{"id":149522,"date":"2021-03-19T17:35:01","date_gmt":"2021-03-19T17:35:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.iium.edu.my\/?p=149522"},"modified":"2021-03-20T01:17:30","modified_gmt":"2021-03-20T01:17:30","slug":"international-day-of-happiness-2021","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.iium.edu.my\/?p=149522","title":{"rendered":"International Day of Happiness 2021"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By Elaina Sabirin<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The International Day of Happiness is an official UN day that \u0153recognises the pursuit of happiness as a fundamental human goal\u009d. Since July 2012, the United Nations General Assembly has announced 20 March as the annual International Day of Happiness as a way to promote the importance of happiness in our lives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In accordance with the launching of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals which seek to end poverty, reduce inequality and protect the planet, the three key aspects will lead to happiness and well-being of people’s lives around the world. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every year the UN measures and compares the happiness of different countries in the World Happiness Report released to accord with the International Day of Happiness. 156 countries are ranked by their happiness levels, and 117 countries are by the happiness of their immigrants. The report is centred on social, economic and environmental well-being and sets goals for countries to achieve increased happiness because it believes happiness is a basic human right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

International Day of Happiness: 2021 Theme and Slogan<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u0153Happiness For All Forever\u009d is the campaign theme for 2021 International Day of Happiness. This years slogan is \u02dcKeep Calm. Stay Wise. Be Kind. In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic we face, this years slogan is to help us in enriching ourselves and a positive way to look after one another. Lets call on the action for Happiness!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep\ncalm<\/strong>. There are lots of things outside our\ncontrol. Remember to breathe and focus on what really matters so we can respond\nconstructively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay\nwise.<\/strong> Making wise choices helps everyone. Lets\nchoose positive actions that support our well-being and help others to do the\nsame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be\nkind.<\/strong> Were all in this together, even when\nwere forced apart. Lets stay connected and reach out to help others who may\nbe in need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Importance of Happiness<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Being happy is not merely about the smiles and feeling good, but also to help us cope effectively whenever we experience negative emotions such as sadness, anger and frustration. Trying to live a happy life does not mean denying negative emotions or pretending to be happy. We are emotional beings; it is completely natural for us to encounter adversity of emotions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As quoted by a famous biochemist, Matthieu Ricard: \u0153Happiness is a deep sense of flourishing, not a mere pleasurable feeling or fleeting emotion but an optimal state of being.\u009d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to experts, positive emotions lead to a wide range of benefits for our health, performance, productivity, relationship and more. For instance, there is a relationship between happiness and better heart health by lowering the risk of getting heart disease by 13-36%. Other than that, happiness also has a positive effect on the immune system. A study conducted on 350 volunteers who were exposed to the cold virus claimed that those who had the most positive emotions were less likely to get sick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consequently,\nhappiness does matter \u201c Life is too short to spend it by being miserable, they\nsay. \u00c2\u00ad\u00c2\u00ad\u00c2\u00adThe pursuit of happiness is more than just a passing mood; its about\nhelping people to live better lives and creating a society that is more\nproductive, healthy and cohesive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How\nto Take Action?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this crisis, togetherness is the key to happiness. There are three ways that can make us and others happy:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.\nTry to engage ourselves in any activities that we really enjoy. We can also\npick up a hobby and learn new thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2.\nDoing things for someone else surely makes many of us happy. You can volunteer\nin your local community for working with children or people who really need\nassistance and encouragement. A smile makes the world a better place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. On this happy day, share with others the importance of being happy in staying healthy. Sharing happiness and mental health plays a big role in our lives.***<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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