March 20 marks the International Day of Happiness, an event recognized by the United Nations to celebrate the importance of individual and collective happiness around the world. On this day, people around the world come together to celebrate happiness and promote actions that can improve well-being.
The theme for 2023’s International Day of Happiness is Be Mindful, Be Grateful, Be Kind. It emphasizes the need to be compassionate towards people who might be suffering in silence and also highlights how we often take things for granted. Happiness is a state of mind and this year’s theme is a step in the right direction. It comes with significant relevance to the modern day population.
Why does the United Nations celebrate International Day of Happiness?
The purpose of the International Day of Happiness is to promote the idea that happiness is a fundamental human right and a key component of sustainable development.
In 2012, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution to recognize the pursuit of happiness as a fundamental human goal. For this, they had to choose a day dedicated to promoting happiness around the world.
Prioritizing mental health is important each and every day, particularly during times of high stress.
Monday’s #HappinessDay is an opportunity to reflect on the important connections between mental well-being and happiness. https://t.co/5fnexdIxdR pic.twitter.com/PoBixBlRJY
— United Nations (@UN) March 20, 2023
As a result of this resolution, the International Day of Happiness was first celebrated on March 20, 2013. The date was chosen to coincide with the vernal equinox, which represents a time of balance and harmony in the natural world.
How Bhutan’s GNH led to the International Day of Happiness
The origin of the International Day of Happiness can be traced back to the Kingdom of Bhutan. In the 1970s, the then-King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, proposed a unique concept called Gross National Happiness (GNH) as an alternative to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as a measure of a country’s progress.
The GNH concept emphasized the importance of well-being, happiness, and spiritual and cultural values in the development of a country. The approach focused on economic growth, social development, environmental conservation, and cultural preservation.
Over the years, the concept of GNH gained global recognition, and in 2011, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution for it. It called for a balanced approach to economic growth that would promote happiness and well-being for all people.
Different ways you can celebrate International Day of Happiness 2023
One of the best ways to celebrate International Day of Happiness is to reflect on what makes you happy and to prioritize those things in your life. This might mean spending time with loved ones or pursuing a hobby or interest. Self-love is also key to happiness. Look for activities that promote physical and mental well-being, such as exercise or mindfulness meditation.
Monday is #HappinessDay!
Each of us can find moments of happiness, even during times of difficulty, by looking after our mental health.
Increase your happiness & well-being by:
📚Relaxing
🧘Practicing mindfulness
🤗Connecting with loved ones & morehttps://t.co/Vn0cc7GwCO pic.twitter.com/xs8odCBoq8
— United Nations (@UN) March 19, 2023
Another way to celebrate the UN-recognized day on March 20 is to take action to promote happiness and well-being in your community. This might mean volunteering for a local organization or donating to a charity. To sum it up, make others happy in order to be happy.
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You can also share any questions you have about the International Day of Happiness. Until then, stay with us here at Spiel Times for more content.
