It is an established fact that happy and joyful people live a long life with fewer health problems. The chances of happy individuals getting hypertension or cardiovascular diseases are also less likely. While the exact reasons that help happier people live a longer and healthier life are yet to be established, it is important that the pursuit of happiness should be the primary objective of every individual’s life.

Working in this regard the International Day of Happiness (20th March) serves as a reminder to every individual to be happy, take happiness seriously, and put sincere efforts in achieving happiness for self and also add happiness to others’ lives by spreading joy and kindness. ‘Be Mindful, Be Grateful, Be Kind’ is the theme for this year’s International Day of Happiness. 

Let us explore more on the theme and understand how each element of the theme is effective in making you a much happier person. 

Being Mindful

What is mindfulness?

Renowned professor emeritus of Medicine and the creator of ‘Stress Reduction Clinic’ and the ‘Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Healthcare, and Society’ defines ‘being mindful’ as “Paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally”, where:

  • ‘On purpose’ represents actively and consciously choosing where to place our attention
  • ‘In the present moment’ pertains to focusing on what’s here now, rather than getting caught up in thoughts or worries about what lies ahead
  • ‘Non-judgmentally’ - refers to being open to acceptance and kindness and being curious about what we notice as we focus our attention

How does being mindful make you a happier person?

Practicing mindfulness can make you a happier person by:

  • Reducing stress
  • Helping you process your thoughts, emotions, and reactions
  • Helping you cultivate compassion for self and others
  • Strengthening your relationships 
  • Improving your efficiency and productivity

Being Grateful What is being grateful?

Gratitude or being grateful is a positive emotion of acknowledgement, acceptance, and appreciation of what's good in our lives and being thankful for the things we have. It is a conscious decision to pause a moment to ‘count your blessings’ and be thankful for the good things happening in your  — whether a small thing or a big thing. Being grateful is also a practice of acknowledging someone else's gesture towards you.

How does being grateful make you a happier person?

  • Practicing gratitude (being grateful) has several benefits on your health. Gratitude reflects on your physical health and wellbeing as it helps program your body to eat better, exercise more, and take proper care of your health.
  • Studies have shown that being grateful activates the neurotransmitters in your brain to produce more feel-good or happy hormones such as endorphins, serotonin, oxytocin, and dopamine which make you a happy person. These happy hormones also help elevate your mood, reduce stress, reduce pain, control or lower blood pressure, and improve your immunity making you a healthier person.
  • Studies also associated being grateful with a positive impact on your psychological well being as well. Gratitude helps build your self esteem, give you a positive and optimistic outlook, and also helps process your thoughts, emotions and reactions in a positive way.

Being Kind

Kindness or being kind does not need any definition. We all know very well that kindness is the quality of being helpful, friendly, considerate, and generous, without expecting anything in return. The simple act of kindness is many times associated with a sense of positivity and happiness which in turn contributes to making you a happier person.

How does being kind make you a happier person?

Kindness is more than just a behavior. Being kind makes you a happier person by:

  • Boosting the ‘reward center’ in your brain that leaves you with a good feeling
  • Improving your mental health by reducing the symptoms of depression and anxiety
  • Increasing your sense of satisfaction and meaning with life and booting your self confidence

Take home message - While ‘Mindfulness, Gratitude, and Kindness’ are vital in making you a happier person, there are a few other positive behaviors that you can practice to add more to your happiness. The positive behaviors include keeping negative thoughts far and away, having a positive attitude towards life, connecting with people around you, taking good care of your health and body, cultivating acceptance and resilience to bounce back, and having a positive control over your emotions.

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