International Day of Happiness – March 20, 2022

Celebrate International Day of Happiness on March 20 if you're happy and you know it! Aside from being neutral, we should try to be happy most of the time. Unfortunately, for many of us, negative emotions like anger and sadness are becoming the default mode of expression, so today is a good day to cheer up and appreciate the good things and silver linings in life.

When is International Happiness Day 2022?

The United Nations organizes an annual event called International Day of Happiness on March 20. It serves as a reminder that happiness is a human right that deserves to be celebrated — and if you're not already happy on this day, the festivities may change your mind!

To the uninitiated, a holiday called International Day of Happiness may sound a little childish. Perhaps you're picturing children singing "If you're happy and you know it..." or people dancing joyfully under a bright sun and rainbows. While you're not entirely wrong — who doesn't enjoy a good sing-along? — The truth is that this wonderful day is about much more than smiles and good vibes.

The United Nations and its partner nonprofit group, Action for Happiness, which is made up of people from 160 countries, have worked together to create the International Day of Happiness. The movement's ultimate goal is to raise awareness that progress is about more than just increasing profits and promoting economic growth; it's also about human happiness and well-being. In 2011, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution designating happiness as a "fundamental human goal" alongside economic opportunity. In 2013, all 193 UN member states commemorated the world's first International Day of Happiness, which has grown in popularity since then.

So, while you're listening to Pharrell Williams' "Happy" on repeat, think about what truly makes you happy and how you can pursue it on March 20th.

International Day of Happiness Theme 2022

Happiness Day 2022's theme focuses on three basic factors in achieving happiness.

Keep Calm: The key to happiness and satisfaction is to remain cool and calm in any situation.

Stay Wise: In difficult situations, taking wise steps leads to success.

Be Kind: Be considerate of others' needs, errors, and mistakes.

International Day of Happiness Around the World

Traditions of the Day

There are no set traditions for this day because everyone has their own definition of happiness or things that make them happy. Happiness is about being content and not having to pretend to be happy, so do whatever makes you happy! To be satisfied with your surroundings, you must be internally happy, so push yourself and be open to new people and experiences. Keep the small things in mind and be grateful for everything you have right now.

Related: How to Live a Life With Positivity

By the Numbers

6 or 7 - The number of hours per day spent socializing that leads to the most happiness.

10 - The minimum number of friends required to significantly improve your well-being.

5 - The ratio of positive to negative interactions that happy couples have.

$75,000 - The amount of money it takes to put a smile on the average person's face every year.

25% - The increase in happiness as a result of having a close friend nearby.

33 - The age at which people are considered to be 'happiest.'

40% - The proportion of your happiness that is entirely within your control.

15.3% - If a loved one is happy, your happiness increases by this percentage.

50% - The proportion of our happiness that is inherited.

37% - Wearing bright colors increases your happiness by this percentage.

International Day of Happiness Activities

Make it a point to be social

Human beings are social animals. If you've been putting off organizing a get-together with your friends, or if you've been saying "no" to going out a lot lately, try reversing this trend. Go out and laugh, have a good time, and don't take yourself too seriously; you might find that your stress levels drop and stay low as a result of this one interaction. Smiling and laughing are two of the most effective ways to relieve stress, and they're both free!

Get informed

Workplace stress and unhappiness, as well as the economy, health, and safety concerns, and a variety of other factors, can be a heavy burden to bear. However, by reading about well-being, mindfulness, and other ways to connect with what matters most, you may begin to develop a new perspective on life.

Make a list

Make a list. It's one of the best ways to feel contented, and it's also one of the simplest. Make a list of five things that make you truly happy. Also, give this some serious thought. Although Adam Sandler's latest Netflix project is entertaining, does it truly bring you joy? Once you've written down five things, make an effort to incorporate at least one of them into your daily routine. The effects of the International Day of Happiness can last all year in this way.

5 Delightful Facts About Happiness That Will Brighten Your Day

Get better soon

Those who are happier have a lower risk of catching a cold.

Stop and smell the roses

Aside from allergies, floral scents make you feel better.

Not all smiles are the same

Scientists have identified 18 distinct types of smiles, ranging from glee to embarrassment.

Can we keep him?

Stress and depression are reduced by playing with or stroking a pet.

Next stop: Finland

Finland is currently the happiest country on the planet, according to a 2018 UN report.

Why We Love International Day of Happiness

Happiness Needs Attention

According to the World Health Organization, up to 300 million people worldwide suffer from depression, with many more suffering from an undiagnosed lack of happiness. With the increasing pressure to succeed in a fast-paced, globalized society, many people are neglecting their health, which can have serious consequences for both the individual and the environment. It's time to put happiness front and center.

Related: Tackling the Omen of Overthinking

Smiles are Healthy

Several studies have linked something as simple as smiling to a better mood, reduced stress, and increased amusement. Furthermore, these reactions cause people to smile more, creating a positive cycle. So, even if you have to fake a smile on International Day of Happiness, science says the positive effects you'll soon feel are real.

It is Contagious

According to research, improving your own mood may be as simple as improving the mood of others around you. Researchers discovered that positive, happy, and funny posts are shared far more than negative posts by looking at what is shared the most online and what "goes viral." A single uplifting message in one country could lift the spirits of an entire population in another in this exponential growth cycle. It's only a matter of spreading the word!