Here are some cheery stats for International Day of Happiness to put a smile on your face.
Ye olde emojis
The world’s oldest known smiley-like image recorded in a document was found in a financial record archived in Trenčín, Slovakia. It was drawn in 1635.
Ján Ladislaides drew the emoji next to his signature, which certified that he had reviewed the accounts of the Chamberlain of the Town Hall in 1635 and found them in order. Historians have concluded that it was the world’s first known “smiley” in a written document to indicate the writer’s positive feelings (source: University of Pittsburg)
Do it like the Finnish
Finland has been ranked as the happiest country in the world, according to the 2018 World Happiness Report. The top nations, the report says, “tend to have high values for all six of the key variables that have been found to support well-being: income, healthy life expectancy, social support, freedom, trust and generosity.” (source: World Happiness Report)
Jump around
According to a study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology, those who listened to rousing music were better able to put themselves in a positive mood. (source: Taylor & Francis Online)
Upbeat Tweets
A study from Cornell University found that people are generally happier first thing in the morning. By analysing 2.4 million tweets, researchers found positive peaks at the start of the day. As the hours passed, the negative tones increased… (source: Cornell University)
Do it for the mems
Research suggests that experiences are worth more than possessions, according to a study from San Francisco State University. Of the 160 people surveyed, most did not regret their purchase decisions, but those who focused on experiences instead showed a higher satisfaction long after the moment or event passed. (source: CNN)