5 Tips for Creating More Happiness in the World

Deborah K. Heisz, Co-Founder and Editorial Director of Live Happy and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Neora, shares five tips for making the world a happier place.

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March is a big month for the Live Happy team: We encourage everyone to celebrate the International Day of Happiness on March 20 by creating and sharing a happiness wall and joining our 31-day #HappyActs campaign.

Both are great ideas to spread happiness and goodwill around the world. But being happy isn’t something that should be saved for a month or a day — the happiness movement is about inspiring people to engage in living healthy, meaningful and purpose-driven lives.

At Live Happy and Neora, we weave happiness into our core values and mission and encourage others to do the same. Here are five ways to create happiness in your own life and, hopefully, in the lives of others.

Do What You Love

On the surface, this idea seems quite simple, and it is. Life is too short to be miserable. Make an effort to find things you enjoy and are passionate about — whether it’s in your career, your personal life, your free time, or all of the above. A positive attitude goes a long way, so greet the day with a smile. Don’t be afraid to put yourself first now and then — if something in your life is causing sadness or pain, find a way to reconnect with joy. The benefits can help you and your friends, family or co-workers.

Start Small

Jeff Olson, Neora Founder and Live Happy Co-Founder, wrote a book, The Slight Edge, about making small, deliberate changes that can lead you to a more successful life. Olson’s ideas have helped many people improve their careers, but the ideals can also be applied to happiness. Taking a big leap often causes an idea to fail, so try a small thing, like complimenting someone at work or offering to help. Just one #HappyAct a day can go a long way in your own life and the people you share it with.

Be Authentic

Monica Bourgeau, a business consultant and contributor to The Huffington Post, is a strong believer in the power of authenticity. One’s life experience brings a unique perspective and value. Don’t try to be someone else — be yourself. Happiness will soon follow. “Authenticity creates higher levels of empowerment, creativity and overall well-being — a great place to be when helping others,” she wrote.

Random Acts of Kindness

Who doesn’t like to get a little help every now and then? Whether it’s for a loved one, family member, co-worker, neighbor or stranger, practicing random acts of kindness really can make the world a happier place. Need some ideas to get started? Live Happy magazine featured the Random Act of Kindness Foundation in its February 2018 issue. The foundation lists ideas for spreading happiness on its website. Ideas include:

• Cleaning up a park with friends
• Taking toys to kids in a hospital
• Buying dog or cat food and dropping it off at an animal shelter

Spark Change

Is there something you wish would change but doesn’t seem to budge? This could include a problem in your neighborhood or community, or something a group or cause could rally behind. Bourgeau recommends becoming an advocate for change — through social media, a community event or the old-fashioned way, writing “snail mail” to local, state or federal representatives. Sometimes it takes being a squeaky wheel to get the grease.

Happiness comes from within, so be sure to practice positivity daily. Live Happy is here to help make the world a better place, one happy person at a time. Thanks for being part of the movement!