INTERNATIONAL HAPPINESS DAY (HIP, HIP, HOORAY!)

According to a friend, I’m a Tigger. So, in true Tigger fashion ‘C’MON PEEPS, LET’S DO THIS!’ (accompanied by frantic gesticulating and leaping up and down). This being International Happiness Day, which takes place on 20 March.

Unsurprizingly it is, as it says on the tin, a day to be happy. Happiness is so important for our mental wellbeing.

Its birth was announced by the United Nations in 2012, followed by the first celebration day on 20 March 2013. Defined as ‘recognizing the relevance of happiness and well-being as universal goals and aspirations in the lives of human beings around the world and the importance of their recognition in public policy objectives‘.

HAPPINESS AND YOUR BODY

So aside from happiness giving you a spring in your step and putting a smile on your face, Alfred David and The Secret Life of the Brain sums up how it starts in our brain.

‘The brain determines our innermost feelings. Whether we are happy or sad, angry or deeply afraid, the emotions and moods we feel can be traced to the workings of neurons in the brain and the chemical signals they produce‘.

One of those neurotransmitters is Serotonin, often referred to as the happy chemical due to the effect it has on your wellbeing and mood.

As for smiling, a smile is said to use fewer muscles than a frown, although the jury is out on that as opinions vary, and some state that it uses more. Suffice to say one gives off an ‘I’m approachable and happy’ vibe, as opposed to a ‘don’t you dare come near me’ vibe. Rather like me when I’m hangry.

A good ole belly laugh, can relieve stress, increase oxygen and increase those good endorphins that are released from your brain.

HAPPINESS – WHO KNEW?

Did you know that there is a Museum of Happiness? What a great concept. A multi-award-winning not-for-profit social enterprise. It was formed in 2015 by Vicky Johnson, a youth and resilience mentor, and Shamash Alidina, a mindfulness trainer and author.

The work they do incorporates mindfulness, self-care, gratitude, and self-compassion. All with a strong emphasis on research-backed positive psychology.

A number of events are held including Annual ‘Blue Monday’ Winter Happiness Festivals. Their mission is to ‘share the art and science of sustainable happiness with individuals, communities, schools and organisations‘.

WHAT DOES HAPPINESS MEAN TO YOU?

For me, happiness is being with friends or family, preferably with some travel thrown into the mix. On a daily basis, it’s being anywhere near water.

There’s something very peaceful and calming about that unless it’s summertime and I’m on a jam-packed beach. Then that is most definitely not happiness as I’m Miss ‘where’s my personal space?’. I might also look like I’m sucking a lemon…

So in celebration of International Happiness Day and in, not so roving reporter style, I decided to ask some friends what happiness meant to them:

Sue of the rather fabulous SusanHeatherArt responded with ‘Happiness is messing about in my studio’.

For Marie, who is part of the inspiring and equally fabulous, Unglamorous Music cohort said ‘Playing guitar at my first gig’.

And Barbara didn’t hesitate with ‘Being immersed in nature always makes me feel grounded and brings a smile to my face’.

While Adrienne of Lockdownloo, commented ‘Happiness is inner peace’.

Finally Myra, I think, probably sums it up for all of us, ‘It’s priceless and needs to be appreciated’.

LITTLE MISS (MS, MRS) SUNSHINE

So here are some of my suggestions on how you could celebrate International Happiness Day:

1. Love reading but never seem to find the time? Make time and carve out a slot.
2. Immerse all your senses and take yourself outside for fresh air, nature, and a leisurely stroll.
3. Book a pampering treat or light a candle whilst you go for a DIY version.
4. Invite friends or family around for a meal.
5. Pay it forward and buy someone in the queue a coffee.
6. Compliment someone.
7. Plonk yourself on the sofa and binge-watch your favourite TV series or favourite films.
8. Hop on a train and go out for a day trip.
9. Unleash your inner Jackson Pollock and paint.
10. Pay a visit to an elderly neighbour.
11. Buy flowers for yourself or a friend.
12. Donate to a charity.
13. Go for a run, fire those happy hormones, and elevate your mood.
14. Head to the beach for a paddle in the sea.
15. Crank up the music and dance like no one is watching.
16. Kick that text into touch and use your phone to call a friend you haven’t spoken to in yonks. 
17. Grab your journal and write down 10 things you’re grateful for.

For other happiness suggestions you might like to head on over to 7 Quick Ways to Improve Wellbeing.

So are you going to be like Little Miss Sunshine on International Happiness Day? Radiant, sparkling, and bright. Incidentally, her favourite pastime is smiling and she is also very good friends with Mr Happy. Just in case you were wondering. Ha. Let us know in the comments how you’ll be celebrating!