International Day of Happiness
March 20 is celebrated as the International Day of Happiness, with 193 United Nations member states adopting a resolution to prioritise happiness. And for this year the theme is caring & sharing! 😁
Dr Sunil Kumar MBBS MRCA FCAI FRSA FBSLM DipIBLM shared his thoughts with us on this day:
This year’s theme highlights the critical role of benevolence, empathy, and trust in fostering well-being. The World Happiness Report 2025, published today, reinforces how these social virtues contribute not just to individual fulfilment but also to the happiness and resilience of entire nations.
Happiness is often thought of as a personal goal, but research consistently shows that acts of kindness and generosity enhance the well-being of both the giver and the recipient. Whether it is helping a stranger, volunteering, or donating, benevolent actions release ‘feel-good’ hormones, reduce stress, and strengthen social bonds.
The World Happiness Report 2025 highlights a sustained increase in benevolent behaviours globally, which first surged during the COVID-19 pandemic. Encouragingly, this ‘benevolence bump’ has endured, with prosocial acts remaining 10% higher than pre-pandemic levels. This shows that kindness is now a vital part of daily life, highlighting that small acts of goodwill can drive lasting societal change.
Empathy is a fundamental component of human connection. Research indicates that individuals with high levels of empathy report greater life satisfaction, lower stress, and stronger relationships. In times of crisis or uncertainty, it acts as a social glue, promoting cohesion and resilience within communities.
Trust—both in individuals and institutions—is one of the strongest predictors of national happiness. Countries with high levels of social trust tend to experience lower stress, stronger economies, and greater civic engagement.
For the 8th consecutive year, Finland has been ranked the happiest country in the world, a status largely attributed to its high levels of trust, social support, and equality. When people feel safe, valued, and connected, they experience greater overall well-being. In contrast, societies where trust is eroding often struggle with increased anxiety, social fragmentation, and political division.
The World Happiness Report 2025 highlights that happiness is not just about economic prosperity but also about the strength of human relationships. Governments, organisations, and communities must prioritise social cohesion, ensuring that people feel supported, included, and empowered. Whether through mental health initiatives, community-building programmes, or educational efforts focused on emotional intelligence, investing in social capital is essential for a happier, healthier society.
Check out the resources for this day here: International Day of Happiness - 20 March