HUNT FOR HAPPINESS WEEK

During the third week in January, Hunt For Happiness Week encourages us to take a closer look at what we define as happiness and what it takes to achieve a satisfying level of this personal pleasure in our lives.

#HuntForHappinessWeek

While it's not possible to be happy 100 percent of the time, there are those of us who come close. Sometimes a little natural chemical balance helps. Other times, a good balance of luck and blessings keep the good karma flowing for other people. However, most of the time, happiness takes a little effort and an awareness of what true happiness looks like.

In 2019 the United Nations published a list of the happiest nations on Earth. In North America, Canada made the top ten list. The United States ranked 19th. Finland came in as the happiest country in the world for the third year running.

Many factors play a role in happiness, and 2019's World Happiness Report points out the changing forces impacting happiness. Location isn't necessarily one of them. However, once the basic necessities of life are met, our habits consistently erode our ability to create a happy world. Technology seems to be one of the most significant factors in the United States' waning happiness despite low unemployment and low violent crime.

8 WAYS TO MAKE HAPPINESS HAPPEN

From an individual perspective, we do control our own happiness. During the week, consider what brings you lasting happiness. Consider exploring the areas of your life and discovering where the joy is.

Visit people in your life that bring you happiness and joy.
Surrounded with supportive peers at work.
Use meditation and prayer to help you connect spiritual to help with your overall happiness.
Take care of your health and connect to the outdoors to improve your physical wellbeing.
Develop community connections and social activities that broaden your horizons.
Identify your favorite activities and pursue them more often.
Review your finances. While money doesn't buy happiness, managing the money we do make well does helps us to create security in our lives.
Share your tips for finding happiness and use #HuntForHappinessWeek on social media.