The International Day of Happiness is celebrated every year on March 20. It was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012 to recognize the importance of happiness and well-being as fundamental goals of human life.
The day aims to promote happiness as a universal human right and encourage efforts to promote happiness and well-being in communities worldwide. It reminds us that progress should be measured not only by economic indicators but also by individuals’ overall happiness and well-being.
Various events and activities are organized worldwide on this day to promote happiness and well-being, including educational activities, community service projects, and public events focused on promoting positive mental health and happiness.
Additionally, the UN releases a World Happiness Report annually, which ranks countries based on factors such as income, social support, life expectancy, freedom, trust, and generosity, further emphasizing the importance of happiness on a global scale.
History of International Day of Happiness
The United Nations General Assembly established the International Day of Happiness on June 28, 2012. The resolution recognized “the relevance of happiness and well-being as universal goals and aspirations in the lives of human beings worldwide.”
It acknowledged “the importance of happiness in the lives of people around the world and the recognition of the need for a more inclusive, equitable and balanced approach to economic growth that promotes sustainable development, poverty eradication, happiness and the well-being of all peoples.”
The Kingdom of Bhutan initiated the resolution, which famously prioritizes Gross National Happiness (GNH) over Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as a measure of progress and prosperity. Bhutan’s commitment to measuring its success based on the happiness and well-being of its citizens inspired the international community to consider similar approaches.
The first International Day of Happiness was celebrated on March 20, 2013. March 20 was chosen to coincide with the March equinox, symbolizing the equal balance between day and night and representing the pursuit of balance and harmony in life, which are integral aspects of happiness and well-being.
Since then, the International Day of Happiness has been observed annually on March 20, with various events and initiatives taking place worldwide to promote happiness, well-being, and the importance of mental health.
The day serves as a reminder for governments, organizations, and individuals to prioritize policies and actions that contribute to greater happiness and fulfillment for all people. It recognizes happiness as a fundamental human right and a key indicator of societal progress.
How to Celebrate International Day of Happiness
Celebrating the International Day of Happiness can be done in various ways, focusing on activities that promote happiness, well-being, and positivity. Here are some suggestions on how to celebrate.
Practice Gratitude
Take some time to reflect on the things you’re grateful for in your life. Write them down in a journal or share them with friends and family. Practicing gratitude has been linked to increased happiness and well-being.
Spread Kindness
Perform acts of kindness throughout the day, whether helping a neighbor, complimenting a colleague, or volunteering for a cause you care about. Acts of kindness benefit others and boost your happiness.
Connect with Loved Ones
Spend quality time with friends and family members. Engage in meaningful conversations, share laughter, and create cherished memories together. Social connections are essential for happiness and well-being.
Practice Mindfulness
Slow down and be present in the moment. Use mindfulness techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga to reduce stress and promote calm and inner peace.
Engage in Activities you Enjoy
Do something that brings you joy and fulfillment, whether pursuing a hobby, spending time in nature, or indulging in your favorite creative outlet. Taking time for activities you love can boost your mood and overall well-being.
Spread Positivity
Share inspirational quotes, uplifting messages, or acts of kindness on social media or with those around you. Positivity is contagious, and spreading joy can have a ripple effect, making the world happier.
Practice Self-care
Take care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Make time for activities that recharge and rejuvenate you, such as exercise, healthy eating, adequate sleep, and relaxation.
Reflect on your Goals
Take this opportunity to reflect on your goals and aspirations for happiness and well-being. Set intentions for the future and take small steps towards achieving them.
Support a Cause
Get involved in initiatives or organizations that promote happiness, mental health, and well-being. Whether donating to a charity, volunteering your time, or raising awareness, contributing to a cause you believe in can bring fulfillment and purpose.
Spread Awareness
Educate others about the importance of happiness, mental health, and well-being. Share resources, information, or personal experiences to raise awareness and encourage conversations about these vital topics.
