How To Celebrate International Day of Happiness March 20th

Last Updated on March 28, 2019

Before my journey into the world of happiness science, I thought happiness meant we must strive to feel pure elated joy as often as possible. The problem with this outlook is we will never be happy enough. This is an unrealistic upward battle.

Instead, happiness is about feeling satisfied and content, and connecting with others in our community. It is about learning, and challenging ourselves with realistic goals. It is about opening our eyes to new people and experiences. It is about stopping to cherish the little things, and being grateful for every moment we have.

I started this blog because my struggles with anxiety pulled me away from happiness. I want my children-all children-to have the necessary tools so they can work through any challenges they face, accepting the emotions they feel and the decisions they make without letting stress and anxiety overshadow their lives.

I also believe that if everyone in this world was armed with a happiness toolkit-instead of guns and nasty language aimed at each other when they feel disappointed or angry-the world would be a more productive, peaceful place. The Happy Science Mom toolkit is just one piece of the happiness puzzle.

What Is International Day of Happiness?

I am excited to celebrate the International Day of Happiness on March 20th. In 2013, the United Nations designated this day as a way to recognize the importance of happiness in the lives of people around the world. As part of this special day, the UN developed 17 Sustainable Development Goals that seek to end poverty, reduce inequality, and protect our planet-three key aspects that lead to well-being and happiness for all.

This year’s theme for International Day of Happiness is Happier Together to focus on what we have in common, rather than what divides us. This is such a timely concept given our political divide, nastiness on social media, and anger and violence towards “the other” going on around the world.

We all just want to be happy, so let’s celebrate our common humanity and spread love and kindness to others. The United Nations invites every individual of any age, plus every classroom, business and government to celebrate the International Day of Happiness using the hashtag #InternationalDayOfHappiness.

How Your Family Can Celebrate

• Visit Happy Acts to sign up for tips on living a happier life, access a happy acts calendar of ideas, share your happy acts, and see how others are spreading happiness.
• Create your own happiness wall or find out where to find one near you.
• Participate in acts of kindness as a family to spread happiness to others.
• Teach your kids lovingkindness meditation.
• Seek out books, movies (such as Inside Out and Trolls), and songs (like Pharrell Williams’ Happy) about happiness to share with your kids.
• Read some of my latest posts about happiness:
  • 5 Life Skills Every Child Needs For A Happy, Successful Future
  • 4 Secrets To Raising Happy, Healthy Kids
  • How To Keep Your Teen Healthy And Happy
  • Key Habits To Set Your Kids Up For A Happy Life
  • Why Smiling Can Make Your Kids Happier and Healthier

Learn More About Happiness

The world of happiness science continues to bring us a wealth of new knowledge everyday as more studies are completed. Here are some fascinating highlights about the latest research on happiness:

• Watch Robert Waldinger’s Ted Talk about the findings from the longest study on happiness out of Harvard University. You may be surprised to discover what they found to be the key factor to happiness. It’s more simple than you think!
• Visit University of California, Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, a hub of happiness science news and information-and one of the places where I got my inspiration to start my blog.
• Check out these amazing infographics created by Happify: The Science of Happiness and The Science of Raising Happy Kids.