Intl. Day of Happiness 2025: Caring and sharing

Introduction

Every year on the 20th of March, the world comes together to celebrate the International Day of Happiness. This special day was established by the United Nations to recognise the importance of happiness and wellbeing as universal goals and aspirations in the lives of people around the globe. International Day of Happiness, it’s a perfect opportunity to reflect on why happiness matters and how we can incorporate it into our everyday lives.

The importance of happiness

Happiness and well being in 2025

Happiness and well being are deeply interconnected. Numerous studies have shown that happier individuals tend to have better mental and physical health. For instance, research by Sheldon Cohen has demonstrated that positive emotional styles are associated with greater resistance to colds and other respiratory illnesses. People who report higher levels of happiness are less likely to develop chronic illnesses and have a stronger immune system. Happiness also contributes to lower stress levels, improved heart health, and increased life expectancy.

By promoting happiness, we can enhance overall wellbeing and create a healthier, more fulfilling life for ourselves and those around us.

Happiness in the workplace

Employee wellbeing is a critical component of a successful corporate environment. Happy employees are more productive, engaged, and satisfied with their jobs. Studies have shown that happiness at work leads to higher levels of creativity, better problem-solving skills, and increased resilience. For example, a study by the University of Warwick found that happy employees are up to 12% more productive than their unhappy counterparts.

Investing in employee wellbeing is not just beneficial for the employees; it’s also advantageous for businesses. Companies that prioritise employee happiness tend to have lower turnover rates, reduced absenteeism, and a more positive work culture. At Happiness Digger, we advocate for making employee wellbeing a priority, as it fosters a thriving workplace and contributes to overall business success.

How to incorporate happiness into everyday life

Simple daily actions

Incorporating happiness into our daily lives doesn’t have to be complicated. Small, consistent actions can make a significant difference. Here are a few simple steps to foster happiness daily:

• Practice Gratitude: Take a moment each day to reflect on at least 1-3  things you are grateful for. This can shift your focus from what’s lacking to what’s abundant in your life.
• Mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness practices such as meditation or deep breathing exercises. A very easy breathing exercise is “box breathing”, inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4, and hold for 4. Any of these practices can help you stay present and reduce stress.
• Resilience: Build resilience by embracing challenges and viewing setbacks as opportunities for growth. This could involve reframing by seeking solutions rather than dwelling on the situation at hand, focusing on learning from mistakes, or reaching out for support. .

If you need a way to implement changes in your life, the Happy Action Cards provide easy and actionable steps to do just that. By incorporating these actions into your routine, you can start to see positive changes in your overall well being.

Building meaningful connections

Meaningful connections are a cornerstone of happiness and wellbeing. Strong relationships with family, friends, and colleagues provide emotional support, increase feelings of belonging, and contribute to overall life satisfaction. Here are some tips to cultivate meaningful connections:

• Reach Out: Take the initiative to connect with others. Whether it’s a phone call, a message, or a face-to-face meeting, making an effort to stay in touch can strengthen relationships.
• Be Present: When interacting with others, be fully present and engaged. Listen actively and show genuine interest in their lives.
• Show Appreciation: Express gratitude and appreciation for the people in your life. Small gestures of kindness can go a long way in building strong, lasting connections.

A recent article from Wired highlights that social connections significantly impact health, happiness, and longevity, likening their importance to that of avoiding smoking or excessive drinking. Social connections are linked to lower levels of anxiety and depression, higher self-esteem, and greater empathy. By fostering meaningful relationships, we can enhance our happiness and wellbeing.

Prioritising self-care

Self-care is essential for personal development and overall wellbeing. It involves taking deliberate actions to maintain and improve our physical, emotional, and mental health. Here are some practical self-care tips:

• Set Boundaries: Learn to say no and set boundaries to protect your time and energy.
• Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep.
• Relaxation: Make time for relaxation and activities that bring you joy, such as reading, listening to music, or spending time in nature.

Prioritising self-care is a crucial step towards making happiness a priority. By taking care of ourselves, we can better manage stress, improve our mood, and enhance our overall quality of life.

Overcoming challenges to happiness

Addressing common obstacles

There are several challenges that can hinder our happiness, such as stress, burnout, and negative thinking. Here are some strategies to overcome these obstacles:

• Stress Management: Focus on getting the basics right (sleep, nutrition, water, exercise, and time for rest and recovery. 
• Work-Life Balance: Strive to maintain a healthy work-life balance by setting boundaries and making time for relaxation and hobbies.
• Positive Thinking: Challenge negative thoughts and replace them with positive affirmations.

Shifting the perspective on happiness

Traditionally, happiness has been viewed as a consequence of achieving other goals. However, we advocate for a shift in perspective, seeing happiness as an objective in itself. By actively working towards creating and spreading happiness, we can flip the switch and make happiness a priority.

To learn more about happiness and how to celebrate the International Day of Happiness, visit our previous blog here.

Summary

Happiness is a vital aspect of our lives that deserves to be prioritised. By understanding the importance of happiness and incorporating simple actions, meaningful connections, and self-care into our daily routines, we can enhance our overall well being.

What will you do today, March 20th, to celebrate International Day of Happiness?

The theme for International Day of Happiness 2025 is “Caring and Sharing” which highlights the value of empathy, social connection, and the well-being of communities as a whole.

I encourage you to share your experiences and tips for incorporating happiness into your life on social media. Don’t forget to tag Happiness Digger and join the celebration of spreading happiness worldwide.

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash.