The Mindful Path — Caring and Sharing | Mar. 3, 2025

“Our relationship with others is the single biggest predictor of lifelong health and happiness. At a time of increasing polarization and isolation, the most important thing we can do is find positive ways to overcome our divisions and connect more deeply with each other. This matters now more than ever.” – Dr. Mark Williamson

March 20th is the United Nations' International Day of Happiness. As described by the UN, this year’s theme reminds us that lasting happiness comes from feeling connected and caring for others along with being part of something bigger than ourselves and our world. Here are a few tips to make March 20th , and every other day for that matter, a little happier:

Build Relationships

Researchers at Harvard University have shown that acting with care and kindness is the foundation to building lasting connections with others. The reciprocal nature of sharing builds feelings of altruism and concern.

Trust is the Foundation

Whether we are developing, maintaining or repairing relationships, trust is a key component in fostering positive relationships. Utah State University advises focusing on open communication, being reliable, consistent, and transparent to our authentic selves as we interact with others. When we show genuine concern or care for another’s experiences, emotions, or concerns, it builds trust.

The Hormone Connection

Prioritizing our happiness by focusing on caring and sharing is good for our wellbeing because it can stimulate the release of oxytocin. Oxytocin is naturally released in response to pleasant mental experiences. Oxytocin can positively impact interpersonal relationships by relieving stress, building trust, and decreasing generalized anxiety.

Good Company

Humans are social beings! Most people are happiest in a strong, supportive social network. Family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues can help build positive social connections and relationships in our lives. In Harvard’s longitudinal study on happiness, the happiest and healthiest 80-year-olds were those with lifelong relationships and social connections.

Get Busy

The International Day of Happiness Project has an entire website of ideas and activities to celebrate the importance of Caring and Sharing (www.dayofhappiness.net). Howard Zinn reminds us, “We don’t have to engage in grand, heroic actions to participate in the process of change. Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world.”

A fun way to celebrate the month is to print the free monthly happiness calendar at https://actionforhappiness.org/calendar

Here's to celebrating the International Day of Happiness by sharing and caring for others. It’s the most enjoyable way to improve your health and vitality. Cheers!

(Photo credit: Hannah Busing)