The International Day of Happiness was established in on July 12, 2012 and took its permanent day of March 20 in 2013 in coordination with the United Nations and Action for Happiness - representatives of 160 countries advocating for not just food in our bellies and roofs over our heads but for joy in our lives. Happiness has been found to extend lives, to increase wealth and performance in all that we do. In recognition of the awareness of the need for happiness in our lives, “the UN General Assembly [in 2011] adopted a resolution that made it a ‘fundamental human goal’ to give happiness as much priority as economic opportunity.”
“Social, economic and environmental well-being are indivisible. Together they define gross global happiness.” —-Former Secretary General of the UN, Ban Ki-moon
Here is a list of 10 things that help each of us to be happier:
Pets - stroking a pet, is reported to reduce blood pressure and offers a sense of well-being. Pets bring us love and help us focus on the joy these relationships bring us.
Socializing - gathering with friends is so important to feeling joy and happiness. The isolation of COVID made us so aware how much we missed being around people. Those initial opportunities to see our friends and hug them, laugh with them, even share a simple meal was startlingly wonderful.
Prosperity - economic security is terribly important for reducing stress and improving our outlook on life. Global economic disparities cause friction and push refugees to seek prosperity in other countries. When prosperity is more equally distributed, conflicts diminish. Making a donation to a food bank and putting away a bit into your savings are good steps to prosperity. Working for greater prosperity for ourselves and for everyone is a true happiness builder.
Wearing bright colors - is reported to increase out happiness. It’s not a big step and pretty easy to do, but it is reported to help our moods!
Smiling - simply smiling, even if we “fake it till we make it” can make a tough day better. Even better, look in the mirror and smile at yourself. Feels good!
Dancing - I don’t know about everyone but I find that dancing like no one’s watching is about as joyful and therapeutic as it gets. Listen to John Baptiste sing “Freedom,” or Pharrell Williams sing “Happy” you just have to get up and dance and feel wonderful.
Laughing - laughing, especially if you are laughing with other people, is wonderfully therapeutic. We may not notice how much laughing helps until some time when we laugh really hard and realize how great it feels to just laugh out loud.
Mindfulness - finding ways to being aware of what is happening for you in the moment, not what is on the news, helps us to recognize what really matters in life. Mindfulness can help to remind us about the love we have for our family, our pets or other good things that surround us.
Share your experience - share your experiences of finding happiness with those you love and care about. Help each other to see ways to be happier.
Share joy with someone - perhaps “pay it forward” at a cafe, hold the door for someone, take a friend flowers. You will feel happier and so will they.
We are sharing the goals and mission of the United Nations by inviting our readers to observe the International Day of Happiness by helping those around us to become more aware of the need for each of us to be happy. The world will be a better place for your efforts. We also invite you to share your stories of what makes you happy. Share those stories here at History Chip.
In 2014 Pharrell Williams released “Happy” to celebrate International Day of Happiness.
Here are 7 songs you can listen to that we almost guarantee will make you happy and if you get up and dance while you listen, we are pretty sure you will feel happy:
“Happy” by Pharrell Williams
“What A Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong
“Freedom” by John Baptiste
“Get Happy” performed by Judy Garland
“Singing In The Rain” sung by Gene Kelly
“Can’t Stop The Feeling” by Justin Timberlake
“Oh Happy Day” by the Edwin Hawkins Singers
