Let's be HAPPY

BUZZ celebrates the International Day of Happiness

MALAYSIA is currently under a Movement Control Order to stop the spread of Covid-19, and it is important that we keep our spirits up and look after ourselves and our loved ones.

The International Day of Happiness is celebrated annually on March 20 to promote the belief that the happiness, well-being, and freedom of all life on earth is the ultimate purpose of every human being, nation and society.

This year’s 2020 International Day of Happiness campaign theme is ‘Happiness For All, Forever’. The United Nations International Day of Happiness (UNIDOHappiness) launched the “Ten Steps to Global Happiness” challenge campaign, which can be found online at happinessday.org.

UNIDOHappiness founder Jayme Illien said: “Happiness is contagious. The Ten Steps to Global Happiness [can be taken by anyone] to celebrate the International Day of Happiness, with the idea of increasing individual happiness, as well as spreading happiness to others, while also elevating global happiness levels by making the planet vibrate, with our common celebration of happiness, in honour of this special day we all share together as fellow members of the great human family.“

The first step in the Ten Steps To Global Happiness challenge is fairly simple: to “tell everyone” about the existence of #InternationalDayOfHappiness which recognises happiness as a fundamental human right for all.

All of us can complete the first step by wishing someone ‘Happy International Day of Happiness”, just as we would offer someone birthday wishes. After all, a happy greeting can brighten another person’s day.

Here is how you can cheer yourself or others up in line with the Ten Steps:

DO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY

We must feel happy before we can spread happiness to others. After all, happiness makes people feel calm and gives them the inner strength to carry on. Take the time to do the things you love, enjoy the time spent with your family during the next two weeks, and stay in touch with those living further way using social media channels.

PARTNER UP WITH FRIENDS TO BRIGHTEN LIVES AROUND YOU

If you have any neighbours living by themselves, especially if they are elderly or disabled, see if you can help buy their daily necessities. If possible, join up with a group of volunteers to help out any NGOs or organisations that may be serving vulnerable communities or individuals.

SHARE UPLIFTING STORIES

Tired of the same old posts about Covid-19 in your social media timeline? Chances are, so are your friends. Spark a little joy in your timeline by sharing uplifting stories. These posts can serve as a good buffer or break away from daily, bleak news. For starters, you can follow pages such as @goodnews_movement and @the_happy_broadcast on Instagram.

WRITE POSITIVE LETTERS OR MESSAGES

Take the time to write positive messages or letters to friends and family. Expressing how important they are in your life will definitely put a smile on their faces. It’s also a nice gesture to thank them for being there when you need it most, or to mention what you love about them. You can send out a text or video message online, or utilise Pos Malaysia’s services and send out a letter, which also gives your recipient something physical to hold on to.

HAVE A GOOD LAUGH

A great way to put a smile on your face is to watch a funny show. It could be a comedy film or a standup comedy show. And since you are staying in, you can watch them all on a streaming service, or even read a funny book or comic.

SEND OUT CARE PACKAGES

As postal and delivery services are still available, why not help out those in need by sending them much needed supplies such as dried or canned foods, over the counter medication or even soap and hand sanitisers. You can also arrange to send over grocery deliveries to friends and family, or even order and pay for their favourite meals to be delivered to them using online delivery services.

Let’s stay united and spread the joy!