World Happiness Day 2020... Is it really possible right now?
Today, 20th March 2020 is World Happiness Day. For most of us in the mental health profession, we know that Happiness is not really a destination, but more a state we can feel at various times when we get to experience calmness, connection, fun, achievement, peace and many more positive emotions.
That being said, Happiness represents these positive emotions we all strive to feel more of. So all credit to United Nations for stepping up this World Happiness Day, and adapting the program to create Happiness around Covid-19. These steps and a call to action are designed to keep us (the world) on track to staying well in these crazy times. While some seem a bit “pie in the sky”, others can be applied by every one of us right now to increase our sense of control and (possibly) happiness.
So I present #TenStepsToGlobalHappiness (https://unidohappiness.org/)
Lets Stick Together
Step 1 is to stick together. We’re all in this together, and we will get through this together. Global unity, collective action, and a joint response to the COVID 19 coronavirus are the key to winning the fight against this global pandemic and threat to humanity.
Follow World Health Organization advice
Step 2 is to follow the World Health Organization advice and guidance. Wash hands, physical distancing, stay at home, avoid large crowds, and lets worek together to #FlattenTheCurve.
Virtually attend a World Happiness event
Step 3 is to virtually attend an #InternationalDayOfHappiness event. The 7 day live streaming 2020 World Happiness Fest and the 2020 World Happiness Report are great for step 3.
Stay social online
Happiness is contagious. Step 4 is to stay social online! Spread joy around the world on social media while fighting to end COVID 19. Funny videos that make people laugh, while educating about ending the virus are great for step 4. Staying social online is also key to maintaining positive mental health and state of mind while reducing anxiety and stress.
Be Kind and share
Step 5 is to be kind to others, and share with those in need. Check on your friends and neighbors, and even on strangers. Share food, supplies, medicine, and other resources with those in need.
Stay active and mindful
Step 6 is to stay active and mindful. Exercise everyday, meditate, practice mindfulness, and yoga. Staying active and mindful is a great way to spend time at home while reducing anxiety and stress, and boosting your immune system, which in turn, will reduce spread of the virus, and help #FlattenTheCurve.
Stay optimistic, positive, and resilient
Step 7 is to stay optimistic, positive, and resilient during these challenging times. We will get through this together, and we will win the fight against this global pandemic together. Optimism, positivity, and resilience will be essential to our success in destroying the COVID 19 disease, and global outbreak.
Stay informed about facts and news, avoid myths
Step 8 is to stay informed about facts and news regarding the COVID 19 outbreak, and avoid myths. the WHO website has great information on how to prevent contagion, stop the disease, and avoid myths.
Enjoy nature and the environment by getting outside
Step 9 is to get outside, enjoy nature, and connect with the environment during this period. This is a great time to take advantage of the extra time by going for a hike, going to the Park, visiting Lakes and natural sites.
Happytalism: think about systemic change we can make so this never happens again
Step 10 is to think about the steps we can take to implement systemic change so this never happens again. Happytalism is just one of several models which respond to the United Nations 2012 call for a New Economic Paradigm, by taking a holistic approach to economic development and all life, and preventing sudden crises such as a global disease pandemic.
While Happiness can be elusive to many of us at the best of times, sometimes hard times can bring out the best in us. We do not have control over much at the moment, but can take small steps to feel as well as we can in out little part of the world. Happy World Happiness Day!