International Day of Happiness – Thursday 20 March 2014

The day recognizes that happiness is a fundamental human goal, and calls upon countries to approach public policies in ways that improve the wellbeing of all peoples.

By designating a special day for happiness, the United Nations (UN) aims to focus world attention on the idea that economic growth must be inclusive, equitable, and balanced, such that it promotes sustainable development, and alleviates poverty. Additionally the UN acknowledges that in order to attain global happiness, economic development must be accompanied by social and environmental wellbeing.

The initiative to declare a day of happiness came from Bhutan – a country whose citizens are considered to be some of the happiest people in the world. The Himalayan Kingdom has championed an alternative measure of national and societal prosperity, called the Gross National Happiness Index (GNH). The GNH rejects the sole use of economic and material wealth as an indicator of development, and instead adopts a more holistic outlook, where spiritual wellbeing of citizens and communities is given as much importance as their material wellbeing.

Get Involved

To celebrate the Day of Happiness, the Advice & Information team are asking students and staff to get involved by taking a picture of something you love, for example a favourite place, a sunny day, a pet, favourite football team etc. and tweeting it @SHU_advice_info

Where to find help

If you aren’t feeling happy and would like some free confidential and impartial advice the student advisors in the Advice & Information team here at Hallam have drop-ins every day. Search ‘Advice & Information’ on Shuspace.

The Student Wellbeing team here at Hallam also provide services including face-to-face and email counselling, self-help resources, tips and workshops. Search ‘Student Wellbeing’ on SHUspace.

General web information if you are struggling and need help can be found here:-

External Links:-

http://www.dayofhappiness.net/

http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/un/happiness-day

http://www.actionforhappiness.org/

Remember to tweet us @SHU_advice_info an image of what happiness means to you, ideas can be found here