Celebrate International Day of Happiness with a smile
Each year on 20 March, the UN International Day of Happiness unfolds. With our world facing unprecedented challenges, wellbeing matters more than ever. In these difficult times, let’s take action to be happier and kinder together.
The United Nations introduced an annual International Day of Happiness on 20 March 2013 to highlight that the ability to be happy is a human right that anyone should be able to pursue. A special day to shine a spotlight on the activities and practices that promote happiness began after a campaign started by a United Nations adviser Jayme Illien. Having grown up in an orphanage in Kolkata, Illien was eventually adopted by an American family. His years in the orphanage and other life experiences inspired him to end global inequality.
The theme for this year's International Happiness Day is 'Keep Calm. Stay Wise. Be Kind', which draws inspiration from the ongoing global pandemic of coronavirus. Research shows that happiness, compassion, and kindness are the products of skills that can be learned and enhanced through training, thanks to our brain's neuroplasticity. Exploring the theme further, here are a few actions for Happiness suggested by happiness.com:
Keep calm: Things may seem like going haywire, and it is quite true that one cannot have everything under control. So remember to breathe and focus on what really matters and find little ways of keeping your spirits high so that your mental health does not get too stressed.
Stay wise: If the pandemic has taught us one thing, then it would be to stay wise. Making choices that are made, considering everyone's general happiness will positively impact you. So try to take actions that support general well-being and help others to do the same.
Be kind: Kindness goes a long way in one’s life. Being considerate of the feelings of those around you and treating them with kindness will take you a long way. As Harry Styles' song goes, Treat People With Kindness.
For more inspiration on how to promote happiness in your life and boost wellbeing, check out the free resources offered by Action for Happiness https://10daysofhappiness.org/
If you'd like to receive my monthly newsletter for tips and strategies for navigating modern life more successfully, you can subscribe via this link: https://www.beverlylandais.co.uk/blog
