Be prepared to smile. The Front Desk of Happiness is coming to the Department of Economics. March 20th is the International Day of Happiness and Adriano Macedo, the events and office assistant with the department, has been studying the ups and downs of happiness and how to create it. He recently earned a certification in the Science of Well-being.
“By embracing the principles of happiness and well-being,” Macedo believes, “we align ourselves with a global movement towards creating happier and more positive environments.”
Macedo initiated plans for the celebration based on this year’s theme Happier Together that highlights findings from the upcoming World Happiness Report.
“At the core of happiness and well-being is the ability to build a sense of belonging,” Macedo said.
From March 18 to 22, the front desk and lobby of the Department of Economics’ Max Gluskin House will play host to a series of micro events — or interventions as Economists call them – to raise awareness about how to boost happiness and well-being.
“It really helps to have projects like this to cheer people up during a stressful time of year,” said Marika Smolic, Department Manager.
According to Macedo, the Department of Economics is the right place for a celebration like this.
“Over the past 30 or so years, many happiness economic metrics have emerged in this field,” Macedo said. “Common ones include Gross National Happiness or GNH, and other happiness indices to track the well-being of people living in several countries in the world.”
The Front Desk of Happiness will function as a hub for sharing ideas and research-based evidence around the creation of well-being.
“The concept of happiness is intrinsic to each person, but research has shown that individual well-being can be enhanced through various practices that can be incorporated into everyone’s daily life,” Macedo explained.
To start the week, Macedo will transform the front desk shield with motivational phrases and mottos. The “take what you need” corner will feature cards with QR codes that invite community members to learn more about the 10 Keys to Happier Living. There will also be space for students, faculty, and staff to share their own advice and methods for generating happiness. On Tuesday, there will be chocolate and, on Wednesday from 9AM, there will be a coffee session in the lobby to start the International Day of Happiness at the department. Over coffee, take a moment to inspire others by sharing your own motto for staying happy through stressful times and take home a new stress ball to help you through exam writing or marking.
“This is a fun initiative to spread joy and inspire self-awareness,” Macedo said. “Let’s come together to recognize, discuss, and prioritize happiness and well-being.”
Return to the Department of Economics website.
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