“Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.” Buddha
Today is the International Day of Happiness.
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.
Why being happy is good for you?
Being happy can not only make you feel good on the outside but it can also have a positive impact on your inside. Did you know? Being optimistic and positive can slow the progression of heart disease and the risk of having a heart attack
Being happy can also allow you to live longer. Did you know? Happy people have better overall health and live longer than people who are less happy.
Connections make us happy. Did you know? Having a lot of social support and connections increase the immunity to infection and reduces mental decline as you get older.
To celebrate…
In order to celebrate the International Day of Happiness today, @SHUhelp want to know what connections with others make you happy. Whether this being with your friends, family, pets or any other connection that makes you feel happy.
Where to find help at SHU?
Although the International Day of Happiness is there to celebrate being happy, we realise some of you may not feel that happy and we are here to help. If you would like free, confidential advice the Advice and Information team run drop-ins everyday on Level 5 of the Owen Building and at Heart of the Campus. Just Search ‘Advice and Information’ on shuspace.
Student Wellbeing Services here at Hallam also provide email and face-to-face counselling, self-help resources, tips and workshops. Either search ‘Student Wellbeing’ on shuspace or contact them directly at
Student Wellbeing Reception, Level 1, Surrey Building, City Campus
Tel: 0114 225 2136
Email: student.wellbeing@shu.ac.uk
If you would like and general web information about getting any help need help, information can be found here:-
For more information on the International Day of Happiness please visit:
http://www.dayofhappiness.net/
http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/un/happiness-day
http://www.actionforhappiness.org/
Remember to tweet us @SHUhelp with the connections that make you feel happy and use the #InternationalDayofHappiness or #SHUConnection.
Enjoy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooyqk_sZguk