What Is The Happiness Ripple Effect & Why It Matters | #InternationalDayOfHappiness

By: ImpactGuru

Published On: March 18, 2025

What does it mean to be happy? This seemingly simple question has the power to unfurl life’s greatest philosophical musings. In this fast-paced world, we constantly find ourselves in pursuit of this universal desire that transcends borders, cultures and time. While society may tell us true happiness lies in acquiring wealth, status or recognition, it may not be as simple.

In reality, the true meaning of happiness is what you want it to be. Happiness is in a simple smile shared with a stranger on a hard day, in petting a cute dog on the street, in a shared laugh with a friend, or in gifting a child a chocolate and watching their face light up with happiness. These everyday interactions create a far deeper feeling of fulfillment and make you feel a part of something bigger.

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This feeling can be best described with a quote by Martin Luther King Jr. –

"If I can help somebody as I pass along,

If I can cheer somebody with a word or song,

If I can show somebody he's traveling wrong,

Then my living will not be in vain.”

This International Day of Happiness, let’s explore how these small acts of kindness can create a positive ripple effect and contribute to a happier world.

Also Read: Celebrating International Day of Happiness 2024: Spreading Joy Across Borders

International Day of Happiness: Creating a Happier World

With the simple goal of making happiness a universal human right, the International Day of Happiness was first established in 2012 by the United Nations. Observed every 20th March, International Day of Happiness history has been enriched with various global initiatives to promote well-being and joy among its citizens.

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This year, the International Day of Happiness 2025 theme, ‘Caring & Sharing,’ recognises the profound impact that compassion can have on individual and collective happiness. It reminds us that happiness comes from caring for each other, feeling connected and sharing this happiness with one another.

We must have all heard of the phrase ‘What goes around comes around’, and the same holds true for happiness as well. By spreading happiness, we create what is known as the ‘happiness ripple effect’ – a phenomenon that has the power to multiply joy in our lives and those around us.

What is the Happiness Ripple Effect?

This quote by Eleanor Roosevelt summarises the meaning of the happiness ripple effect in one line –

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Like a boomerang or dominoes cascading in a line, happiness, once sent out into the world, inevitably comes back. One thoughtful act of kindness has the power to create a positive ripple effect and serve as an inspiration for others to carry this kindness forward, forming a positive chain reaction.

For instance, something as simple as giving a kind compliment to a stranger or buying coffee for a friend when they’re down can make their day and inspire them to spread this positivity further with their own kind gestures. Hence, this ripple effect of happiness cascades into a more connected, joyous world.

In fact, many studies have shown that giving can lead to longer-lasting happiness and fulfillment than receiving. It’s not just philosophy, it’s science. Let’s learn more about the science behind happiness.

Helper’s High: The Science Behind Happiness

Think about the last time you made someone smile or helped a colleague out of a tight spot at work. Do those memories still fill you with a sense of contentedness and pride? Well, there is a scientific explanation for this phenomenon.

Interestingly called the ‘helper’s high’, helping someone in need releases a burst of feel-good hormones in our brain like dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin. Collectively known as the happiness trifecta, these neurotransmitters have been proven to have positive effects on the body – lower stress levels, better mental health, and even physical benefits such as reduced pain levels.

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Also Read: Why Does “Giving” Make You Happy?

So, helping others might just be the secret to living a life that is not only happier but also healthier, more productive, and meaningful. Moreover, when you help others, seeing the positive effect of your kindness inspires those around you to contribute as well.

Thus, by stepping up, you hold the power to create your own happiness ripple effect, the impact of which can spread far beyond imagination.

How Can You Create Your Ripple Effect of Happiness?

Intentionality is the key to creating your happiness ripple effect. For instance, buying a thoughtful gift for a loved one that shows you paid attention to their interests will always matter more than any other expensive gift. Thoughtfulness adds depth to your actions and ensures that your kindness resonates with others.

