Happiness Hacks: Exploring World Happiness Week, the Relevance for the Social Impact Sector and its Workplace Culture
Alright, folks, buckle up because it's #WorldHappinessWeek, and we're diving deep into the pursuit of that elusive thing called happiness. Before you roll your eyes and dismiss it as just another cheesy attempt to make us all feel warm and fuzzy inside, let's take a closer look at why this week actually matters.
Picture this: a world where everyone's walking around with a little extra pep in their step, a twinkle in their eye, and a skip in their stride. That's the dream, right? Well, World Happiness Week is all about making that dream a reality, at least for a week (but hey, we'll take what we can get). The celebration takes place from March 15th – 24th, 2024, uniting the leading happiness and wellbeing experts across the fields of education, business, science, art, technology, music, and policy.
So why do we need a whole week dedicated to happiness? Because let's face it, life can be a bit of a rollercoaster ride, and sometimes we need a little reminder to stop and smell the metaphorical roses. In between deadlines, Zoom meetings, and endless to-do lists, it's easy to forget to prioritize our own wellbeing. That's where World Happiness Week swoops in like a caped crusader, reminding us to press pause, take a breather, and focus on what truly matters.
What is happiness, anyway?
Now, let's talk about the big question: what exactly is happiness, anyway? Is it the warm fuzzies you get when you bite into a gooey chocolate chip cookie? Sure, that's part of it. But happiness is so much more than just a fleeting moment of pleasure. It's about finding contentment, fulfilment, and joy in every nook and cranny of our lives.
But here's the kicker: happiness isn't a one-size-fits-all kind of deal. It comes in many shapes and sizes, from the quiet contentment of a lazy Sunday morning to the exhilarating rush of achieving a long-term goal. And that's where the magic lies - in embracing the full spectrum of happiness and finding what works best for you. In short, happiness is a state of being, characterized by feelings of joy, satisfaction, contentment, and fulfilment.
Recently, one of my favourite podcasters, @Mel Robbins spoke to @Dr. Judith Joseph, a leading psychiatrist and researcher focusing on mental wealth and personal growth. The two joined forces to deliver a daily dose of education in less time than it takes to brew a pot of coffee. Their mission? To prove that happiness isn't some unattainable fairy tale; it's about seizing the little moments of joy that are scattered throughout our daily lives - Want to be happier right now? Don’t make this Mistake (Surprising Science). They also unpack the concept of anhedonia, which is the lack of interest, enjoyment or pleasure from life's experiences, and something we should all be on the lookout for, as a symptom of the need to pause, reflect inwards, and potentially seek support.
Happiness at work, across the social impact sector and implications for workplace culture
Now, let's turn our attention to the workplace. The land of endless meetings, ‘circling back’ and other buzzwords, and the occasional office drama (in person or virtual). But fear not, my fellow Zoom marathoners, because happiness at work is totally within reach. Just ask the folks over at @Forbes, who've got the inside scoop on how to turn that mundane nine-to-five (or rather eight-to-eight) grind into a happiness-filled extravaganza. Published this week, Bryan Robinson unpacks 10 Habits That Make Employees Happy In 2024, According To Analysis.
The secret sauce? Cultivating inward-focused habits like gratitude, mindfulness, and self-compassion. It's about finding purpose in your work, connecting with your colleagues, and—dare I say it—actually enjoying what you do. Crazy concept, I know.
In the realm of the social impact sector, where changing lives and making a positive impact supposedly go hand in hand with our ‘day jobs’, that's the magic of our sector, where happiness isn't just a byproduct - it's a driving force.
So, why does World Happiness Week matter in this corner of the universe? Because let's face it, doing good for people and our planet is no small feat, and even the most dedicated, optimistic and purpose-aligned changemakers need a little pick-me-up. That's where World Happiness Week swoops in like a superhero in a cape, reminding us that joy, laughter, and good vibes are just as essential to our mission as spreadsheets and strategy sessions.
But here's the kicker: happiness in the social impact sector isn't just about meeting our KPIs - funds raised, projects executed, partnerships formed, community members supported - it’s about creating a workplace culture where passion thrives, collaboration flourishes, and every team member feels valued and supported. It's about recognizing that happy, fulfilled employees are not only more productive but also more creative, innovative, and resilient in the face of challenges.
Brint it on - I want to be happier!
The Forbes article shared 10 habits to increase your happiness at work, and it is an incredibly robust list, including avoiding the desperate pursuit of happiness, focusing the quest for happiness inward, practising gratitude, wanting what you already have, finding purpose in work, thanking your coworkers, discovering where you are on the well-researched happiness u-shaped curve, taking control of your happiness, exercising self-compassion, and practising kindness.
Truthfully, this seems like a stellar list, not just in the pursuit of happiness, but also if one is aiming to be an all-around genuinely good human (one would imagine we are all striving for #10, to be kind?). For further details on each habit, check out the full Forbes article.
As a life and career coach in the social impact space, I would add three additional habits to this truly fantastic list, summarised below.
Cultivate Social Connections: Spend time with friends, family, and loved ones who uplift and support you. Social connections are vital for happiness and well-being, so prioritise meaningful interactions and nurture your relationships.
Set Meaningful Goals: Identify goals that align with your values and passions, both personal and professional, and take steps towards achieving them. Having a sense of purpose and direction in life can increase motivation, satisfaction, and overall happiness.
Physical Activity: Regular exercise releases endorphins, the body's natural mood lifters, and can significantly improve mood and overall happiness. Find activities that you enjoy, whether it's walking, yoga, dancing, or cycling, and make them a regular part of your routine.
You might be saying to yourself - I wanted tips to be happier at WORK, these don’t sound very work-related. Or, do they? The days you practised mindfulness for 5 minutes in the morning over a cup of coffee, rode your bike to work, or spent lunch with someone who fills your cup, how did you feel? Studies show that movement and mindfulness help to increase focus, reduce mental fatigue, improve memory recall, and stimulate creativity - so these are work-related. Spending quality and intentional time with loved ones can help to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions boost our self-esteem, confidence, and resilience, and help us bounce back from adversity. The bottom line? We can’t separate our professional performance and satisfaction from the daily habits that form our life as a whole, and on top of this, balance is crucial.
Increasing happiness is a journey, and it's okay to experiment with different tools and techniques to find what works best for you. Incorporate these practices into your daily routine and observe how they positively impact your mood, mindset, and overall wellbeing.
As we embark on this journey called World Happiness Week, let's raise a toast to all the little things that make life worth living. Whether it's a heartfelt thank-you from a coworker, a spontaneous dance party in your living room, or simply a good old-fashioned belly laugh, let's embrace the joy, spread the love, and unleash our inner happiness.
“Attitude is a choice. Happiness is a choice. Optimism is a choice. Kindness is a choice. Giving is a choice. Respect is a choice. Whatever choice you make makes you. Choose wisely.” ― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart
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Are you finding more frustration than joy in your work? Are you yearning for change but feeling unsure where to start? As a Life & Career coach, I'm here to guide you. In a complimentary 30-minute call, we will dive into your career goals, dissect the challenges and opportunities ahead, and explore how coaching can empower you to navigate transitions and embrace a more fulfilling life. Remember, taking small steps can lead to significant strides in shaping the life you desire.
