Each year, 20 March marks the United Nations’ International Day of Happiness. But what makes people happy? Aristotle once said that “happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence”. For some people, happiness comes from moving abroad, for others it’s their daily morning coffee, and for many of our InterNations members, it’s helping people in need.
What Brings a Smile to InterNations Members?
On the International Day of Happiness 2015, InterNations members in Munich shared what makes them happy. After an inspiring speech on ‘The Moment of Happiness’, members were encouraged to reflect on their own lives and put into words what it is that makes them happy and what they could do to make someone else happy.
What Have InterNations Members in New York and Doha Been Doing to Create Happiness?
Each month around 1,000 InterNations volunteers get involved in doing something for a good cause, bringing a smile to the faces of the people they are helping, as well as enriching their own lives.
The Volunteer Group in New York has built a longstanding relationship with the non-profit organization Dare2B. Supporting children in poverty, volunteers have been involved in a career development program with young people. Not only have they had a lot of fun putting a smile on the children’s faces, they have also equipped them with skills to find happiness later in their lives.
Spreading happiness isn’t limited to just other people; volunteers in Doha have also shared that warm fuzzy feeling with some playful pooches! Venturing into the desert, volunteers helped to feed over 300 poor, neglected dogs. Many volunteers also brought much appreciated food donations to dogs that may not have otherwise had anything to eat.
Five Top Tips for Becoming a Happier Person
On International Day of Happiness last year, we were very glad to welcome Thomas Zawadzki, expert on Positive Psychology at the Inntal Institute, to speak at our Social Impact Night in Munich. Here, he shares his five top tips for becoming a little happier in our everyday lives.
1. Enjoy relationships with family and friends; get in touch with other InterNations members and build up your network.
2. Actively express your gratitude; if someone has done something helpful for you, tell them!
3. Offer help and support to others, whether this is a favor for a colleague or friend, or a random act of kindness for a passerby!
4. Look ahead optimistically! Look for the possible positive outcomes and work on ways how they could come true.
5. Enjoy life, and live in the here and now rather than the past or future.
You can find more ways to get involved with the International Day of Happiness online. See what you can do to make your day a little happier!
If you’d like to get involved in activities for a good cause, please check if there is a Volunteer Group in your InterNations Community. Every InterNations member can join the group and take part in the activities!
Find out more on our About Page or write to [email protected].
(Image credit: InterNations)
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