Here are some ways you can create your own happiness ripple effect –

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1. Think, Care & Share

The International Day of Happiness campaign for this year lists 3 crucial steps to follow to spread happiness:

THINK: Think of something inspiring you’ve read or watched recently – a new inspiring idea, quote, article, podcast or book.

CARE: Remember a friend, colleague, family member, neighbour or someone you’ve lost touch with who could benefit from it.

SHARE: Send a text, voice note or pop in for a visit and share this idea with them to spread happiness.

2. Small Acts of Kindness

You don’t need grand gestures or wealth to make someone’s day. Sometimes, the simplest acts of goodwill can have the biggest impact.

Sending a supportive message or offering a listening ear during a friend’s hard times makes them feel valued and cherished.
Thoughtful gestures like a handwritten note of gratitude, cooking a meal for them, or remembering their interests show loved ones you care.
Sharing positive feedback with colleagues in the workplace and taking the time to celebrate their achievements contribute towards a healthier, collaborative environment.

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3. Volunteer Your Precious Time

While all of us may not have the same amount of money, we all do have the same 24 hours on our hands. We can give some of this time to help others – whether that means devoting a lifetime to service, or just giving a few hours each day or a few days a year.

Simply spending meaningful time with children fighting cancer, those in orphanages, and the elderly in old age homes can make a world of difference for them, helping them feel happier and more connected to society.

4. Support Someone in their Hard Times

Someone may remember you for being present during sunnier days, but they will never forget you for being there in their days of darkness. Whether it’s a relative suddenly being diagnosed with cancer, a friend buried under medical loans, or a colleague facing critical treatments, providing emotional support in that crucial time will create an impact that lasts a lifetime.

One effective way to be their anchor during this time is to not only offer emotional support but also explore practical solutions to ease their financial worries. As we all know, medical treatments can often be expensive and add to the burden of emotional stress. This is where crowdfunding platforms like ImpactGuru can play a crucial role.

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ImpactGuru, India’s leading crowdfunding platform, allows individuals and organizations to raise funds for medical treatments and healthcare expenses. Thus, by helping your loved one set up a fundraising campaign, you can facilitate the community to come together and create a lasting ripple effect of generosity and kindness.

5. Give Every Month

Are you someone who wants to create a positive ripple effect far beyond your circle? Aside from crowdfunding campaigns, ImpactGuru fosters an impactful journey for changemakers who wish to make a consistent difference with the Give Every Month (GEM) Plan.

As it is rightly said, “Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world.” By being a part of the GEM Plan, you have the power to save 12+ lives every year – from a woman suffering from breast cancer to a child undergoing SMA treatment.

Together, with a community of changemakers, we can create a positive ripple effect throughout society. To learn more about the GEM Plan, click here.

Also Read: 10 Benefits of Giving Back Every Month

ImpactGuru’s Happiness Ripple Effect

Here at ImpactGuru, we’ve witnessed the extraordinary power of generosity firsthand. Our 36+ lakh donor community’s contributions throughout the years have ignited countless ripples of happiness – contributing towards life-saving treatments, empowering individuals in need and creating brighter futures.

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Every contribution, no matter how small, sparks a chain reaction. One act of kindness inspires another, turning individual generosity into a large-scale, life-changing impact. Through our platform, anyone can be a part of this ongoing ripple effect and make a tangible difference.

Together, Let’s Create Ripples of Happiness

Giving back is as good for you as it is for those you are helping because giving gives you purpose. When you have a purpose-driven life, you’re a happier person.

– Goldie Hawn

This International Day of Happiness, with this philosophy in mind, let's step towards a more fulfilling life. Think of one person you can bring joy to today and take action. Whether it’s through a kind word, a thoughtful gesture, or a helping hand, your act of kindness will spark a chain reaction of happiness, creating a happier world.

Your smile, your time, and your kindness – they all have the power to brighten someone’s world. And as you uplift others, you’ll find your own happiness growing in return.

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