10 Tips to Spread Happiness

Baby Boomers remember The Partridge Family singing, “Come on, get happy.”

And we were all clapping along a few years ago to Pharrell singing his ubiquitous, peppy song “Happy.”

Even the U.S. Constitution talks about the “pursuit of happiness” as a fundamental right.

But it’s not always that easy. Modern living can wear us down emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

Now, there’s a global holiday to promote happiness. It’s called the International Day of Happiness, sponsored by the United Nations every March 20. It’s that important: Being happier helps us as individuals and strengthens our connections to each other, no matter what our age.

Here are 10 ways the day’s organizers suggest bringing more happiness into your life. (We love No. 3 in particular.)

1. Giving. Do kind things.
2. Relating. Connect with people.
3. Exercising. Take care of your body.
4. Awareness. Live mindfully.
5. Trying out. Keep learning new things.
6. Direction. Have goals.
7. Resilience. Find ways to bounce back.
8. Emotions. Look for what’s good.
9. Acceptance. Be comfortable with who you are.
10. Meaning. Be part of something bigger.

Living a healthy lifestyle is a sure way to increase opportunities to do all these and more. When you exercise regularly, eat right, and practice self-care, you can care for and relate to others, remain curious and open-minded, and love yourself for who you are.

So, come on with us and get happy!