Access to Asia Signing by Sharon Schweitzer

Happiness is a fabulous state of mind – many of us can remember the days and times that have brought us the happiest memories. Wouldn’t it be amazing to be happy for the majority of your life?

Believe it or not, happiness can be influenced by where you live. The World Happiness Report is a landmark survey of the state of global happiness. In the World Happiness Report 2018, 156 countries were ranked by their happiness levels and 117 countries by the happiness of their immigrants. The 2018 report was revealed at a launch event on March 14 at the Pontifical Academy of Sciences in the Vatican. A launch event was also held on March 20, celebrating International Day of Happiness at the United Nations.

So which of the 156 nations are the happiest? The study found that Denmark, Switzerland, Norway and now Finland held top spot. All four countries demonstrate high values of the six key variables found to support well-being: income, healthy life expectancy, social support, freedom, trust and generosity.

The 2019 report focuses on developing and presenting a set of practical policy lessons in the context of health, education, employment, cities, personal happiness, and measurement and policy design.

Based on these reports, consider these 8 resources to integrate more happiness into your daily personal and professional life:

    1. Read Geography of Bliss: In this travel memoir, author Eric Weiner tries to understand the “science of happiness.” In other words, what are the ingredients for a good and happy life?
    2. Do more yoga: You might be surprised, but yes, yoga can actually make you happier. Whether it is the sense of meditation and focusing in the present moment or helping you with your breathing patterns, studies have shown that doing yoga increases your GABA levels which correlate with lower levels of depression and anxiety.  
    3. Take an online course: Dr. Raj Raghunathan, a professor of marketing at the McCombs School of Business in the University of Texas at Austin conducts an online course revolving around a successful Life of Happiness & Fulfillment.
    4. Listen to Pharrell Williams: Listen to the CD or watch the DVD of the Happy official music video.
    5. Use your hashtags: Include hashtags to use for the day #what are they? #worldhappiness #worldhappinessday2019
    6. Check out HuffPost’s Good News feed: Switching negative habits into good ones is also a great way to boost your happiness levels. Instead of using your phone or computer to read about negative news, start your day going through a Good News feed.
    7. Watch one of these TedTalks:
    8. Join the Look for the Good gratitude campaign: This program is based on the Theory of Positive Psychology for students who have suffered negative childhood experiences and is affecting their views in life and happiness. Supporting this program by becoming a sponsor for the program to reach various states in the country is a way to give a hand to those in need will help you feel good about your contribution on society.

Life’s filled with reasons to be happy. It is all about switching your mindset from a negative to a positive one and looking for ways to enjoy. Follow these tips and tricks and get yourself started with celebrating International World Happiness Day.

 

Sharon Schweitzer, Ashley Blake and Sophie Echeverry co-wrote this post. Sharon Schweitzer, J.D., is a cross-cultural trainer, attorney, modern manners expert, and the founder of Access to Culture. In addition to her accreditation in intercultural management from the HOFSTEDE Centre and the Intercultural Communication Institute, she serves as a Chinese Ceremonial Dining Etiquette Specialist in the documentary series Confucius was a Foodie, on Nat Geo People. She is the resident etiquette expert on two popular lifestyle shows: ABC Tampa Bay’s Morning Blend and CBS Austin’s We Are Austin. She is regularly quoted by BBC Capital, Investor’s Business Daily, and Fortune. Her Amazon #1 Best Selling book in International Business, Access to Asia: Your Multicultural Business Guide (Wiley 2015), now in its third printing, was named to Kirkus Reviews’ Best Books of 2015. She’s a winner of the British Airways International Trade Award at the 2016 Greater Austin Business Awards and the 2017 New York City Big Book Award for Multicultural Nonfiction.

Ashley Blake is the founder of Traverse Journeys, an impact-based adventure travel provider with a focus on social and environmental responsibility. Ashley holds an MA in Media Studies from the University of Texas at Austin, focusing her research on music for social change in Brazil. Ashley also holds a BA and BS in International Studies and Print Media from Oregon State University with minors in Spanish and Music. Ashley’s academic and professional background merge in her work in project management, consulting, and international tourism. Ashley is a fluent Spanish speaker with basic skills in Portuguese, German and Arabic with experience in more than 40 countries across the globe. Ashley is passionate about connection, communication and coordination in order to link others with the opportunities and experiences that promote personal, professional and community growth.  

Sophie Echeverry is the Corporate Marketing Manager and Event Coordinator at Access to Culture. Born and raised in Colombia, she’s a 2018 graduate with a B.B.A. in International Business and Marketing from Hult International Business School in San Francisco, CA. Sophie has co-written more than 30 blogs since graduation. She’s a passionate foodie, and an avid e-scooter rider. Follow her foodie Instagram account or Connect with her on LinkedIn.

 

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