Smile! Why today is the happiest day of the year
BY some point today, most workers will be starting to enjoy that Friday feeling.
But today may feel a little better than most – in fact, one wellbeing expert claims it is the happiest day of the year.
The feel-good factor over summer weather, added to holiday excitement, World Cup fever and the i mminent Wimbledon championship means June 20 is as good as it gets.
‘Wellbeing guru’ Dr Cliff Arnall fed every date of the year into a mathematical ‘happiness’ equation and the third Friday in June came out on top.
The formula used numbers representing ‘positivity factors’ including the weather, social interaction, holiday anticipation, childhood summer memories and blossoming nature.
Psychologist Dr Arnall, a happiness coach for celebrities and business leaders, said the World Cup’s ‘unifying’ positive impact was an added boost.
The former Cardiff University lecturer said the national mood had been boosted by tennis fans’ ‘great belief ’ Wimbledon champion Andy Murray will retain his crown, plus economic progress and 26c (79f) temperatures. Dr Arnall urged people to distance themselves from ‘critical people’ including ‘bullying Twitter trolls’ – telling people to ‘trust their own judgment’ and try fun activities to beat the blues.
His happiness formula is: O + (N x S) + Cpm/T + He.
Put more simply, a numerical value for being outdoors (O) was added to nature (N) multiplied by social interaction (S), added to
‘Don’t take yourself too seriously’
childhood summer memories and positive thoughts (Cpm) divided by temperature (T), and added to holiday excitement (He).
Dr Arnall, 48, based in Powys, said: ‘The World Cup is a unifying force bringing people of different nations together and giving us an insight into Brazilian culture and fun-loving attitude.
‘And fans enjoy watching big games on TV, no matter who’s playing.
‘Many people love Wimbledon and the event will boost optimism as, for the first time in generations, we have a champion and fans have even greater belief Andy Murray can win it again this year.
‘Good, dry weather is another feel-good factor after the wet start to the year – bringing great opportunities including beach trips and picnics, plus anticipation of more super weather later in summer.
‘The economy is improving – but many people are still concerned about jobs and financial security.
‘Negative, critical people affect others’ deep- down happiness, which we see all the time with bullying Twitter trolls.
‘People affected can make themselves happier by distancing themselves from critical people. Trust your own judgment and move away from them.
‘An easy way to get happier is to put more fun in your life – and don’t take yourself too seriously.’