Today (March 20th) was decreed as the International day of Happiness by the UN General assembly back in 2012.
What is this all about?
The aim of this UN initiative is to recognise that progress should not be solely measured by a country’s economic growth but also by the happiness and wellbeing of its citizens as published in the World Happiness Report. Out of 156 countries Ireland is the 16th happiest in the World Happiness Index whereas Nordic countries hold all the top spots, with Finland ranked the happiest country in the world, Denmark the second happiest and Norway the third happiest. One of the core objectives of the International day of Happiness is that governments should recognise happiness as a “fundamental human goal”.
Although this occasion is very low key in Ireland this year “happiness” events are occurring all over the world. From a “wake up and dance” party in Paris France, to an “Eat Happy day” in Sorros kitchen, Chatham USA to the Happiness Appreciation awards in Alberta, Canada and a Happy Talk workshop in Swansea, Wales.
In Ireland, without a range of happiness events to choose from how can we help our own happiness and wellbeing and encourage others on the day that is in it?
Fortunately, the UN has published a number of steps that everyone can take to contribute towards global happiness, as outlined below;
- Smile and wish everyone you engage with today a “Happy International Day of Happiness”
- Whatever brings you happiness, whether it be eating chocolate or engaging in physical exercise, do it today.
- Pledge on the UN website to help bring more happiness to the world
- Attend a virtual happiness event such as the World happiness Virtual Agora
- Share happy posts and photos on social media using hashtags #internationaldayofhappiness, #happinessday and #makeithappy
To read more about International Happiness Day please click here>>>>
