Life in Hawaii is a little different than the rest of the country, and that’s the way we like it. Across the Hawaiian Islands, life is a little slower, and we choose to embody the Aloha Spirit in everything we do. When thought of in conjunction with our incredible natural beauty and world-class beaches, it’s no wonder why mainlanders love vacationing in Hawaii. But what if they didn’t have to visit Hawaii to truly embrace the Aloha and live life to the fullest? From learning to make time for your passions to appreciating the little things, here are 12 lessons from Hawaii the world could benefit from learning.

1. Life is better when lived slowly.

From alarm-free mornings to relaxed schedules, life is slower in Hawaii, and that’s the way we like it. There’s no need to rush through anything in Hawaii — including that important work project, or a coffee date with a good friend. You’ll be much happier when you slow down and truly live in the moment.

2. Make time for your passions.

People in Hawaii place an emphasis on doing what they love every day and that’s a lesson the rest of the country should learn. If you let your passions guide your life — and take time to do what makes you happy every day — you will find ultimate bliss.

3. Ohana is everything.

Whether we’re talking about your blood relatives you see at dinner every Sunday or the friends you’ve made who are like family, there is nothing more important in this life than our ohana.

4. Take time to appreciate the little things.

Whether it’s a gorgeous sunrise during your morning commute, a rainbow after the storm, or a delicate flower that has fallen on the sidewalk, we acknowledge that it’s the little things that make life truly wonderful.

5. Relax.

Whether you live in a small Hawaiian community or Los Angeles, it is important to take time each and every day to simply relax, whether that means watching the sun sink into the horizon or taking 20 minutes to drink your morning cup of coffee without checking your work email. Stress will slowly kill you if you don’t make time for yourself.

6. Respect the ‘aina.

Locals spend a lot of time outdoors and are taught from an early age to respect the land. As the delicate source of all life, Mother Nature should be protected, and respected as much as possible. From the ban on plastic bags to carrying out other people’s trash on your hiking trips, it is crucial that we care for our beautiful planet.

7. A smile is everything.

Those who call Hawaii home believe in the Aloha Spirit — in welcoming everyone with open arms and being friendly to anyone they encounter. Not only is it good karma, but it makes the world a better place to live.

8. Nature is the only therapy you’ll ever need.

Let me let you in on a little secret: Hawaii is consistently rated as the healthiest state in America because we live outside. We are not only active, but we also recognize that the best cure for depression — or just a bad day — is to explore nature.

9. Take risks.

Adventure surrounds you in Hawaii, but if you never take risks, you might never discover that you love the adrenaline spike you get while cliff jumping. The islands lend themselves to a life full of risks and pushing yourself to do incredible things.

10. Fuel your body and move it regularly.

With no need for a gym membership, easy access to fresh and local produce, near-perfect weather year-round, and a plethora of outdoor activities at our fingertips, it’s easy to lead a healthy lifestyle in Hawaii.

11. Less is more.

From the clothes you own and the gear you bring to the beach to drama and even friends with negative attitudes, less is more. Simplifying your life and clearing out the unnecessary clutter will free you — in more ways than one.

12. Live in the moment.

While in Hawaii, you’ve got to let loose, go with the flow, and truly live in the moment. There’s no need to photograph every single thing you do, and releasing expectations — even about how your day will progress — is the key to happiness.

What other life lessons could mainlanders learn from these islands and the people who call them home? What are the greatest lessons from Hawai you’ve learned during your time here? Share your thoughts in the comments, then click here to read about the 11 Life Lessons Everyone Learns Living In Hawaii.