“Happiness radiates like the fragrance from a flower and draws all good things towards you.” — Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
Since 2013, the United Nations has celebrated the International Day of Happiness (20 March) as a way to recognise the importance of happiness in the lives of people around the world. In 2015, the UN launched the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, which seek to end poverty, reduce inequality, and protect our planet – three key aspects that lead to well-being and happiness.
Podcast: The Happiness Lab with Dr Laurie Santos
You might think you know what it takes to lead a happier life… more money, a better job, or Instagram-worthy vacations. You’re dead wrong. Yale professor Dr. Laurie Santos has studied the science of happiness and found that many of us do the exact opposite of what will truly make our lives better. Based on the psychology course she teaches at Yale–the most popular class in the university’s 300-year history–Laurie will take you through the latest scientific research and share some surprising and inspiring stories that will change the way you think about happiness. Listen here.
Netflix: Expedition Happiness
A filmmaker and his musician girlfriend attempt and epic road trip with their dog, traveling across North America in a refurbished school bus. Watch the trailer here.
Yoga: YouTube
Happiness Boost Yoga – Awaken the chakras and energetic channels of the body, or the nadis. Use deep conscious breaths as you follow this sequence to lift your mood. This practice can relieve tension, anxiety, the blues, and is great energetic hygiene! Increase flexibility and build strength, mindfully. Cultivate a full body experience. It is not what you do but how you do it in this sequence. Increase balance with practice and breath.
Wellness App: SuperBetter
Building resilience – the ability to stay strong, motivated and optimistic – even in the face of change and difficult challenges is tough. But the makers behind the SuperBetter app believe that using their tool will unlock your heroic potential so you can overcome tough situations and achieve goals that matter most. Android: free iPhone: free
When game designer Jane McGonigal found herself bedridden and suicidal following a severe concussion, she had a fascinating idea for how to get better. She dove into the scientific research and created the healing game, SuperBetter. In this moving talk, McGonigal explains how a game can boost resilience — and promises to add 7.5 minutes to your life.
Meditation: YouTube
Joy Meditation (Strengthen Happiness) – Spend a few minutes rejoicing and feel that much happier. A Joy mindfulness meditation created by Stop, Breathe & Think.
Food: 16 Foods That Boost Your Mood and Fight Depression
Give your mood a big boost with these foods!
TEDTalks: What makes a good life? Lessons from the longest study on happiness
What keeps us happy and healthy as we go through life? If you think it’s fame and money, you’re not alone – but, according to psychiatrist Robert Waldinger, you’re mistaken. As the director of 75-year-old study on adult development, Waldinger has unprecedented access to data on true happiness and satisfaction. In this talk, he shares three important lessons learned from the study as well as some practical, old-as-the-hills wisdom on how to build a fulfilling, long life. Watch the talk here.
Watch: Why Finland and Denmark are the Happiest Countries in the World
What does it take to be happy? The Nordic countries seem to have it all figured out. Finland and Denmark have consistently topped the United Nations’ most prestigious index, The World Happiness Report, in all six areas of life satisfaction: income, healthy life expectancy, social support, freedom, trust and generosity. Learn more about work-life balance secrets from the happiest countries in the world here.
Book Recommendation: The Book of Joy – Lasting Happiness in a Changing World
Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama have been friends for many, many years. Between them, they have endured exile, violence, and oppression. And in the face of these hardships, they have continued to radiate compassion, humour and above all, joy. To celebrate His Holiness’s eightieth birthday, Archbishop Tutu travelled to the Dalai Lama’s home in Dharamsala. The two men spent a week discussing a single burning question: how do we find joy in the face of suffering? This book is a gift from two of the most important spiritual figures of our time. Full of love, warmth and hope, The Book of Joy offers us the chance to experience their journey from first embrace to final goodbye.
For the Children: 50 Ways to Feel Happy
50 Ways to Feel Happy is an action-packed, illustrated book which helps children build happiness skills and develop helpful habits for their daily lives.
- 50 great activities and projects to do at home and in schools
- Promotes well-being, self-confidence, resilience and emotional stability
- Based on the Ten Keys to Happier Living and adapted for 7-11 year olds
- Free sample downloads available here.
The Mindful Traveller 