Did you know that today – 20 March – is International Day of Happiness? This happiest of days encourages us all to forget about life’s difficulties and focus on simply being happy. So, it’s time to turn your back on the negatives; celebrate the positives and work towards achieving true happiness!

Officially recognising happiness

In 2012, all 193 United Nations (UN) member states adopted a resolution calling for happiness to be given greater priority. The UN recognised that happiness is a crucial goal and that all countries should seek to increase human happiness and wellbeing. Based around this ideal, International Day of Happiness was celebrated for the first time in 2013.

The day is coordinated by Action for Happiness, an international non-profit organisation (whose patron is the Dalai Lama) that takes action to increase wellbeing in homes, workplaces, schools and local communities. 

Working together for happiness

The theme for the 2019 International Day of Happiness is Happier Together, with the main focus on what all people have in common, rather than what divides them. It encourages all of us to celebrate our common humanity, connect with other people in our communities and make life happier for ourselves and others. By taking The Action for Happiness pledge, which is “I will try to create more happiness in the world around me”, you’ll commit to spreading happiness around you.

Getting involved in creating happiness

Action for Happiness has come up with a number of ways for people around the world to get involved in the cause of promoting happiness.

The first step you can take is to join the Action for Happiness community by signing up for free on their website. By signing up, you’ll receive daily ideas for taking action to improve happiness, you’ll be able to connect with like-minded people in your community, gain access to the World Happiness Report, and get a free guidebook and happiness ideas for children.

The ways in which to spread the message of happiness are countless. You could host your own event in your community, focusing on fun activities that allow everyone involved to forget about the difficulties they face. You could get involved in a worthy cause, putting smiles on the faces of needy people. You may also see International Day of Happiness as a way to focus on improving your own happiness.

Becoming happier

Action for Happiness has created 10 keys to help you become happier as a person. See the following infographic:

Remember that happiness is in your hands! By doing the right things, you can become a happier person, and hopefully start spreading that happiness to others around you.

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