It’s time for a little happiness

By Sheree Hoddinett  

If you’re happy and you know it….celebrate it! 

There’s no denying it’s not always easy to find happiness in a world so often full of doom and gloom. International Happiness Day on March 20 is a day established by the United Nations General Assembly to recognise the importance of happiness and wellbeing in people's lives around the world. 

This year’s theme is caring and sharing and is intended to remind us that lasting happiness comes from caring for each other, feeling connected and being part of something bigger.  

Why is happiness important? 

It’s important to recognise we cannot, and should not, be aiming to be ‘happy’ 100% of the time. Our wellbeing is reliant on experiencing happiness from time to time. That is, experiencing positive, enjoyable emotions and feeling connected to a sense of contentment in our lives.  

Experiencing happiness is important for our emotional and physical health. A stronger sense of happiness and wellbeing has been shown to lead to better relationships, increase social connection and contribution to the lives of others, as well as contributing to healthier physical wellbeing.    

Ways to celebrate International Happiness Day: 

• Spend time with loved ones 

• Perform acts of kindness 

• Practice self-care 

• Do activities that make you happy 

• Participate in community events focused on happiness and wellbeing 

If you feel up to trying something a little different to uncover your happy side, why not consider heading along to a laughing club.  

“We can cultivate happiness in a variety of ways – from nourishing our bodies with the right foods, exercising and getting good sleep to smiling more, practising gratitude, being kind to ourselves and others – and of course laughing more,” The Happydemic’s HeatherJoy Campbell said. “Laughter clubs like North Lakes Laughter Club encourage laughter and mindfulness, encourage movement, wind back stress, elevate mood and give us social connection all of which make us feel better - happier.”   

While she would love to have laughing clubs all over the community, for now HeatherJoy runs these “hubs of joy” at North Lakes and Woody Point.   

“The struggle to ‘be happy’ or ‘find happiness’ is very real – and laughter yoga is an accessible way of tapping into our own resources when practised regularly,” HeatherJoy said. “That’s why I run community giveback laughter clubs.” 

So, how can laughter lead to happiness? 

“Science shows laughter triggers a cascade of physiological responses within the body including the release of feel-good chemicals that boost our mood and overall wellbeing while winding back anxiety and stress,” HeatherJoy said. “That’s why I call laughter club a ‘happy hour with a difference’.” 

North Lakes Laughter Club is on the first Thursday of every month from 6pm inside the library at 10 The Corso. It is free. 

Get out there and get happy!