It’s official: San Luis Obispo is the happiest town in the United States. Dan Buettner, author of “Thrive: Finding Happiness the Blue Zones Way,” set out to discover the happiest places on earth, and SLO (that’s what we call it, pronounced slow) is the only U.S. city to make his list. Protecting and enhancing SLO’s quality of life is one of the pillars of the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce. Here are some quick tips to help you enjoy our happy lifestyle:
1. Smile a lot. You may not be accustomed to this, but it’s normal in San Luis Obispo to smile and acknowledge strangers in passing. Whether you’re walking downtown, riding a bike or driving a car, try a friendly smile and watch the magic happen.
2. Eat, drink and be merry. San Luis Obispo offers an array of experiences for you to enjoy. Take time to appreciate all the sights, sounds and tastes.
3. Play outside. With near perfect weather all year long, SLO beckons you to take in the magnificent scenery and diverse landscape. Go for a walk, take a hike or ride a bike in the open spaces. Connect with the land.
4. Be hospitable. Hosting visitors has been a SLO tradition ever since the mission days. If you meet a visitor, offer a helping hand, show them around and tell them what San Luis Obispo has to offer.
5. Slow down. Try walking, biking or taking the bus once in a while. With less traffic, more pedestrians and an environmentally conscious community, you don’t need to live in the fast lane (remember, we call it slow). Take a deep breath, look up at the blue skies and the green hills, and remember just how nice it is to be here.
6. Shop and buy locally. Give local companies a chance to provide a product or service before you look elsewhere. Local businesses support the community, and supporting them makes the town grow closer, stronger and even better.
7. Make a difference. San Luis Obispo is an active community with a tradition of accessible civic leaders and passionate, respectful citizen involvement. Take action on issues that concern you. Listen respectfully to the views of others. Thoughtfully develop your own positions and advocate for them. In SLO, individuals really can make a difference.
8. Diversity is key. San Luis Obispo is home to retirees, young families and a large student population that makes up one-third of the community. Learn to appreciate all the different groups. You’ll find that each contributes to our quality of life.
9. Nurture the marketplace. San Luis Obispo is a place where people and businesses build lasting, meaningful relationships. People here want their neighbors to succeed. Offer constructive ideas to local business leaders, and tailor your business to the needs of local residents.
10. Volunteer. San Luis Obispo County has over 1,000 active nonprofit organizations. That’s more than enough to satisfy any volunteer’s interests. Find something you’re passionate about and support that cause by giving your time, money and heart. You will not only enrich the community; you’ll enrich your life, too. It’s just one more way to be happy in San Luis Obispo.
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