The title for this week’s blog came to me when I sat down to write this piece. It is part of the lyrics for the Ken Dodd song “Happiness” released in 1964! I’ve dedicated this week’s blog to happiness as today is the United Nation’s International Day of Happiness. The day is co-ordinated by Action for Happiness, a non-profit movement of people from 160 countries, supported by a partnership of like- minded organisations.

Since 2013, March 20 has been established as the annual International Day of Happiness and all 193 United Nations member states have adopted a resolution calling for happiness to be given greater priority. Given all the uncertainty, division and negativity around in the world at present a day dedicated to happiness seems even more appropriate this year.

Action for Happiness state that a profound shift in attitudes is underway all over the world. People are now recognising that ‘progress’ should be about increasing human happiness and wellbeing, not just growing the economy.

Happiness is a fuzzy concept and can mean many things to many people. As we are all unique, we all have our own happiness definition. On the International Day of Happiness website, they pose the question “what makes us really happy?” They go on to say advertisers tell us that happiness comes from buying their products. Celebrities and the media pretend it comes with beauty & fame and politicians claim that nothing matters more than growing the economy.

A guidebook “The Ten Keys to Happier Living Guidebook” has been produced by Action for Happiness. It’s packed full of great ideas and is free to download at www.actionforhappiness.org. It includes a Mnemonic “great dream” which provides information relating to the Ten Keys to Happier Living.

The Ten Keys are based on a review of the latest research from psychology and related fields. Everyone’s path to happiness is different but the evidence suggests these Ten Keys consistently tend to have a positive impact on people’s happiness and well-being. There’s also a book about the Ten Keys to Happier Living written by psychology expert Vanessa King, which reveals how we can unlock the science of happiness to lead happier lives and create a happier world.

The Ten Keys to Happier Living are:-

  • Giving – Do things for others
  • Relating – Connect with people
  • Exercising – Take care of your body
  • Appreciating – Notice the world around you
  • Trying out – Keep learning new things
  • Direction – Have goals to look forward to
  • Resilience – Find ways to bounce back
  • Emotion – Take a positive approach
  • Acceptance – Be comfortable with who you are
  • Meaning – Be part of something bigger

More detail on how you can bring these to life is provided in the downloadable pack.

During this week, why not take some time out to reflect and consider what makes you really happy. What steps can you take to spread a little happiness and increase your own happiness levels?

This week’s quotation:

“People are just about as happy as they make up their mind to be.” Abraham Lincoln

To arrange a free no obligation consultation, please contact Stephen Pauley via the contact form or by e mail: Stephen@befirstclass.co.uk