On March 20, 2015, the world celebrated International Day of Happiness by answering the question, “What really makes me happy?” Take a moment to think about that question. Does more than one answer pop into your mind? We’re going to guess that several things danced to the forefront of your thoughts because when you really stop to think about what matters most, your personal recipe for happiness probably isn’t as simple as one ingredient.
However, there was probably a common thread among your initial thoughts: your relationships with other people. After all, we are social creatures. Research has proven time and time again that we need relationships and communications with others to thrive. In fact, The Guardian journalist George Monbiot has gone as far as suggesting that the Digital Age is killing us by impairing us with loneliness:
"Loneliness is an epidemic among young adults and older people. Social isolation is as potent a cause of early death as smoking 15 cigarettes a day; loneliness, research suggests, is twice as deadly as obesity. Dementia, high blood pressure, alcoholism, and accidents—all these, like depression, paranoia, anxiety, and suicide, become more prevalent when connections are cut. We cannot cope alone.”
International Day of Happiness is focused on bringing awareness on how to establish healthier connections with ourselves as well as others—to make the world a happier and more connected place.
The official site, Action For Happiness, offers 10 keys to living a happier life developed by Vanessa King in 2010—five relative on how we interact with the outside world, and five based on how we perceive our surroundings—defined in the acronym GREAT DREAM.
GREAT
- Giving
- Relating
- Exercising (i.e., taking care of your body)
- Appreciating
- Trying out [new things]
DREAM
- Direction (i.e., having goals)
- Resilience
- Emotion (i.e., keeping positive)
- Acceptance
- Meaning (i.e., being apart of something bigger)
International Day of Happiness 2015 has come and gone, but that doesn't mean the movement rests until 2016. Living happier can enhance everything and everyone you meet. From your work to your personal experiences to your own health, making positives changes in your life—even when going through some of life’s tougher moments—can profoundly change outcomes and future situations.
Schools with wellness programs—even schools without—could benefit from taking advantage of the site’s downloadable posters and action plans. These tools have been created to inspire others to spread joy to those around them, as well as make positive changes within themselves.
If your school participated in the movement, share your images and stories with us. We’re looking to spread a little happiness ourselves by featuring schools that are striving to make a difference in their communities.
Wellness Programs Save Dollars—Your School and Employees
Research has shown over the years that Wellness Programs save money for both the implementing organization and the individuals participating. ISM offers a wide range of health plans and coverages to protect your employees that include wellness programs—meaning, one of our Senior Field Advisers will work with your team to set up health incentives that match your culture and your budget. Contact us for more information on health benefits including Medical Insurance, Long Term Disability, Voluntary options, and Life Insurance.
Martin Kelly • martin@isminc.com • 302-656-4944
