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Happiness is…observing the International Day of Happiness, everyday.
The International Day of Happiness
The IDOH was established by the United Nations General Assembly on 28 June 2012 and states that the pursuit of happiness is a fundamental human goal. They invite the world to observe the day through education and public awareness-raising activities.
To me, the true purpose of the International Day of Happiness is for each individual to just slow down from their lives and identify what makes them happy, why it makes them happy and acknowledge the value happiness brings to their life.
But why can’t everyday be a Day of Happiness for us?
Research has conclusively shown that happiness is much more than just a warm, fuzzy feeling. Positive thoughts generate chemicals (Adrenalin & Endorphins) that give our brains biological advantages over negative thoughts. Happiness can prevent both physical and mental illness. (Fifty years ago the mean onset of depression was 29.5 years of age, today it is 14.5 years.) The great news is, it has been proven that happiness is the natural state of a human. We must introduce external stressors (such as anger, anxiety, worry, etc.) to actually make ourselves unhappy.
So let me offer you some ideas for how to spend The International Day of Happiness.
- Set your alarm clock for 30 minutes earlier today. Use that additional time to read a devotional, watch the sunrise, and to pray and meditate.
- At the end of each hour, throughout the day, stop what you’re doing, close your eyes, and for 5 minutes, just breathe in deeply through your nose to fill your lungs.Then slowly exhale through your mouth, forcing out all negative thoughts with each exhalation.
- On every half-hour, think back to something that really makes you happy. Write it down or scribble a picture of it.Throughout the day, look at your growing list.
- At lunch time, instead of eating fast food, buy a piece of fruit and eat it while taking a walk.
- Phone or spend time (email or texting does not count) with at least 3 people that make you happy when you are around them.
- Do something new today, something out of your comfort zone that you have never had the nerve to do before.
- Throughout the day, listen to soothing music (maybe they call it elevator music because it lifts you to a higher place.)
- Stop and smell the roses. Begin to appreciate the things you take for granted; God’s creations. Children at play. Beautiful art. A lovely sunset.
- Smile constantly until at least two people ask you “What’s so funny?”
- Do at least one good deed today, preferably anonymously.
- Make a donation to a worthy cause, or volunteer for an hour.
- Go through old photos, find ones that bring you joy, then post them in a scrapbook or keep them in a folder to return to whenever you feel unhappy.
- Bring home take-out for the evening meal. Sit down with the entire family.Turn off all electronics, and do nothing but enjoy the meal and share pleasant conversation.
- Tonight, watch a maximum of 2 hours of TV.Make it something funny, such as I Love Lucy or Andy Griffith reruns. Use the other hours to read an inspirational book, perhaps one of the Chicken Soup books. Or read some of my inspirational BLOGS on my website.
- Before you fall asleep, thank God for all the things that have made you happy today. Think back to what a great day this was, and then commit yourself to making 2019 your Yearof Happiness.
I hope you will email me at handh_services@hotmail.com and tell me how many of these ideas you put into practice on March 20th. The best reply will receive a book from my Hope and Happiness library.
I invite you to enjoy my other blogs onwww.BringingHopeAndHapiness.com
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