Celebrate the International Day of Happiness with Cultivate

March 20th is International Day of Happiness! Since 2013, the United Nations has celebrated the International Day of Happiness to draw attention to joy and goodwill in the lives of people around the world.

The History of International Day of Happiness
In 2011, a United Nations General Assembly put forth a resolution that called for “a more inclusive, equitable, and balanced approach to economic growth that promotes the happiness and well-being of all peoples.” The goal was to find ways to promote joy in our daily lives around the world. After a year of study, the Assembly adopted another resolution in 2012 decreeing that the International Day of Happiness would be celebrated globally every year on March 20th to encourage people to bring joy to their communities in new and creative ways!

The Importance of Being Happy
Not only does being happy just generally feel good in our day-to-day lives, but it offers up some physical benefits to our bodies as well! For example, a study conducted in 2006 showed happy people are less likely to catch a common cold. Over the last decade, scientists have also found that happiness can lead to fewer people developing a heart illness later on in life. We think it’s safe to say that a smile a day may actually keep the doctor away! 

How To Take Part In The International Day of Happiness
If you’re looking for ways to celebrate the day and promote goodwill among your community, here are a few things you can do:

Share a laugh with a friend: Studies have shown that happiness is contagious! If you’re in a good mood, call up a friend or grab a cup of coffee together to share stories and spread joy to other people. 

Volunteer in the community: Have you ever noticed how you feel after doing something good for someone else? Performing an act of kindness triggers a feeling of reward and gratitude for our neighbors. By taking some time to volunteer (or donate) to your local non-profits, you’ll not only be doing some good for others but also bringing a sense of joy and connection to your day! If you’d like to volunteer with us, check out our programs to see all of the ways you can help our neighbors in Boulder County and beyond!