The International Day of Happiness was created by the United Nations and is a global celebration that includes 160 countries. The happiness campaign is all about focusing on human happiness and well-being, instead of just money and the economy. I personally think this is something everyone should live by. People can be so money hungry and are only concerned about making a profit. Yes, we all need money, but we shouldn’t all be consumed with greed.
The very first International Day of Happiness took place in 2013 and focused on happy heroes; those in our communities who bring happiness to others. In 2014, people shared authentic images of what makes them happy. The purpose of this was to “reclaim happiness” back from fake commercial images of happiness that we see all the time. The 2015 campaign focused on relationships. People from all over the world reached out to others to make new positive connections.
According to actionforhappiness.org, the 10 keys to happier living are giving, relating, exercising, awareness, trying out, direction, resilience, emotions, acceptance and meaning. The first letter of each of these together spells Great Dream.
The site also features 51 actions that can bring happiness to your life. Here they are:
Action 1: Take the Action for Happiness Pledge
Action 2: Do Kind Things for Others
Action 3: Create a Local Action Group for Happiness
Action 4: Find Three Good Things Each Day
Action 5: Thank the People You’re Grateful To
Action 6: Look for the Good in Those Around You
Action 7: Bring Mindfulness Into Your Day
Action 8: Find Your Strengths and Focus on Using Them
Action 9: Get Help If You’re Struggling
Action 10: Help Kids Build Emotional Resilience
Action 11: Use Positive Parenting Techniques
Action 12: Volunteer Your Time, Energy, and Skills
Action 13: Try Something New or Different
Action 14: Help Out a Friend in Need
Action 15: Make Something Happen for a Good Cause
Action 16: Set Your Goals and Make Them Happen
Action 17: Make Sure You Get Enough Sleep
Action 18: Be Curious and Get Inspired
Action 19: Give Yourself a Happiness Check-Up
Action 20: Learn How to Meditate
Action 21: Know Your Thoughts, Chose Your Actions
Action 22: Find Your True Purpose
Action 23: Really Listen to What People are Saying
Action 24: Understand Each Other’s Needs
Action 25: Get to Know Your Neighbors Better
Action 26: Ask Others About the Things That Have Gone Well
Action 27: Get in Touch with Your Spiritual Side
Action 28: Detox Your Negative Thinking Patterns
Action 29: Get Completely Absorbed in Something
Action 30: Figure Out What’s Important to You
Action 31: Be Positive but Stay Realistic
Action 32: Write Down Your Dreams for the Future
Action 33: Be Realistic in Your Reasoning
Action 34: Get Happiness on the Agenda at Your Child’s School
Action 35: Get Happiness on the Agenda at Your College or University
Action 36: Get Happiness on the Agenda at Your Place of Work
Action 37: Get Happiness on the Agenda of Your Existing Group
Action 38: Boost Your Positivity Ratio
Action 39: Get Outside and Enjoy the Natural World
Action 40: Unplug – Take a Break from Technology
Action 41: Take Care of the World Around You
Action 42: Find a Way to Make Exercise Fun
Action 43: Wake Up Your MP and Counsel to Wellbeing
Action 44: Have Tactics for the Tough Times
Action 45: Enhance Your Relationship with Your Partner
Action 46: Make Time for Your Friends and Family
Action 47: Get a Good Balance Between Work and Life
Action 48: Organize a Party on Your Street
Action 49: Find Happiness at Work
Action 50: Create a Happier Environment at Work
Action 51: Create a Local Happiness Café
For more information about the International Day of Happiness check out: http://www.dayofhappiness.net/about/
For more information about Action for Happiness check out: http://www.actionforhappiness.org/take-action