This report puts the spotlight on the concept of mind over money and happiness over success. A new study claims wealthier people may have fuller wallets but emptier hearts.

Study Says Rich People Are Often Unhappier

The 2024 World Happiness Report has unveiled a concerning trend: young people are experiencing a decline in happiness, with the phenomenon likened to a midlife crisis. Experts cited in the media have drawn attention to the role of social media in aggravating this trend.

As per new data, which has been prepared by Gallup and its partners, the United States for the first time in over a decade&nbsp;moved out of the list of top 20 countries.

<h2>What does it mean?</h2>

The report's revelations challenge conventional wisdom, which suggests that happiness follows a U-shaped trajectory, dipping in midlife before rebounding.

The findings also indicate a notable shift in happiness levels, particularly among younger demographics across North America and Western Europe.<img alt="happiness index list" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c5adb802-4423-405c-8330-73c4eaafbe32" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202024-03-20T095115.936.png" />

The report highlights a significant drop in well-being among those under 30. The United States was excluded from the list of&nbsp;the top 20 happiest nations. This reversal marks a departure from previous years when younger Americans reported higher happiness levels compared to older generations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/worlds-happiest-countries-us-drops-from-top-20-finland-wears-the-crown-for-seventh-time-702096">World's happiest countries: US drops from top 20, Finland wears the crown for seventh time</a>

In the United Kingdom, young people under 30 rank lower in happiness compared to their counterparts in nations like Moldova and Kosovo.

Also watch |&nbsp;The key to happiness is more time, not more money

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Conversely, older British citizens feature prominently among the world's happiest older generations. These findings coincide with a growing pessimism among British teenagers regarding their prospects,

<h2>Childhood well-being key predictor of future life satisfaction</h2>

The report calls for legislative measures to mitigate the adverse effects of social media on young people, including restrictions on features like buttons and infinite scrolling.

The report's insights reinforce the importance of prioritising childhood well-being&nbsp;during pre-teen&nbsp;years&nbsp;for future life satisfaction and economic success.

Among the top 10 countries, only the Netherlands and Australia are countries with over 15 million population. Among the top 20 countries, only Canada and the United Kingdom have population over 30 million, the report said.

Meanwhile, India has been ranked at the 126th position.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The 2024 World Happiness Report has unveiled a concerning trend: young people are experiencing a decline in happiness, with the phenomenon likened to a midlife crisis.

The 2024 World Happiness Report has unveiled a concerning trend: young people are experiencing a decline in happiness, with the phenomenon likened to a midlife crisis. Experts cited in the media have drawn attention to the role of social media in aggravating this trend. As per new data, which has been prepared by Gallup and its partners, the United States for the first time in over a decade moved out of the list of top 20 countries. What does it mean? The report's revelations challenge conventional wisdom, which suggests that happiness follows a U-shaped trajectory, dipping in midlife before rebounding. The findings also indicate a notable shift in happiness levels, particularly among younger demographics across North America and Western Europe. The report highlights a significant drop in well-being among those under 30. The United States was excluded from the list of the top 20 happiest nations. This reversal marks a departure from previous years when younger Americans reported higher happiness levels compared to older generations. Also read | World's happiest countries: US drops from top 20, Finland wears the crown for seventh time In the United Kingdom, young people under 30 rank lower in happiness compared to their counterparts in nations like Moldova and Kosovo. Also watch | The key to happiness is more time, not more money × Conversely, older British citizens feature prominently among the world's happiest older generations. These findings coincide with a growing pessimism among British teenagers regarding their prospects, Childhood well-being key predictor of future life satisfaction The report calls for legislative measures to mitigate the adverse effects of social media on young people, including restrictions on features like buttons and infinite scrolling. The report's insights reinforce the importance of prioritising childhood well-being during pre-teen years for future life satisfaction and economic success. Among the top 10 countries, only the Netherlands and Australia are countries with over 15 million population. Among the top 20 countries, only Canada and the United Kingdom have population over 30 million, the report said. Meanwhile, India has been ranked at the 126th position. (With inputs from agencies)

More youngsters experiencing unhappiness similar to mid-life crisis: Research

The World Happiness Report 2024 is out. Once again Finland has topped the list. This has happened for the seventh time in a row. How accurate is the happiness index?

Gravitas | World Happiness Report: Is it all sunshine & rainbows in Finland?

Younger people are sadder than the older generations in many Western Nations this is the finding of the a new World Happiness Report. Many Western Nations including the United States have in fact plunged in the rankings due to their gloomy youth.

World Happiness report raises alarm over youth

The 2024 World Happiness Report is out, and for the seventh year in a row, Finland has been named the happiest country in the world.

World Happiness Report 2024: Report highlights

A recent study suggests that dogs wag their tail not only to indicate happiness but also to communicate other complex emotions. A team of European researchers proposed two major theories on the evolution of tail wagging in dogs in a recent study published in the journal Biology Letters.

A recent study suggests that dogs wag their tail not only to indicate happiness but also to communicate other complex emotions. A team of European researchers proposed two major theories on the evolution of tail wagging in dogs in a recent study published in the journal Biology Letters. The study suggests that when dogs experience a positive emotion, they tend to wag their tail more towards the right. However, their wagging inclines towards the left more when they have a negative emotion. The authors stated that wagging and arousal-related hormones or neurotransmitters might be linked in the dogs' bodies. They also mentioned that there might be a connection between the stress hormone cortisol and tail wagging. Silvia Leonetti, the study's first author and research assistant in comparative bioacoustics at the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, told Newsweek, "Many animals have tails and use those tails for moving (an alligator swimming), balance ( a cat walking along a narrow fence), and removing pests (a horse swatting flies away from its body). But those examples contrast with domestic dogs, who use their tails primarily for communication rather than any other function." ALSO READ | Rhesus monkey cloned using new technique different from what was used for Dolly the sheep Dogs, compared to wolves, wag their tails more often and start from a very young age, suggesting that the behaviour evolved in the line after humans started domesticating them. Thus, dogs might have adapted wagging as a way to communicate with their human masters. "One study found that during food denial situations, dogs wagged their tails more when a human was present versus not, suggesting that tail wagging may also function as a requesting signal," the authors said. However, this evolution might not be deliberate. According to the study, wagging may have emerged as a by-product of another characteristic, like tameness or friendliness. The authors bred a cohort of silver foxes for over 40 generations for the research. They found that the foxes showed a dog-like tail-wagging behaviour after being selected for traits like tamability and docility. "Based on this, we hypothesise that the domestication process may have led to changes at the anatomical and behavioral level that altered tail wagging behavior in dogs," the authors said. Although these theories suggest how and why tail wagging evolved, there are many unanswered questions. "We are just scratching the surface," Andrea Ravignani, the study's senior author, said. It remains a mystery how dogs control their behaviour and how well they decipher the meaning of wagging among other dogs. "We echo the concerns of other researchers that these procedures may impair the communicative repertoire of an animal (although this should be empirically tested by comparing breeds) and reduce how well a dog can express its feelings and communicate," Ravignani said. (With inputs from agencies)

Dogs wag their tail to convey a lot more than just happiness, study finds

In Iran, dance has become a popular form of protest against the authorities. Iranian are dancing everywhere classrooms, shops, stadiums. What is their demand? Priyanka Sharma tells

Gravitas: Iranians dance to protest the crackdown on happiness

Less screen time is the secret to happiness, new research reveals. There is a sharp increase in average screen time by children during the pandemic. But it has a harmful impact on health. Spending more time online increases the risk of depression.

Less screen time is the secret to happiness, new research reveals

Can money buy happiness? A recent survey by empower and the Harris poll tried to find answers to this much-debated question. We explore the price tags each generation attaches to happiness and the evolving dynamics of financial well-being.

Americans link $1.2m to happiness in survey results

Do pets make you happy? As per a new study they did not during the pandemic pets have been recognized for their positive impact on human well-being both mentally and physically but a recent study by Michigan State University contradicts this the study.

Pets did not improve emotional well-being during pandemic

Can you purchase happiness? Through the services offered by his business, Happibe, a guy in Nigeria is genuinely selling happiness, and that too for just $2.

Nigerian company Happivibe sells 'happiness' for less than $2

A study conducted by Harvard researchers has found out the types of jobs which tend to be the unhappiest. The answer is, the&nbsp;ones that require little human interaction, reported CNBC. The study which began in 1938, has gathered health records from hundreds of participants across the world.&nbsp;

The 85-year old research looked at some 700 participants from all over the world and asked detailed questions about their lives every two years. The study found that jobs which require little human interaction and do not offer opportunities to build meaningful relationships with co-workers tend to have some of the most miserable employees, the study found.&nbsp;

“It’s a critical social need that should be met in all aspects of our lives,” Robert Waldinger, MD and a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School told CNBC. He added, “Plus, if you are more connected to people, you feel more satisfied with your job, and do better work.”&nbsp;

Waldinger who was also the director of one of the longest-running studies on happiness called Harvard Study of Adult Development also noted that some roles cannot reliably be correlated with dissatisfaction and burnout as certain job characteristics can be, reported CNBC.&nbsp;

Some of the most isolating jobs involve independent work like truck driving or night security. Additionally, more and more lonely jobs are emerging particularly in tech-driven industries like packaging or food delivery services where people have no co-workers at all, said the report, citing the Harvard professor.&nbsp;

Notably, loneliness is not limited to those involved in independent work as the study found that even people with busy, social jobs can feel isolated if they don’t have positive, meaningful interactions with their co-workers, said the CNBC report. Researchers also found that creating small opportunities for social interaction can be good for one’s health and help alleviate feelings of loneliness and dissatisfaction.&nbsp; 
 
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A study conducted by Harvard researchers has found out the types of jobs which tend to be the unhappiest. The answer is, the ones that require little human interaction, reported CNBC.

A study conducted by Harvard researchers has found out the types of jobs which tend to be the unhappiest. The answer is, the ones that require little human interaction, reported CNBC. The study which began in 1938, has gathered health records from hundreds of participants across the world. The 85-year old research looked at some 700 participants from all over the world and asked detailed questions about their lives every two years. The study found that jobs which require little human interaction and do not offer opportunities to build meaningful relationships with co-workers tend to have some of the most miserable employees, the study found. “It’s a critical social need that should be met in all aspects of our lives,” Robert Waldinger, MD and a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School told CNBC. He added, “Plus, if you are more connected to people, you feel more satisfied with your job, and do better work.” Waldinger who was also the director of one of the longest-running studies on happiness called Harvard Study of Adult Development also noted that some roles cannot reliably be correlated with dissatisfaction and burnout as certain job characteristics can be, reported CNBC. Some of the most isolating jobs involve independent work like truck driving or night security. Additionally, more and more lonely jobs are emerging particularly in tech-driven industries like packaging or food delivery services where people have no co-workers at all, said the report, citing the Harvard professor. Notably, loneliness is not limited to those involved in independent work as the study found that even people with busy, social jobs can feel isolated if they don’t have positive, meaningful interactions with their co-workers, said the CNBC report. Researchers also found that creating small opportunities for social interaction can be good for one’s health and help alleviate feelings of loneliness and dissatisfaction. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Study finds people with this type of job tend to be the unhappiest

The World Happiness report 2023 released by the United Nations has European countries dominating the top 10 spots. Finland has been marked the happiest country in the world six years in a row. New Zealand and Israel are the only non-European countries that finds places in top 10, otherwise, it's Europe all the way.

Here are 10 happiest countries in world according to the report:

1. Finland

2. Denmark

3. Iceland

4. Israel

5. Netherlands

6. Sweden

7. Norway

8. Switzerland

9. Luxembourg

10. New Zealand

Interestingly however, Europe has also reported a massive increase in the use of anti-depressant drugs. As per data released by Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, use of anti-depressant drugs in Europe has grown by more than two times between 2000 and 2020. In this respect, Iceland is at the top spot. It is third happiest country according to the Wold Happiness Report 2023.

Iceland is immediately followed by Sweden and Norway when it comes to increased use of anti-depressants. These two countries are at sixth and seventh spots in the happiness report. Finland and Denmark are at number eight and nine.

These are top two countries in the happiness report.

Increased use of anti-depressants cannot always be directly associated with drug abuse as it may also mean that more people are getting treatment for mental health issues.

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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The World Happiness report 2023 released by the United Nations has European countries dominating the top 10 spots. Finland has been marked the happiest country in the world six years in a row.

The World Happiness report 2023 released by the United Nations has European countries dominating the top 10 spots. Finland has been marked the happiest country in the world six years in a row. New Zealand and Israel are the only non-European countries that finds places in top 10, otherwise, it's Europe all the way. Here are 10 happiest countries in world according to the report: 1. Finland 2. Denmark 3. Iceland 4. Israel 5. Netherlands 6. Sweden 7. Norway 8. Switzerland 9. Luxembourg 10. New Zealand Interestingly however, Europe has also reported a massive increase in the use of anti-depressant drugs. As per data released by Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, use of anti-depressant drugs in Europe has grown by more than two times between 2000 and 2020. In this respect, Iceland is at the top spot. It is third happiest country according to the Wold Happiness Report 2023. Iceland is immediately followed by Sweden and Norway when it comes to increased use of anti-depressants. These two countries are at sixth and seventh spots in the happiness report. Finland and Denmark are at number eight and nine. These are top two countries in the happiness report. Increased use of anti-depressants cannot always be directly associated with drug abuse as it may also mean that more people are getting treatment for mental health issues. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Countries high on happiness index also report increased drug use

Finland, which has been crowned as the world's happiest country for six years continuously, is now planning to offer a masterclass on happiness to the rest of the world.

A four-day masterclass on happiness is being hosted by the Nordic country in June, and its tourism board stated that 10 lucky applicants will get to visit Norway for free.

Other participants will be able to virtually study and cheer up when the masterclass is later made available online.

In a statement, senior director of international marketing at Business Finland Heli Jimenez said, "A question we often get is: 'How are you so happy?'"

"We believe Finnish happiness stems from a close relationship with nature and our down-to-earth lifestyle: it's not some mystical state, but a skill that can be learned and shared,” Jimenez added.

Finland recently clinched the top position in the World Happiness Report again. The World Happiness Report observes six factors to measure happiness – generosity, freedom, income, health, absence of corruption and social support.

The tourism authorities understand why the citizens are consistently so happy which includes access to nature, efficient public services and low levels of corruption and crime.

The authorities now plan to "help people find and master that Finnish state of mind", including saunas and pine forests.

"We've chosen the best coaches, one of the most breath-taking resorts in Finland, and a time in the early summer amid the beautiful Finnish nature for our masterclass," said Jimenez.

"We feel it's a really unique opportunity to discover something wonderful and valuable: anyone curious should definitely apply,” she added.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-to-start-ratifying-finlands-nato-membership-bid-573081">Turkey to start ratifying Finland's NATO membership bid; Hungary to vote on accession on March 27</a>

<h2>What will the course include?</h2>

The crash course of happiness will include four main themes — nature and lifestyle, health and balance, food and well-being and design — and four experts will teach the courses to those enrolled.

The programme will run from June 12-15 and participants will arrive a day before and depart the day after the course ends.

The participants will stay in the Finnish Lakeland region's luxury resort, Kuru Resort, which organisers describe as "surrounded by fragrant pine forests and breath-taking views”.

Every participant will be given their own villa which will have panoramic windows as well as a spa and private sauna.

Since the programme emphasises a digital detox and good sleep, the organiser said that no TVs will be available in the villas and the bedding, which has been approved by sleep specialists, will be provided to participants 
"Every minute detail (at) the resort is designed to help you wind down and relax — fragrances, sounds and materials included," they added.

The accommodation and travel expenses of the participants will be covered in the programme. However, they will be filmed during their entire visit.

WATCH | Gravitas: What makes Finland the happiest country?

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<h2>How to apply</h2>

According to the officials, anyone above the age of 18 can apply for the masterclass, either individually or with a partner, relative or friend.

The officials are in search of people who can speak English but are not representing any company or brand and are comfortable being filmed.

"We are looking for outgoing people who are interested in comprehensive well-being and Finnish nature. You don't have to be a self-help enthusiast or have survival skills in Finnish nature. All we want is an open mind,” the officials say.

To apply, one needs to fill in an online form and finish their social media challenge using either TikTok or Instagram.

The challenge is to create content, preferably record a video, showing "what things make you believe you may be secretly a Finn," and also explain why you wish to take this masterclass.

"Are you the type of person who would much rather go to a forest than to a party? One who feels absolute desperation when running out of coffee? Prefers washing up in a lake rather than in the shower? That's just your inner Finn," stated Visit Finland in an Instagram post while announcing the challenge.

The deadline for applications is April 2 and winners will be announced publicly on social media a month later.

You can&nbsp;now write for wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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Finland, which has been crowned as the world's happiest country for six years continuously, is now planning to offer a masterclass on happiness to the rest of the world.

Finland, which has been crowned as the world's happiest country for six years continuously, is now planning to offer a masterclass on happiness to the rest of the world. A four-day masterclass on happiness is being hosted by the Nordic country in June, and its tourism board stated that 10 lucky applicants will get to visit Norway for free. Other participants will be able to virtually study and cheer up when the masterclass is later made available online. In a statement, senior director of international marketing at Business Finland Heli Jimenez said, "A question we often get is: 'How are you so happy?'" "We believe Finnish happiness stems from a close relationship with nature and our down-to-earth lifestyle: it's not some mystical state, but a skill that can be learned and shared,” Jimenez added. Finland recently clinched the top position in the World Happiness Report again. The World Happiness Report observes six factors to measure happiness – generosity, freedom, income, health, absence of corruption and social support. The tourism authorities understand why the citizens are consistently so happy which includes access to nature, efficient public services and low levels of corruption and crime. The authorities now plan to "help people find and master that Finnish state of mind", including saunas and pine forests. "We've chosen the best coaches, one of the most breath-taking resorts in Finland, and a time in the early summer amid the beautiful Finnish nature for our masterclass," said Jimenez. "We feel it's a really unique opportunity to discover something wonderful and valuable: anyone curious should definitely apply,” she added. ALSO READ | Turkey to start ratifying Finland's NATO membership bid; Hungary to vote on accession on March 27 What will the course include? The crash course of happiness will include four main themes — nature and lifestyle, health and balance, food and well-being and design — and four experts will teach the courses to those enrolled. The programme will run from June 12-15 and participants will arrive a day before and depart the day after the course ends. The participants will stay in the Finnish Lakeland region's luxury resort, Kuru Resort, which organisers describe as "surrounded by fragrant pine forests and breath-taking views”. Every participant will be given their own villa which will have panoramic windows as well as a spa and private sauna. Since the programme emphasises a digital detox and good sleep, the organiser said that no TVs will be available in the villas and the bedding, which has been approved by sleep specialists, will be provided to participants "Every minute detail (at) the resort is designed to help you wind down and relax — fragrances, sounds and materials included," they added. The accommodation and travel expenses of the participants will be covered in the programme. However, they will be filmed during their entire visit. WATCH | Gravitas: What makes Finland the happiest country? How to apply According to the officials, anyone above the age of 18 can apply for the masterclass, either individually or with a partner, relative or friend. The officials are in search of people who can speak English but are not representing any company or brand and are comfortable being filmed. "We are looking for outgoing people who are interested in comprehensive well-being and Finnish nature. You don't have to be a self-help enthusiast or have survival skills in Finnish nature. All we want is an open mind,” the officials say. To apply, one needs to fill in an online form and finish their social media challenge using either TikTok or Instagram. The challenge is to create content, preferably record a video, showing "what things make you believe you may be secretly a Finn," and also explain why you wish to take this masterclass. "Are you the type of person who would much rather go to a forest than to a party? One who feels absolute desperation when running out of coffee? Prefers washing up in a lake rather than in the shower? That's just your inner Finn," stated Visit Finland in an Instagram post while announcing the challenge. The deadline for applications is April 2 and winners will be announced publicly on social media a month later. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Finland, world's happiest country, now offering masterclass on happiness for free

The happiest countries are also some of the biggest consumers of antidepressants. Is safeguarding mental health the secret sauce to happiness? Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: Decoding the World Happiness report

Despite taking more than 6 million lives, pushing tens of millions on the verge of extreme poverty, and literally causing a socio-economic disruption across the globe, the Coronavirus pandemic has failed to make a dent in human beings’ ability to stay generous and happy, a global report on world Happiness revealed on Monday.

World happier than before Covid pandemic; West slightly lesser than others: Global Happiness Index

International Day of Happiness 2023:&nbsp;Every year on March 20, the International Day of Happiness is observed. It was first observed in 2013, following the adoption of a resolution by the United Nations General Assembly recognising happiness as a fundamental human goal and calling for more inclusive, equitable, and balanced approaches to economic growth and development.

The International Day of Happiness aims to promote happiness and well-being as universal goals and aspirations in people's lives all over the world. The day is marked by events and activities centred on themes such as mental health, mindfulness, and social connection.

The International Day of Happiness also serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable development, which seeks to balance economic growth with social and environmental sustainability. Sustainable development is critical to achieving a world in which everyone can live happy and fulfilling lives.

Overall, the International Day of Happiness serves as a reminder that happiness is a global goal, and that we all have a role to play in making the world a happier, more equitable, and sustainable place for ourselves and future generations.

International Day of Happiness 2023 theme:&nbsp;Be Mindful, Be Grateful, Be Kind!

<h2>International Day of Happiness 2023: Quotes to share with everyone</h2>

1. "Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions." - Dalai Lama

2. "The greatest happiness you can have knows that you do not necessarily require happiness." - William Saroyan

3. "If you want to be happy, be." - Leo Tolstoy

4. "Happiness is a warm puppy." - Charles M. Schulz

5. "Happiness is not a station you arrive at, but a manner of travelling." - Margaret Lee Runbeck

6. "Happiness is a perfume you cannot pour on others without getting a few drops on yourself." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

7. "The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it." - Steve Jobs

8. "Happiness is not something you postpone for the future; it is something you design for the present." - Jim Rohn

9. "The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts." - Marcus Aurelius

10. "Happiness is not a possession to be prized, it is a quality of thought, a state of mind." - Daphne du Maurier

<h2>International Day of Happiness 2023: Wishes and messages to share with friends and loved ones</h2>

1. I wish you a joyous International Day of Happiness! May your day be filled with happiness, laughter, and optimism.

2. May the joy and blessings of this day be with you today and forever. Happy International Happiness Day!

3. May this day bring you a great deal of joy and happiness. I wish you a joyous International Day of Happiness!

4. On this special day, let us spread joy and positivity. Happy International Happiness Day!

5. May your life be filled with joy, love, and optimism. Happy International Happiness Day!

6. Let us celebrate the beauty of happiness today and share it with those around us. I wish you a joyous International Day of Happiness!

7. Because happiness is contagious, let us spread it far and wide. Happy International Happiness Day!

8. On this special day, let us focus on the things that make us happy and joyful. I wish you a joyous International Day of Happiness!

9. May your heart be full of joy and your soul be full of peace. Happy International Happiness Day!

10. Let us work together to make the world a better place, one smile at a time. Happy International Happiness Day!

International Day of Happiness 2023: Every year on March 20, the International Day of Happiness is observed. It was first observed in 2013, following the adoption of a resolution by the United Nations General Assembly recognising happiness as a fundamental human goal and calling for more inclusive, equitable, and balanced approaches to economic growth and development.

International Day of Happiness 2023: Every year on March 20, the International Day of Happiness is observed. It was first observed in 2013, following the adoption of a resolution by the United Nations General Assembly recognising happiness as a fundamental human goal and calling for more inclusive, equitable, and balanced approaches to economic growth and development. The International Day of Happiness aims to promote happiness and well-being as universal goals and aspirations in people's lives all over the world. The day is marked by events and activities centred on themes such as mental health, mindfulness, and social connection. The International Day of Happiness also serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable development, which seeks to balance economic growth with social and environmental sustainability. Sustainable development is critical to achieving a world in which everyone can live happy and fulfilling lives. Overall, the International Day of Happiness serves as a reminder that happiness is a global goal, and that we all have a role to play in making the world a happier, more equitable, and sustainable place for ourselves and future generations. International Day of Happiness 2023 theme: Be Mindful, Be Grateful, Be Kind! International Day of Happiness 2023: Quotes to share with everyone 1. "Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions." - Dalai Lama 2. "The greatest happiness you can have knows that you do not necessarily require happiness." - William Saroyan 3. "If you want to be happy, be." - Leo Tolstoy 4. "Happiness is a warm puppy." - Charles M. Schulz 5. "Happiness is not a station you arrive at, but a manner of travelling." - Margaret Lee Runbeck 6. "Happiness is a perfume you cannot pour on others without getting a few drops on yourself." - Ralph Waldo Emerson 7. "The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it." - Steve Jobs 8. "Happiness is not something you postpone for the future; it is something you design for the present." - Jim Rohn 9. "The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts." - Marcus Aurelius 10. "Happiness is not a possession to be prized, it is a quality of thought, a state of mind." - Daphne du Maurier International Day of Happiness 2023: Wishes and messages to share with friends and loved ones 1. I wish you a joyous International Day of Happiness! May your day be filled with happiness, laughter, and optimism. 2. May the joy and blessings of this day be with you today and forever. Happy International Happiness Day! 3. May this day bring you a great deal of joy and happiness. I wish you a joyous International Day of Happiness! 4. On this special day, let us spread joy and positivity. Happy International Happiness Day! 5. May your life be filled with joy, love, and optimism. Happy International Happiness Day! 6. Let us celebrate the beauty of happiness today and share it with those around us. I wish you a joyous International Day of Happiness! 7. Because happiness is contagious, let us spread it far and wide. Happy International Happiness Day! 8. On this special day, let us focus on the things that make us happy and joyful. I wish you a joyous International Day of Happiness! 9. May your heart be full of joy and your soul be full of peace. Happy International Happiness Day! 10. Let us work together to make the world a better place, one smile at a time. Happy International Happiness Day!

International Day of Happiness 2023: History, significance & wishes, messages, quotes to spread happiness

It's almost three years since the world got shackled over the outbreak of an unknown lethal virus. The virus claimed more than 6.7 million lives, locked down entire countries & triggered a global economic slump. But Covid-19 has not affected humankind’s happiness, an international study has found.

International Day of Happiness: Covid has not affected people’s happiness worldwide, says study

Covid-19 has not affected people’s happiness, an international study has found. Interacting with more than 100,000 people across 137 countries found significantly higher levels of benevolence in all global regions than before the pandemic. And when asked to evaluate their lives on a scale of one to 10, people on average gave scores just as high in the 2020-22 Covid years as in 2017-19.

Study: Covid-19 has not affected people's happiness

The question - “Can we buy happiness with money?” - has remained unanswered even though many social scientists and economists have been tempted to solve the puzzle.

Recently, a fresh answer has come out in a new study according to which happiness increases with growth in earnings and income, as per a report published in The Washington Post.

The study is based on research conducted by Nobel Prize-winning economist Daniel Kahneman along with Princeton University's Matthew Killingsworth who performed number crunching to reach this conclusion, the outlet further stated.

The result of the study contradicts research conducted in 2010 which stated that money can only boost happiness to a certain point, which was estimated to be about $75,000 in annual earnings.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/netflix-starts-charging-money-for-extra-member-of-a-household-569571">Netflix starts charging money for 'extra member' of household in some countries</a>

Kahneman was among the two authors who had conducted the earlier study. The study became so popular that the founder of a credit card company raised his employees' minimum salaries to $70,000 by taking a cut in his own salary to do so.

The recent study was published this month in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, according to the Washington Post report.

Around 33,391 people, living in the US and between the age of 18 and 65, were surveyed by the two researchers. The people surveyed had a household income of a minimum of $10,000 a year.

As per the outlet, the responses about people's feelings at various intervals were recorded through a smartphone application by the researchers. The responses of people ranged from "very bad" to "very good".

WATCH | The key to happiness is more time, not more money

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CBS News stated that the study reached two major conclusions. One conclusion was that happiness does increase with growth in earnings up to $500,000 a year and the other conclusion was that a group of people exist for whom higher incomes do not create much of a difference.

This "unhappy group" comprised around 15 per cent of people, said the outlet further citing the study.

However, Killingsworth, in a statement, cautioned that money isn't everything. "Just one of the many determinants of happiness. Money is not the secret to happiness, but it can probably help a bit,” he stated.

You can&nbsp;now write for wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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The question - “Can we buy happiness with money?” - has remained unanswered even though many social scientists and economists have been tempted to solve the puzzle.

The question - “Can we buy happiness with money?” - has remained unanswered even though many social scientists and economists have been tempted to solve the puzzle. Recently, a fresh answer has come out in a new study according to which happiness increases with growth in earnings and income, as per a report published in The Washington Post. The study is based on research conducted by Nobel Prize-winning economist Daniel Kahneman along with Princeton University's Matthew Killingsworth who performed number crunching to reach this conclusion, the outlet further stated. The result of the study contradicts research conducted in 2010 which stated that money can only boost happiness to a certain point, which was estimated to be about $75,000 in annual earnings. ALSO READ | Netflix starts charging money for 'extra member' of household in some countries Kahneman was among the two authors who had conducted the earlier study. The study became so popular that the founder of a credit card company raised his employees' minimum salaries to $70,000 by taking a cut in his own salary to do so. The recent study was published this month in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, according to the Washington Post report. Around 33,391 people, living in the US and between the age of 18 and 65, were surveyed by the two researchers. The people surveyed had a household income of a minimum of $10,000 a year. As per the outlet, the responses about people's feelings at various intervals were recorded through a smartphone application by the researchers. The responses of people ranged from "very bad" to "very good". WATCH | The key to happiness is more time, not more money CBS News stated that the study reached two major conclusions. One conclusion was that happiness does increase with growth in earnings up to $500,000 a year and the other conclusion was that a group of people exist for whom higher incomes do not create much of a difference. This "unhappy group" comprised around 15 per cent of people, said the outlet further citing the study. However, Killingsworth, in a statement, cautioned that money isn't everything. "Just one of the many determinants of happiness. Money is not the secret to happiness, but it can probably help a bit,” he stated. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Can money buy happiness? Nobel prize-winning economist says 'yes'

A research has shown that time plays a more significant role in happiness than money — particularly for parents. People who prioritize time to do the things they love are happier and experience more fulfilling social relationships, more satisfying careers and more joy. Watch this to know more.

The key to happiness is more time, not more money

Do Optimists live longer? The debate on the same is going on for some time now. But how does one stay optimistic in such troubled times? Watch this episode of Good Life to know more.

The Good Life: Do Optimists live longer? The shortcuts to happiness

&nbsp;What makes Indians meditate? According to a recent survey by meditation and mindfulness app ThinkRight.me, it is the pursuit of happiness, peace, and personal growth that keeps most Indians going in the meditatation sphere. 
 
 
 
 
 
Spanning 1,000 individuals between the age group of 18 to 60 years, across Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Pune, the survey also cites stress management and better sleep as other key areas where meditation has helped individuals. From an app data perspective, almost 40 per cent of the users of ThinkRight.me meditated daily in 2020, spending a total of 2.64 billion minutes on the app in the entire year. 
 
The survey also revealed how meditation helps different age groups differently. Peace and happiness top the charts across all age groups -- and goes up as one grows older, as one in two people aged between 36-45 years meditate for peace and happiness compared to 1 in 5 among the 18-25 age group. 
 
The age bracket of 18-25 years and 46-55 years showed similar patterns; the quest for peace and happiness was followed by better sleep, personal growth, and stress management, in that order. 
 
When it comes to city-specific analysis, most women in Mumbai meditate to seek peace and personal growth, while Punekars and people in Bengaluru are in search of peace and happiness. 
 
Delhiites turn to meditation for better sleep and stress management. 
 
As per Rajan Navani, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of JetSynthesys, the company which owns the app,"India often tops the charts when it comes to studies on stress and anxiety. We launched ThinkRight.me two years back to make the benefits of meditation accessible to all. We are big believers of the power of thinking right, therefore the name, because our thoughts do guide how our day and life pan out. All the daily affirmations and guided meditation sessions on ThinkRight.me are born out of this core belief, and we hope to use these survey findings to make TRM an even more compelling proposition. With time, we also hope more people take to meditation and a more mindful way of life so collectively there`s a positive change in people`s overall mental and emotional well-being." 
 
The onset of 2020 brought with it Covid-19, a global pandemic which has been harsh on most individuals and the app data is proof of that reality. 
 
According to this platform with over 2 million downloads, the maximum traffic seen on the app was during the months of April 2020 to June 2020, during the Covid-19 induced lockdown, with daily active users increasing by 50 per cent coupled with a significant increase in subscriptions too. The daily positive affirmations followed by guided meditation offerings top the charts for what helped app users the most in 2020. 
 
&nbsp;

What makes Indians meditate? According to a recent survey by meditation and mindfulness app ThinkRight.me, it is the pursuit of happiness, peace, and personal growth that keeps most Indians going in the meditatation sphere.

What makes Indians meditate? According to a recent survey by meditation and mindfulness app ThinkRight.me, it is the pursuit of happiness, peace, and personal growth that keeps most Indians going in the meditatation sphere. Spanning 1,000 individuals between the age group of 18 to 60 years, across Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Pune, the survey also cites stress management and better sleep as other key areas where meditation has helped individuals. From an app data perspective, almost 40 per cent of the users of ThinkRight.me meditated daily in 2020, spending a total of 2.64 billion minutes on the app in the entire year. The survey also revealed how meditation helps different age groups differently. Peace and happiness top the charts across all age groups -- and goes up as one grows older, as one in two people aged between 36-45 years meditate for peace and happiness compared to 1 in 5 among the 18-25 age group. The age bracket of 18-25 years and 46-55 years showed similar patterns; the quest for peace and happiness was followed by better sleep, personal growth, and stress management, in that order. When it comes to city-specific analysis, most women in Mumbai meditate to seek peace and personal growth, while Punekars and people in Bengaluru are in search of peace and happiness. Delhiites turn to meditation for better sleep and stress management. As per Rajan Navani, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of JetSynthesys, the company which owns the app,"India often tops the charts when it comes to studies on stress and anxiety. We launched ThinkRight.me two years back to make the benefits of meditation accessible to all. We are big believers of the power of thinking right, therefore the name, because our thoughts do guide how our day and life pan out. All the daily affirmations and guided meditation sessions on ThinkRight.me are born out of this core belief, and we hope to use these survey findings to make TRM an even more compelling proposition. With time, we also hope more people take to meditation and a more mindful way of life so collectively there`s a positive change in people`s overall mental and emotional well-being." The onset of 2020 brought with it Covid-19, a global pandemic which has been harsh on most individuals and the app data is proof of that reality. According to this platform with over 2 million downloads, the maximum traffic seen on the app was during the months of April 2020 to June 2020, during the Covid-19 induced lockdown, with daily active users increasing by 50 per cent coupled with a significant increase in subscriptions too. The daily positive affirmations followed by guided meditation offerings top the charts for what helped app users the most in 2020.

Meditation for happiness, peace goes up as one ages: Survey

If you wish to be happier in life, go travelling. As per the findings of a new study, frequent travellers are happier with their lives than people who don`t travel at all. The new study was published in the journal of Tourism Analysis. 
&nbsp;

Chun-Chu (Bamboo) Chen, an assistant professor in the School of Hospitality Business Management at Washington State University, conducted a survey to find out why some individuals travel more frequently than others and whether or not travel and tourism experiences have a prolonged effect on happiness and wellness. 
The results of his analysis show individuals who pay more attention to tourism-related information and frequently discuss their travel plans with friends are more likely to go on regular vacations than those who aren`t constantly thinking about their next trip. 
 
Additionally, participants in the survey who reported regularly travelling at least 75 miles away from home also reported being about 7 per cent happier when asked about their overall well-being than those who reported travelling very rarely or not at all."While things like work, family life and friends play a bigger role in overall reports of well-being, the accumulation of travel experiences does appear to have a small yet noticeable effect on self-reported life satisfaction," Chen said. "It really illustrates the importance of being able to get out of your routine and experience new things."Previous studies have examined the stress relief, health and wellness benefits of tourism experiences, but they have tended to examine the effect of a single trip or vacation. Chen`s research takes these previous studies one step further by looking at the sustained benefits of travel over the course of a year. 
 
Participants in the study were asked about the importance of travel in their lives, how much time they spent looking into and planning future vacations, and how many trips they went on over a year. They were also asked about their perceived life satisfaction. Out of the 500 survey participants, a little over half reported going on more than four pleasure trips a year. Only 7 per cent of respondents did not take any vacations. 
 
As travel restrictions due to COVID-19 begin to relax in the future, the research could have important implication for both tourists and the tourism industry. Based on the results of the study, Chen said travel companies, resorts and even airlines could launch social media campaigns, such as creating hashtags about the scientific benefits of vacation, to spark people`s interest in discussing their opinions about travel." 
 
This research shows the more people talk about and plan vacations the more likely they are to take them," he said. "If you are like me and chomping at the bit to get out of dodge and see someplace new, this research will hopefully be some additional good motivation to start planning your next vacation."&nbsp;

If you wish to be happier in life, go travelling. As per the findings of a new study, frequent travellers are happier with their lives than people who don`t travel at all.

If you wish to be happier in life, go travelling. As per the findings of a new study, frequent travellers are happier with their lives than people who don`t travel at all. The new study was published in the journal of Tourism Analysis. Chun-Chu (Bamboo) Chen, an assistant professor in the School of Hospitality Business Management at Washington State University, conducted a survey to find out why some individuals travel more frequently than others and whether or not travel and tourism experiences have a prolonged effect on happiness and wellness. The results of his analysis show individuals who pay more attention to tourism-related information and frequently discuss their travel plans with friends are more likely to go on regular vacations than those who aren`t constantly thinking about their next trip. Additionally, participants in the survey who reported regularly travelling at least 75 miles away from home also reported being about 7 per cent happier when asked about their overall well-being than those who reported travelling very rarely or not at all."While things like work, family life and friends play a bigger role in overall reports of well-being, the accumulation of travel experiences does appear to have a small yet noticeable effect on self-reported life satisfaction," Chen said. "It really illustrates the importance of being able to get out of your routine and experience new things."Previous studies have examined the stress relief, health and wellness benefits of tourism experiences, but they have tended to examine the effect of a single trip or vacation. Chen`s research takes these previous studies one step further by looking at the sustained benefits of travel over the course of a year. Participants in the study were asked about the importance of travel in their lives, how much time they spent looking into and planning future vacations, and how many trips they went on over a year. They were also asked about their perceived life satisfaction. Out of the 500 survey participants, a little over half reported going on more than four pleasure trips a year. Only 7 per cent of respondents did not take any vacations. As travel restrictions due to COVID-19 begin to relax in the future, the research could have important implication for both tourists and the tourism industry. Based on the results of the study, Chen said travel companies, resorts and even airlines could launch social media campaigns, such as creating hashtags about the scientific benefits of vacation, to spark people`s interest in discussing their opinions about travel." This research shows the more people talk about and plan vacations the more likely they are to take them," he said. "If you are like me and chomping at the bit to get out of dodge and see someplace new, this research will hopefully be some additional good motivation to start planning your next vacation."

Study suggests frequent travellers 7 percent happier than those who don't travel

"Money can't buy you happiness" might be an old cliché, but according to a new study in the United States which looked at correlation between income and happiness has concluded that more money brings in greater happiness.

The results of the study conducted among 30 years and older in the United States found a growing class divide among Americans with regard to "happiness".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/english-tv-commentary-across-leagues-shows-racial-bias-study-claims-309591">Also Read:&nbsp;English TV commentary across leagues shows racial bias, study claims</a>

The study published in a journal named Emotion found that happiness among whites with no college degree had declined since the 1970s while it had stayed the same for whites with a college degree while for blacks in America it has stayed the same with no college education, the level of happiness, however, has increased for blacks with a college degree.

The research found that people in the higher income bracket were happier although it found no evidence that "happiness" fades after an income level.

The study concluded that the decreasing ability to pay for higher education, rising inequality and rising real estate prices has had a direct impact&nbsp;on income and happiness.

The Emotion study has been underway since 1972 under the title: expanding class divide in happiness in the United States. It is one of the longest-running surveys in the United States which has studied the behaviour of over 44,000 participants from 1972 to 2016.

"Money can't buy you happiness" might be an old cliché, but according to a new study in the United States which looked at correlation between income and happiness has concluded that more money brings in greater happiness.

"Money can't buy you happiness" might be an old cliché, but according to a new study in the United States which looked at correlation between income and happiness has concluded that more money brings in greater happiness. The results of the study conducted among 30 years and older in the United States found a growing class divide among Americans with regard to "happiness". Also Read: English TV commentary across leagues shows racial bias, study claims The study published in a journal named Emotion found that happiness among whites with no college degree had declined since the 1970s while it had stayed the same for whites with a college degree while for blacks in America it has stayed the same with no college education, the level of happiness, however, has increased for blacks with a college degree. The research found that people in the higher income bracket were happier although it found no evidence that "happiness" fades after an income level. The study concluded that the decreasing ability to pay for higher education, rising inequality and rising real estate prices has had a direct impact on income and happiness. The Emotion study has been underway since 1972 under the title: expanding class divide in happiness in the United States. It is one of the longest-running surveys in the United States which has studied the behaviour of over 44,000 participants from 1972 to 2016.

More money brings greater happiness, says US study

Citizens relax at Happiness areas in Delhi

The phrase ‘all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy’ may just have a deeper meaning than one would think.&nbsp; 
 
Work-related stress has been a pressing issue for decades and, surprisingly, not many people really make an effort towards addressing the matter.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A survey conducted by Cigna TTK Health Insurance this year indicated that 79 per cent Indians do not feel the need to or feel comfortable talking to a medical professional about stress. &nbsp;

Stress levels are high in India compared with other developed and emerging countries, including the US, the UK, Germany, France, China, Brazil and Indonesia, according to the 2018 Cigna 360° Well-Being survey. &nbsp;

About 89 per cent population in India admitted that they are suffering from stress compared to the global average of 86 per cent. It appears alarming that the majority of those respondents were millennials. &nbsp;

How to know you are stressed?&nbsp;

Most respondents in the Cigna TTK Health Insurance survey believed work and finances to be their source of constant worry. &nbsp;

But there are many sources of stress – small or big – sometimes you may not even understand the cause of stress. &nbsp;

“In urban professional life, whether employed or self-employed, there are external and internal sources of stress. External sources include family dynamics, parenting struggles, relationship stress, financial security, commuting, deadline pressure, information overload, sub-optimal health, office politics,” explains R Anand, author of recently published book “Happiness at work” and senior vice president (human resources) at HCL Technologies. &nbsp;

Some internal sources of stress are - fear of harm to self, fear of harm to near and dear ones, fear of falling short, feeling excluded, being bullied, subjected to unwanted attention, bitterness and regret about the past.

Our internal modes are a product of our early history and the first map we made of our self and the world, Anand says. &nbsp;

“We tend to stick to this map and see everything in its light. This is an understandable shortcut and instinct when we were helpless and desperate children needing other people to survive. However, we carry this baggage too long after the rationale for it has perished.”&nbsp;

“These biases are unconscious to us. Our helpless selves had buried this deep in our unconscious to overcome the immediate and overwhelming anxieties we were beset with. This is why these unconscious processes drive us significantly but we are unable to recognise the magnitude of their manipulations,” Anand unravels. &nbsp;

Decision making under stress&nbsp;

Stress plays a major role in decision making – be it every day or major professional and personal choices. Many decisions are made under stress, and many decision situations elicit stress responses themselves. Thus, stress and decision making are intricately connected, not only on the behavioural level but also on the neural level.&nbsp;

All of us, just by being human, distort the way we perceive and decide. &nbsp;

The field of behavioural economics has documented these distortions very well. For example, all of us are loss averse and some are much more than others. We would forego opportunities so that we don't take the risk and exaggerated pain of a loss. &nbsp;

When we are stressed and need to make a decision, we are more likely to bear in mind things that have been rewarding and to oversee information predicting negative consequences.&nbsp;

“We also confuse the intensity of the event with the frequency of the event. If an event has large consequences, we somehow tell ourselves that it must occur often. This way the big worries drive us crazy, even though they are improbable,” Anand says. &nbsp;

Happiness – finding the meaning and finding ‘it’&nbsp;

We know that stress is linked to physical and emotional problems, strained relationships, and serious mental health issues. But stress also affects health, well-being and happiness. And when we are unhappy, we often become disengaged, cynical, and toxic to others.&nbsp;

Many people fall for the ‘follow this and everything will be okay’ advice. What many do not talk about is actually finding happiness within oneself. Moreover, happiness, as a subject, has not been studied thoroughly. &nbsp;

There’s a lot of philosophical debate over what it actually means to “be happy,” but if you’re looking for concrete answers, it can leave you wanting. We all know what it feels like to be happy, but the actual source of our happiness has always been hard to pinpoint.&nbsp;

“Happiness is a shallow word used for lots of things. The Eskimos had 350 words for snow! Our words to describe happiness, by contrast, does not even scratch the surface of the many nuances that are possible.” R Anand says. &nbsp;

“Contrast this with the vocabulary for happiness in Tamil - Sugam (like sun on skin in winter), Santhosham (feeling happy), Sowkhyam (I’ve got what I need and in fact a bit more), Trupti (feeling satiated in a higher order manner, it is happiness with a connotation of feeling complete), Negizhchi (when your children do well or when someone praises them), Magizhchi (a childlike happiness at receiving an applause or after being artistically entertained),” he further elucidates. &nbsp;

Finland tops the global happiness index, according to the World Happiness Report 2018, closely followed by Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Switzerland and the Netherlands.&nbsp;

But some of the world’s richest nations, including the US and Japan, are found much further down the list. Although the US ranks highly for per capita income, it is only ranked 18th out of 156 countries, substantially below most comparably wealthy nations. Subsequently, it may be true for some that wealth can lead to happiness but on a broader perspective – it doesn’t. It is possible to own many possessions, yet still be unfulfilled. That is because you may be lacking happiness and contentment with your own life.&nbsp;

Then again, a great number of people apparently have given up on happiness in this life over a learned or conditioned mentality of scarcity, sacrifice or resignation. The attitude to push away and degrade happiness as a form of selfishness, self-preoccupation and uncaring for others is predominant for many. Since happiness is so elusive for lots of people, some simply find it easier and more expedient to place their focus on their daily travails and challenges.&nbsp;

Attaining well-being – the tools &nbsp;

"You do not need ‘sign-up’ programmes to help you get there. One can achieve happiness, higher emotional, mental fitness through self-analysis and mindfulness," Anand advises. &nbsp;

"One can use analysis of our errors and inadvertencies, analysis of our transaction patterns with others and analysis of our dreams to uncover the long-buried sub-conscious hangovers. Once uncovered and when we non-judgmentally accept these parts of ourselves, we begin to heal and they cease to have the same hold on us,” Anand suggests. &nbsp;

“This non-judgmental awareness of ourselves if we are to incorporate frequently and then permanently as a mode of being, we would become mindful. Similarly, if we are able to use tools like meditation to examine the filters with which we process the world, to create space between ourselves and our reactions, we build on this clarity a fine edifice of well-being,” he further proposes. &nbsp;

Other lifestyle practices, hobbies, social associations, the balance between boredom and excitement, physical health - all take us to emotional and psychological well-being. &nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The phrase ‘all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy’ may just have a deeper meaning than one would think. Work-related stress has been a pressing issue for decades and, surprisingly, not many people really make an effort towards addressing the matter.

The phrase ‘all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy’ may just have a deeper meaning than one would think. Work-related stress has been a pressing issue for decades and, surprisingly, not many people really make an effort towards addressing the matter. A survey conducted by Cigna TTK Health Insurance this year indicated that 79 per cent Indians do not feel the need to or feel comfortable talking to a medical professional about stress. Stress levels are high in India compared with other developed and emerging countries, including the US, the UK, Germany, France, China, Brazil and Indonesia, according to the 2018 Cigna 360° Well-Being survey. About 89 per cent population in India admitted that they are suffering from stress compared to the global average of 86 per cent. It appears alarming that the majority of those respondents were millennials. How to know you are stressed? Most respondents in the Cigna TTK Health Insurance survey believed work and finances to be their source of constant worry. But there are many sources of stress – small or big – sometimes you may not even understand the cause of stress. “In urban professional life, whether employed or self-employed, there are external and internal sources of stress. External sources include family dynamics, parenting struggles, relationship stress, financial security, commuting, deadline pressure, information overload, sub-optimal health, office politics,” explains R Anand, author of recently published book “Happiness at work” and senior vice president (human resources) at HCL Technologies. Some internal sources of stress are - fear of harm to self, fear of harm to near and dear ones, fear of falling short, feeling excluded, being bullied, subjected to unwanted attention, bitterness and regret about the past. Our internal modes are a product of our early history and the first map we made of our self and the world, Anand says. “We tend to stick to this map and see everything in its light. This is an understandable shortcut and instinct when we were helpless and desperate children needing other people to survive. However, we carry this baggage too long after the rationale for it has perished.” “These biases are unconscious to us. Our helpless selves had buried this deep in our unconscious to overcome the immediate and overwhelming anxieties we were beset with. This is why these unconscious processes drive us significantly but we are unable to recognise the magnitude of their manipulations,” Anand unravels. Decision making under stress Stress plays a major role in decision making – be it every day or major professional and personal choices. Many decisions are made under stress, and many decision situations elicit stress responses themselves. Thus, stress and decision making are intricately connected, not only on the behavioural level but also on the neural level. All of us, just by being human, distort the way we perceive and decide.  The field of behavioural economics has documented these distortions very well. For example, all of us are loss averse and some are much more than others. We would forego opportunities so that we don't take the risk and exaggerated pain of a loss. When we are stressed and need to make a decision, we are more likely to bear in mind things that have been rewarding and to oversee information predicting negative consequences. “We also confuse the intensity of the event with the frequency of the event. If an event has large consequences, we somehow tell ourselves that it must occur often. This way the big worries drive us crazy, even though they are improbable,” Anand says. Happiness – finding the meaning and finding ‘it’ We know that stress is linked to physical and emotional problems, strained relationships, and serious mental health issues. But stress also affects health, well-being and happiness. And when we are unhappy, we often become disengaged, cynical, and toxic to others. Many people fall for the ‘follow this and everything will be okay’ advice. What many do not talk about is actually finding happiness within oneself. Moreover, happiness, as a subject, has not been studied thoroughly. There’s a lot of philosophical debate over what it actually means to “be happy,” but if you’re looking for concrete answers, it can leave you wanting. We all know what it feels like to be happy, but the actual source of our happiness has always been hard to pinpoint. “Happiness is a shallow word used for lots of things. The Eskimos had 350 words for snow! Our words to describe happiness, by contrast, does not even scratch the surface of the many nuances that are possible.” R Anand says. “Contrast this with the vocabulary for happiness in Tamil - Sugam (like sun on skin in winter), Santhosham (feeling happy), Sowkhyam (I’ve got what I need and in fact a bit more), Trupti (feeling satiated in a higher order manner, it is happiness with a connotation of feeling complete), Negizhchi (when your children do well or when someone praises them), Magizhchi (a childlike happiness at receiving an applause or after being artistically entertained),” he further elucidates. Finland tops the global happiness index, according to the World Happiness Report 2018, closely followed by Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Switzerland and the Netherlands. But some of the world’s richest nations, including the US and Japan, are found much further down the list. Although the US ranks highly for per capita income, it is only ranked 18th out of 156 countries, substantially below most comparably wealthy nations. Subsequently, it may be true for some that wealth can lead to happiness but on a broader perspective – it doesn’t. It is possible to own many possessions, yet still be unfulfilled. That is because you may be lacking happiness and contentment with your own life. Then again, a great number of people apparently have given up on happiness in this life over a learned or conditioned mentality of scarcity, sacrifice or resignation. The attitude to push away and degrade happiness as a form of selfishness, self-preoccupation and uncaring for others is predominant for many. Since happiness is so elusive for lots of people, some simply find it easier and more expedient to place their focus on their daily travails and challenges. Attaining well-being – the tools "You do not need ‘sign-up’ programmes to help you get there. One can achieve happiness, higher emotional, mental fitness through self-analysis and mindfulness," Anand advises. "One can use analysis of our errors and inadvertencies, analysis of our transaction patterns with others and analysis of our dreams to uncover the long-buried sub-conscious hangovers. Once uncovered and when we non-judgmentally accept these parts of ourselves, we begin to heal and they cease to have the same hold on us,” Anand suggests. “This non-judgmental awareness of ourselves if we are to incorporate frequently and then permanently as a mode of being, we would become mindful. Similarly, if we are able to use tools like meditation to examine the filters with which we process the world, to create space between ourselves and our reactions, we build on this clarity a fine edifice of well-being,” he further proposes. Other lifestyle practices, hobbies, social associations, the balance between boredom and excitement, physical health - all take us to emotional and psychological well-being. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Blog: Beating stress and seeking happiness

