WEBSITE: Action for Happiness

Post date: Feb 13, 2013 6:23:30 PM

www.actionforhappiness.org

“Action for Happiness is a movement for positive social change. We're bringing together people from all walks of life who want to play a part in creating a happier society for everyone.”

Review date 13-2-13

Review

This UK website provides a focus for individuals, organisations and policy-makers who are interested in increasing wellbeing, The site provides advice, resources, evidence and actions for individuals, groups and organisations about increasing our happiness – it can be applied to our own lives, our families, our workplaces and to local and national policy making.

There is now a vast array of evidence about how we can create happier lives, but most of this isn't yet being acted on in our homes, schools, businesses and communities. So if you believe that happiness matters, and want to be part of building a happier society, then why not create a local group today and start putting these ideas into practice together. [http://www.actionforhappiness.org/about-us/about-action-for-happiness-groups]

The website is very clearly laid out, although it is quite dense as it has a wide potential audience. The layout enables the browser to drill down into the areas of interest to them, and there are videos embedded for those who like to hear the ideas explained. I particularly like the way elements within the site are related to the scientific evidence on which they are based.

The News and Media section contains current articles, opinion and findings; the Books section contains a book store where you can buy key positive psychology books; the Resources section contains posters, books and internal links to useful resources that individuals and groups can use. There is also a section called 'Unhappy?' with advice for individuals who may need to source more personal support. The site tabs are laid out simply and clearly:

HOME: contains the mission statement and an overview of ways of increasing happiness

WHY HAPPINESS: provides a window into the science of happiness (positive psychology) and includes recommended readings

10 KEYS TO HAPPIER LIVING: This is the action focused section containing the acronym GREAT DREAM which stands for the 10 keys to happier living: giving; relating; exercising; appreciating; trying out; direction; resilience; emotion; acceptance; and meaning. You can drill down to find out what these mean. You can also take the happiness pledge on this page,

TAKE ACTION: Is a very practical section with ideas for 50 actions you can take to make you (and others) feel happier – including ideas for the workplace, home, family etc. Again, you can drill down for more detailed information,

GROUPS & EVENTS: This section is to share information about groups and activities that are taking place locally, so that you can connect with others in your area. There is noticeably more happening in some areas than others.

Academic interest: Where activities and actions are proposed, you will usually find some reference to supporting scientific evidence, and the news and media section provides up to date information and articles. The site is well maintained and current, and would provide a starting point for those wanting to do more in-depth research.

Practitioners: A highly practical site which is full of ideas which could be used by those involved in managing or motivating others (coaching, mentoring, managing others at work). If you wish to become a 'happiness activist', or set up a local group, there are resources to help you do that.

Self-helpers: You can, if you wish, take a pledge – which is simply "I will try to create more happiness and less unhappiness in the world around me" . Whether or not you choose to do this, you can still access a wide range of resources to support you in building happiness and positivity in your life, and that of others. The idea is that the happiness ripples outwards... in you, your family, at work, with friends, in your community.

Best Bits

Director Mark Williamson is quoted on the Take Action page: "We urgently need a change in priorities. So if you believe in a more caring society that puts well-being before wealth, and prioritises the things that really matter, then join us - add your voice and take action. Together we can create a better, happier future". [Online accessed 13-2-13 at http://www.actionforhappiness.org/take-action/take-the-action-for-happiness-pledge ]

The site incorporates snippets from positive psychology research findings, such as this one about the positive impact on health here: “Having a network of social connections or high levels of social support has been shown to increase our immunity to infection, lower our risk of heart disease and reduce mental decline as we get older.” [Online accessed 13-2-13 at www.actionforhappiness.org ]

Each of the actions is supported by very detailed information, and also by evidence for its effectiveness, such as the impact of gratitude on happiness: “People who are grateful tend to be happier, healthier and more fulfilled. Being grateful can help people cope with stress and can even have a beneficial effect on heart rate. This action is easy to do yet its benefits have been scientifically proven. In tests, people who tried it each night for just one week were happier and less depressed one month, three months and six months later.” [Online accessed 13-2-13 at http://www.actionforhappiness.org/take-action/find-three-good-things-each-day ]

About the site authors:

Action for Happiness is run by a Board, which consists of:

Lord Richard Layard: Professor of Economics at LSE, and author of "Happiness: Lessons from a New Science" in 2005.

Geoff Mulgan: Chief Executive of NESTA. Former Head of Policy in Prime Minister's office and founder of think-tank Demos.

Dr Anthony Seldon: Master of Wellington College, where he has introduced happiness/well-being classes into the school curriculum.

Nic Marks: Expert in the field of well-being research. He has led the well-being programme at the New Economics Foundation since 2001.

Vanessa King: Advisor on leadership and organisation development and expert in positive psychology. Director of The Change Space.

Dr Mark Williamson: Director of Action for Happiness since September 2010.