I came across Action for Happiness the other day. The site is launching in full force at the start of next year as a movement for social change to help create a happier society. They think we need a shift in priorities to address the gap between rising affluence and levels of happiness:As our society has become richer, our happiness has not risen in step. Despite ever greater affluence, our lives are increasingly stressful.
There's an interesting piece on their current site about why happiness matters, briefly discussing matters such as material wealth not bringing people increased happiness, selfishness and indivualism, bringing about more positive living, the part that our schools and workplaces should play and more. One point that I liked was the suggestion of The New Economics Foundation to get our 'spiritual equivalent of the 5 fruit and veg a day needed for physical health' by incorporating 'GREAT into our daily lives':
- Giving
- Relating to other people
- Exercising the body
- Attending to the world around
- Teaching yourself something new
This advice is nothing new and we all know that these things are good for our wellbeing but it's a good way to remember each one by thinking of getting our '5 a day'.
As we approach the time of year when we start considering new year's resolutions, I think I might use 'GREAT' as a sort of lifestyle mantra for myself in 2011. It incorporates several of my aims for this past year, that truth be told, never really got going. If I feel like I need to do a bit of each every day, it may make the tasks seem more achievable. We'll see.....
In any case, I'm interested to see what Action for Happiness brings us in the new year. If you'd like to be involved and support the movement, you can join and register your interest here.
--
Tomorrow my husband, son and I will be fighting the snow-fuelled travel disruption to try to get to France for Christmas with my parents so this will be my last post for 2010. I wish you all a HAPPY Christmas and new year!
---
Photo credit
What a great year of posts! Merry Christmas to you and your family too! Good luck with the travels- may it go smoothy and get you to France!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas and Happy New Year to you too! Can't wait to see what you will be writing about next year. Great site to watch, you're right. For me happiness is an inside job first. I've just read "Happiness is a Choice" by Barry Neil Kaufman. A must if you want a happier life. :)
ReplyDeleteMuch love to you and your family!
Really interesting ideas here - will check out the Action for Happiness site :)
ReplyDeleteHope you have a lovely Christmas & New Year xxx