International Day of Happiness is dedicated to promoting happiness as a fundamental human right and goal for all, by emphasising the importance of cultivating joy and contentment in our lives, both personally and collectively.
The United Nations (UN) established the International Day of Happiness in 2012, recognising the pursuit of happiness as a fundamental human right acknowledging that happiness and well-being are essential for sustainable development and aims to promote these values globally. By designating a specific day, the UN encourages individual’s, communities and governments to prioritise happiness and take steps towards fostering a happier society.
Each year, the International Day of Happiness focuses on a specific theme related to happiness and well-being which revolve around mental health, mindfulness, resilience and fostering happiness in communities. Various events and activities are organised worldwide to celebrate the day, including workshops, seminars, panel discussions and community gatherings. These initiatives aim to raise awareness, share knowledge, and inspire individuals to take actions towards their own happiness and the happiness of others around them. Below are some suggestions you could try to add some happiness in you.
Surrounding yourself with positivity:
• Spending time with people who lift you up and make you feel good about yourself
• Challenging negative thoughts or those engaging in negative talk with a more helpful or positive spin
• Smiling and saying hello to whoever you see
• Only consuming mediums that bring you joy, books, music, podcasts, news, shows
A list of happiness:
Create a list of things which make you happy and bring you joy, no matter how small:
• a hot cup of tea
• your favourite snack
• a long walk listening to music
• exercise
• watching your favourite movie or show
• taking a bath
• going to the beach
Try something from your list when you’re feeling low and see how your list can boost your mood.
Spreading kindness:
Doing something kind for someone else can not only boost their happiness but also our own:
• Sharing a sincere compliment
• Giving a small gift
• Writing affirmations for them to find
• Thank you cards or letters of appreciation
• Offering to help someone else
Practising gratitude:
Practise daily gratitude by wrong down three things each morning or evening that you are grateful for in general life or from that day:
• My friend called to check in with me
• My partner cooked my favourite dinner
• Exercise class I started which makes me feel good
• The weather recently has been warm and sunny
• Fresh flowers
If you are struggling with something specific in your life, try finding three things you are grateful for that relate to that situation.
To meet with a professional psychologist or counsellor, call The Other Clinic at 8809 0659 or email us hello@theotherclinic.sg.
Source: