Paid Content

UN Releases 'World's Happiest Playlist' Including Ed Sheeran To Mark International Day Of Happiness

This Is The World's 'Happiest Playlist'
|
Open Image Modal
Helen Boast via Getty Images
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - MARCH 05: Ed Sheeran performs on stage at Media City Amphitheatre on March 5, 2015 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Helen Boast/Redferns via Getty Images)

For the International Day Of Happiness, the UN have created the world's "happiest playlist".

Stars including Ed Sheeran, David Guetta, John Legend and James Blunt have contributed to the playlist, as have United Nations Messengers of Peace and Goodwill Ambassadors.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon nominated Signed Sealed Delivered by Stevie Wonder, who is himself a UN Messenger of Peace, advocating on behalf of persons with disabilities worldwide.

Mr Ban said: "The United Nations is happy to be partnering with MixRadio to raise awareness of the International Day of Happiness.

"On this day we are using the universal language of music to show solidarity with the millions of people around the world suffering from poverty, human rights abuses, humanitarian crises and the effects of environmental degradation and climate change."

The campaign is being fronted by singer/songwriter Cody Simpson, and music fans are being encouraged to tweet the song that makes them happiest with the hashtag #HappySoundsLike.

On 20 March, Simpson will choose five submissions to be included within the official playlist.

Simpson said: "I am really pleased to be part of such an amazing campaign to raise awareness of International Day of Happiness.

"I hope everyone gets behind the day and shares the track that makes them happiest.

"I will be choosing five tracks the general public suggest to be part of the official playlist, #HappySoundsLike, launching on Friday March 20 for you to all listen to."

The International Day of Happiness was established by the UN General Assembly in 2012 to promote the idea that "the pursuit of happiness is a fundamental human goal".

In its 70th anniversary year, the UN will be undertaking several campaigns to help achieve this goal.

12 Tips For Happiness in 2015
Work (01 of12)
Open Image Modal
"Work makes you happier. It provides routine, structure and self-worth. Make sure you are in a job you enjoy. If you are not, make finding one that you do a priority for this year."
Independence(02 of12)
Open Image Modal
"Personal control in work makes you happier; there is better life satisfaction for those earning less but in control of their working practice than those who are richer but have less control."
Relationships and Friendships(03 of12)
Open Image Modal
"Those with close relationships are happiest – try to see friends and family more in the New Year. Research shows the closer people live to their friends, the happier they are – make new friends close to where you live. Get to know your neighbours better, try joining sports groups or taking up a hobby close to your home."
Play to your strengths(04 of12)
Open Image Modal
"Identifying your strengths and focus on developing these, either in work or a hobby. This will encourage you to become immersed in what you do and find life more gratifying."
Altruism(05 of12)
Open Image Modal
"Altruism is proven to help focus beyond ourselves and enable us to be more connected with the world around us. In 2015, find local charities, sports clubs or community organisations where you can donate your time - you might even start new friendships with local people."
Be kind(06 of12)
Open Image Modal
"Set yourself a weekly target for acts of kindness for friends, family, colleagues and strangers on the street. This will further increase your connection to the outside world."
Focus on the positives(07 of12)
Open Image Modal
"Improving happiness levels can depend on how we focus our attention – being attentive and focusing on one positive task helps us to enjoy the moment."
Positive Memory(08 of12)
Open Image Modal
"Those who are happier remember bad events in a more positive light – it is possible to focus on particular aspects of a memory to notice the positives more than negatives."
Gratitude Diary(09 of12)
Open Image Modal
"You can retrain your mind to focus on the good things that happen rather than the bad. Stop taking your blessings for granted by keeping a gratitude diary. Every day for 6 weeks jot down 5 things that happened that day for which you are grateful."
Meditate(10 of12)
Open Image Modal
"Regular meditation can help with positive mental health."
Say ‘Thank You’(11 of12)
Open Image Modal
"Expressing your gratitude for someone’s actions is the single most effective exercise in positive psychology. Saying thank you to even small acts and gestures will help improve gratitude levels."
Use Technology Less(12 of12)
Open Image Modal
"The less time you spend on using technology, the more you can carry out activities that help you engage with the world around you.”