023). A look into understanding the possibilities of why?
A big reason why foreigners like myself choose to move to the Dominican Republic is for the relaxed lifestyle and simple way of life. You get to the point of understanding that your environment shapes your mood and that being in a happy place, both physically and mentally, is priceless. I was reading this article the other day from Daily Mail. The article was about the “world wellbeing chart” of 2023. A survey of 71 different countries taken in terms of mood, outlook on life, and self-esteem. To my surprise Dominican Republic finished number 1, with a score of 91. United States 72, Canada 67 and England was the most “worrying” according to the report for finishing second last with a score of 49. While reading more into the report, and my first-hand knowledge of Dominican Republic, it became clearer as to why the high score. The article wrote: “The Dominican Republic may score top due to its more relaxed lifestyle and simple way of life. It also scores highly for cleanliness and safety among Caribbean countries.”
A relaxed lifestyle is a Caribbean specialty lol. When I saw that the researchers alluded to the Dominican relaxed lifestyle as being a possibility for the high score, I totally agree. Dominicans are not in a rush for anything, and they aren't rushing you either. Don't get me wrong, things are not at a snail pace here, and neither productivity wise is everything behind. Dominicans work efficient, but they don't stress while doing so. The times when I had to scan papers, which could take 2 minutes to pay and be done. It takes about 10 minutes at the minimum, mind you it's empty in the office too. The reason is because Dominicans are very social, they want to talk and see how you are doing. They don't want to only have a dull business transaction with the clients, of just “hi” and “bye.” Now when socializing is the norm from the street vendor to cashing out at the grocery store, it makes you feel good. Socializing has been proven to reduce depression, the feeling of loneliness and anxiety. That extra few minutes of conversation with someone can do so much for them as well as yourself. Research has shown that socializing with others makes us happier.
The Simple way of life is achievable in Dominican Republic if you have a roof over your head, food in the fridge and money to pay your bills. The more money you have the merrier, but it's not going to determine your happiness here. In this society there's no pressure to be wealthy among the people. For example, if someone has a regular old apartment, they would not be judged negatively for not having a new apartment. Instead, they would be cheered for actually having an apartment. In Dominican Republic any regular car, whether it be older, low cost, not fancy, it doesn't matter. It’s not like Dubai or other materialistic societies where you could feel insecure for not having a high-end car. There are high-end cars here too, but just the simple fact of having any car that runs is appreciated, because it's a car and you're able to be mobile. So, pretty much you're not going to feel bad about what you got, as if you didn't work hard for it and should be ashamed of what you do have. Not feeling pressured into the social norms of a materialistic society is good for your mental health. In today's modern world a lot of people that are on social media all day fall into the trap of wanting to look like or wanting to have the same lifestyle that others on the videos portray. When that doesn't become their reality, the person feels low and becomes saddened. In Dominican Republic the people want nice things also, but not having it isn't a big deal. They work towards it, but they don't let the thoughts of not having it weigh them down. When you look around and the majority of people are in good spirits, it uplifts you. That day too day positive energy from the Dominican people makes others smile, and helps others be hopeful and to see the best even when facing difficult situations.
I often tell people that the lifestyle in Dominican Republic is a relaxed simple way of living. I’m one of those that doesn't believe that money is everything and can purchase your happiness. I'm also not advocating for people to live a life without money. I see money as security and a necessity that we all need for the most part. When you live an active lifestyle of getting sun, going outside, socializing with people, enjoying your family, eating healthy food, not stressing so much about what you don't have and having appreciation for what you do. These attributes are common with the Dominican people and it's contagious. Most foreigners also have adapted to these ways of living. This is the simple way of living, focusing attention on what is most important. Most people in the Dominican Republic are not rich, but yet here you can find some of the happiest people you'll ever meet. With daily sunny days, warm weather, beautiful beaches, surrounded by majestic mountain views, that all will bring all sorts of enjoyment to the soul, that everyone is accessible to.
The Daily mail article: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-13156261/Uzbekistan-nation-miserable-Britain-Global-report-says-Dominican-Republic-tops-world-wellbeing-charts.html