Remember that celebrating the International Day of Happiness is not limited to a single day but can be integrated into your daily life. Small acts of kindness, gratitude, and self-care can significantly promote happiness and well-being for yourself and others. Enjoy these jokes on happiness.
1. A Russian, a Frenchman, and an Englishman were discussing the meaning of real happiness.
The English said, “Real happiness is reading a good book on a rainy night with a hot cup of tea by your side.”
The Frenchman said, ” Non mon ami, real happiness is to meet a beautiful girl, make love to her, and then go your separate ways, never meeting again.”
The Russian: “No, you are both wrong; real happiness is when secret police come to your house in the middle of the night and tell you: Ivan Ivanovich, you were arrested for conspiracy against the state, and you tell them: sorry Ivan Ivanovich lives next door.”
2. A Chinese businessman has been sharing photos of children crawling around and playing on top of a Lamborghini, saying that children’s happiness is the most valuable thing in the world.
A million dollars worth of Lamborghini is nothing compared to that. So, he allows the kids to play and jump on the Lamborghini. The best part is that the kids are neither his nor the Lamborghini.
3. A minister is giving a sermon on marital relations and happiness in marriage.
He states that those with the happiest marriages have regular conjugal relations. He asks those with such relations several times a week to stand to prove his point.
As they do, he sees a smiling group of people. Then he asked who had conjugal relations several times a month, and those who stood smiled significantly less. Then he notices a couple sitting near the front, and the man is grinning broadly.
He hadn’t stood for weekly or monthly and yet looked the happiest of all the parishioners. Intrigued, the minister asked him how often he had marital relations, and the man replied: “once a year.” The minister was perplexed, but while he mulled over the apparent contradiction, the man continued: “And tonight’s the night.”
4. A man and woman had been married for more than 60 years. They had shared everything and talked about everything. There were no secrets except that the little old woman had a shoe box in the top of her closet that she had cautioned her husband never to open or ask her about.
For all these years, he had never thought about the box, but one day, the little old woman got very sick, and the doctor said she would not recover.
In trying to sort out their affairs, the little older man took down the shoe box and took it to his wife’s bedside. She agreed it was time for him to know what was in the box. When he opened it, he found two crocheted dolls and a stack of money totaling $95,000.
He asked her about the contents.
‘When we were to be married,’ she said,’ my grandmother told me the secret of a happy marriage was never arguing. She told me that if I ever got angry with you, I should keep quiet and crochet a doll.’
The little old man was so moved that he had to fight back tears. Only two Precious dolls were in the box. She had only been angry with him two Times in all those years of living and loving. He almost burst with Happiness.
‘Honey,’ he said, ‘that explains the doll, but what about all this money? Where did it come from?’
‘Oh,’ she said, ‘that’s the money I made from selling the dolls.’
5. Tourist: “Guru, what’s the secret of happiness?”
Tourist: “Guru, what’s the secret of happiness?”
Guru: “Don’t argue with stupid people.”
Tourist: “That’s nonsense.”
Guru: “You are right.”
Four ways to increase your family’s health and happiness.
Have you sought a sustainable laundry detergent that won’t break the bank? Look no further! Earth Breeze is an eco-friendly laundry detergent that doesn’t compromise quality over sustainability.
Hypoallergenic, scentless, and philanthropic, Earth Breeze aims to give back with every load of laundry. It is ideal for extended usage, and half a sheet of detergent is more than enough.
You only need to use more than one sheet for difficult stains. Luckily, Earth Breeze’s strong capabilities can remove stains seamlessly. This makes it easy to go through a lot of laundry without using too much detergent.
Efficient, mess-free, and machine-accessible, Earth Breeze is the quintessential laundry detergent for every kind of family. When you subscribe to Earth Breeze, you invest in a cause to reduce waste and restore nature.
For every single package sold, they give away ten more for people in need. Ditch liquid detergent for sustainable packaging and increased efficiency!
