Did you know that today (20 March) is the International Day of Happiness or # happinessday? The UN established this day of happiness in 2012 as it recognised that happiness and wellbeing is a fundamental human goal.
You may recently have seen many people taking part in the 100 days of happiness (#100happydays) where for 100 days people post a photo each day of what has made them happy that day. And it’s taken over our Facebook, twitter, instagram etc. feeds! In a world of busy schedules, we can often forget to appreciate the small things in life. For it’s the small things in life that give us those boosts throughout the day – if you focus on and appreciate the small things that make you happy, you’ll soon realise the longer term benefits.
I’ve noticed ten top things making people happy during the #100happydays challenge and have posted these below. What do you think? Is there something that makes you happy that’s not on our list?
10. Get some fresh air! Take some time out during your lunch break to go for a walk, it’s a bit of exercise during your day and soak up the little bit of rare sunshine that we’re getting at the moment.
9. Spring cleaning! Cleaning and organising your home is therapeutic, a great chance to get rid of your clutter too. Give any quality, unwanted items to charity for a bonus happiness boost of doing your bit!
8. Show your appreciation to someone who deserves it. Write a thank you card, return a favour, cook them a meal or just tell them that you appreciate them!
7. Light a candle and snuggle up on the sofa with your favourite book or film. The flicker of the candle-light is relaxing and soothing, a scented candle will create a lovely happy atmosphere too.
6. Pat a pet! Having a pet is a well-known happiness boost as well as a purrfect (sorry) way to de-stress.
5. Book a holiday… or plan one! Not necessarily to an exotic, far-flung destination. You could plan a staycation, head to the coast for a long weekend or simply stay at home and take some time off to relax! Take a look at my blog posts reviewing loads of Stylish Places to visit.
4. Chocolate – need I say more?
3. Get more sleep! The majority of us don’t get enough sleep (see previous blog post here). So wash those sheets as there’s nothing nicer than climbing into a freshly made bed and get an early night tonight!
2. Spend some time with your family or friends. Catching up with your loved ones is a sure-fire happiness booster. So meet your family for dinner or invite your friends over for drinks to catch up.
1. What can be more relaxing throughout the day than a cup of tea, it’s the perfect little pick-me-up during your hectic day and a chance to stop what you’re doing and regroup.
Natalia xo
