I am sure by now you have heard on the radio, social media or from a friend that it is International Day of Happiness. But what is it? Is it just another media hype? It turns out after doing some research into this day, that it is an amazing campaign that is taken part by 160 different countries.
This campaign is a global celebration to mark the United Nations International Day of Happiness. It is coordinated by Action for Happiness, a non-profit movement of people supported by a partnership of like minded organisations. A profound shift in attitudes is underway all over the world. People are now recognising that ‘progress’ should be about increasing human happiness and wellbeing, not just growing the economy.
March 20 has been established as the annual International Day of Happiness and all 193 United Nations member states have adopted a resolution calling for happiness to be given greater priority.
“This International Day of Happiness is more than just a fun celebration, it also reminds us all that the world is a better place when we connect with and care about the people around us”
— Dr Mark Williamson (March 2015)
While some factors that affect happiness are out of our control, there are always actions we can take to amp up our good vibes and hopefully along the way put a smile on someone’s face, spreading the Happiness around.
Consider trying a few of these, or all of them, and you’re guaranteed to give your day a little boost….
Put some feel good music on. Whether you’re on your way to work, sat in your office, looking after the kids, cleaning the house, put some music on and have a sing or dance. Loosing yourself in music that has an upbeat tune will help put a smile on your face.
Write it down. Did you know that taking the time to write down 3 positive things each day will make you more optimistic and less stressed? Keep it simple… “I had a hot shower on a cold morning – Amazing!”, “Someone let me out in traffic – Brilliant!”. We have a lot to be happy for when you look at the small accomplishments in life. Think positive thoughts.
Get outside and go for a walk. Just a few minutes of fresh air can give you a fresh perspective. A 20 minute walk gets the heart pumping and will decrease stress. You don’t have to be a fitness bunny to enjoy a good walk and take your time to take in your surroundings, nature and the world we live in is beautiful when we take time to see it.
Give yourself a boost. We’re talking fruit, veggies and protein. When your body feels good your brain will follow. If you spend your time eating package after package of boxed noodles, canned dinners or fast food, your body is going to let you know by gaining weight, feeling sluggish, and quite possibly having a host of health problems. By eating better you’ll literally be happier from the inside out.
Do something from your to do list. Whether it’s sending an email or clearing the clutter off your dining room table, just getting one tiny little thing off your to do list and onto the ‘it’s done’ list will give you a huge mental sigh of relief. It is also proven to help you sleep by knowing that things in your life are being done.
Make plans. Having something to look forward to. Planning a family day trip or a holiday, even if it is a small weekend away is proven to put a smile on your face. Anticipation is like a secret weapon of happiness. If money is an issue, there are plenty of day trips to parks or lovely wood walks you can take a whole day out to explore. Plan it a week before hand so you look forward to that day away from it all.
Stop comparing yourself. It is a difficult thing to do now days with social media, people who we feel are living better lives than us, tend to shove it in our face through photo’s and we feel like we are coming up short as we are not on a skiing trip (even though you don’t like skiing) or graduating with honours (even though we have a job we love). Focusing on the things you’ve accomplished is a lot more productive and finding the happiness in your every day as you are brilliant!
Smile and laugh. In one research study subjects who smiled after a stressful activity decreased their heart rate more quickly than those who didn’t. Even better than just smiling, find something to make you laugh. Have a chat with a friend about their weekend antics, watch a comedy movie, what ever makes you chuckle. When you laugh, you release a happy hormone called oxytocin. It’s a hormone that uplifts us and makes us happy.
Cute overload. Seeing something cute makes us smile which in turn makes us happier. It is very easy to get our dose of cuteness thanks to YouTube and google. Search “puppies” and take 5 minutes out of your day to watch a video or scroll through images. It is guaranteed to put a smile on your face and lift your soul.
Sleep more. Ever notice how cranky you are the afternoon when you’ve only had five or six hours of sleep? Many of us are suffering from sleep deprivation which can lead to higher levels of stress and edginess. After a good night of sleep, you can tackle your daily tasks in a more calm, alert way. If you have children and getting more sleep is an impossible task, take time out for yourself to recharge. Put a children’s tv show on, have a cup of tea and take 10 deep breaths. This will re charge your happiness.
Giving Back to your community. There’s something about giving that allows you to receive more in return besides just the awesome act of giving to help others. Pick one charity to donate a small amount of your pay check too. After a while you won’t notice this small amount and every time you get paid you will be reminded you are helping people less fortunate and remind yourself how lucky you are. If money is tight and you have time, donate this instead by giving back and volunteer in your local community. It’s a great way to meet new people as well which will make you happy in itself.
Catch up with family and friends. By spending time with people you like, you forge supportive relationships that help you in times of stress. You also bond with others through common experiences, such as life’s ups and downs. They become your support network. People who don’t spend as much time with family or friends are more prone to loneliness and depression.
Meditate. Sitting down, lighting a candle and doing some deep breathing for ten minutes are all it takes to relax your mind and body. In doing so, you get in touch with your inner-self, and invariably, you’ll get to know yourself a little better. That’s definitely a booster on the happiness scale.
Tell us what makes you happy?