Troops of the BSF, country's largest border guarding force, will now undertake a "mandatory" test that will analyse the state of their happiness and wellbeing before deployment along the borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh, and in anti-Naxal operations.

The forces' headquarters here has prepared a multi-point wellness quotient assessment test (WQAT) tool that helps "identify stress precipitators and physical and mental health issues that need interventions."

"The WQAT is a special tool designed to understand the happiness quotient and mental wellbeing of an individual and this has now been made a compulsory part of the annual medical test for the troops," a recent directive issued by the force, accessed by PTI, says.

The new policy measure has been introduced by BSF Director General (DG) K K Sharma after he got a major research project conducted by UK-based experts with the help of force Inspector General (IG) Satwant A Trivedi, to analyse various triggers behind suicides and other stress factors suffered by troops and their possible solutions.

The force has also published a 62-page booklet titled 'Happiness and Health: Endeavour towards holistic well being' chronicling the new standard operating procedures (SoPs) for undertaking physical, psychological and socio-economic interventions, and ways to address the grievances and overall health issues of the about 2.5 lakh personnel strong paramilitary force.

"Research provides evidence to indicate that all such cases (of stress), if cared for, at the right time can take a turn towards mend. Valuable human resource needs to be nurtured carefully," Sharma wrote in the booklet that was unveiled by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh yesterday.

In this series, the Gujarat frontier of the force has also launched a 'Ghar ki Baat' initiative in which troops, on a fixed day of the week, gather at border posts along the India-Pakistan frontier and share their personal as well as professional problems.

This plan, a senior official said, will only be replicated at other forward locations of the force once the Gujarat experiment is found successful as not every person is willing to share his or her problem publicly.

The supervisory commanders of the force have been directed to undertake a number of other intervention techniques like interviewing the jawan as soon as he is back from leave.

"This exercise is seen as routine at times due to lack of interest of senior officers but it will help the commanding officer know about the various issues being faced by a jawan both at their homes and professional front," the new SoPs say in the booklet.

"Due to adherence of chain of command in making representation through proper channel, grievance redressal becomes more time taking," they say.

"More emphasis on informal interaction by superior commanders and creating more awareness on the availability of various channels for airing grievances, including through help-line numbers and others should be done," the SoPs say.

They also ask field commanders to undertake yoga, meditation, counselling and have a buddy system (one person responsible for the other) to check stress amongst the personnel.&nbsp

Talking about steps to prevent suicides, the new SOPs state that supervisory officers and fellow personnel should avoid "sermonising, arguing, giving advice or telling such a person to 'forget about it'", and instead should engage the individual and also deny him access to firearms.

As per official data, a total of 173 BSF personnel have committed suicide in the last five years, while over a dozen such deaths have happened this year.

These figures are much more than operational deaths in the line of duty, that took place during the same period.

The BSF jawans are deployed for long stints in inhospitable and harsh climate areas along the India-Pakistan and India-Bangladesh borders, where they cannot keep their families for years together and all these factors contribute to complaints of stress and fatigue among them.&nbsp

The force has also published a 62-page booklet titled 'Happiness and Health: Endeavour towards holistic well being'.

Troops of the BSF, country's largest border guarding force, will now undertake a "mandatory" test that will analyse the state of their happiness and wellbeing before deployment along the borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh, and in anti-Naxal operations. The forces' headquarters here has prepared a multi-point wellness quotient assessment test (WQAT) tool that helps "identify stress precipitators and physical and mental health issues that need interventions." "The WQAT is a special tool designed to understand the happiness quotient and mental wellbeing of an individual and this has now been made a compulsory part of the annual medical test for the troops," a recent directive issued by the force, accessed by PTI, says. The new policy measure has been introduced by BSF Director General (DG) K K Sharma after he got a major research project conducted by UK-based experts with the help of force Inspector General (IG) Satwant A Trivedi, to analyse various triggers behind suicides and other stress factors suffered by troops and their possible solutions. The force has also published a 62-page booklet titled 'Happiness and Health: Endeavour towards holistic well being' chronicling the new standard operating procedures (SoPs) for undertaking physical, psychological and socio-economic interventions, and ways to address the grievances and overall health issues of the about 2.5 lakh personnel strong paramilitary force. "Research provides evidence to indicate that all such cases (of stress), if cared for, at the right time can take a turn towards mend. Valuable human resource needs to be nurtured carefully," Sharma wrote in the booklet that was unveiled by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh yesterday. In this series, the Gujarat frontier of the force has also launched a 'Ghar ki Baat' initiative in which troops, on a fixed day of the week, gather at border posts along the India-Pakistan frontier and share their personal as well as professional problems. This plan, a senior official said, will only be replicated at other forward locations of the force once the Gujarat experiment is found successful as not every person is willing to share his or her problem publicly. The supervisory commanders of the force have been directed to undertake a number of other intervention techniques like interviewing the jawan as soon as he is back from leave. "This exercise is seen as routine at times due to lack of interest of senior officers but it will help the commanding officer know about the various issues being faced by a jawan both at their homes and professional front," the new SoPs say in the booklet. "Due to adherence of chain of command in making representation through proper channel, grievance redressal becomes more time taking," they say. "More emphasis on informal interaction by superior commanders and creating more awareness on the availability of various channels for airing grievances, including through help-line numbers and others should be done," the SoPs say. They also ask field commanders to undertake yoga, meditation, counselling and have a buddy system (one person responsible for the other) to check stress amongst the personnel. Talking about steps to prevent suicides, the new SOPs state that supervisory officers and fellow personnel should avoid "sermonising, arguing, giving advice or telling such a person to 'forget about it'", and instead should engage the individual and also deny him access to firearms. As per official data, a total of 173 BSF personnel have committed suicide in the last five years, while over a dozen such deaths have happened this year. These figures are much more than operational deaths in the line of duty, that took place during the same period. The BSF jawans are deployed for long stints in inhospitable and harsh climate areas along the India-Pakistan and India-Bangladesh borders, where they cannot keep their families for years together and all these factors contribute to complaints of stress and fatigue among them.

Jawans are happy or not, BSF will test

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