The things you do to make you happy
Have you noticed the increase of messages in your social time lines? Not sure if it is indeed the case, but it seems now that people are forced to stay home, they use Twitter and Facebook more. If I were a conspiracy theorist... But I'm not, so, I'm just enjoying the increased interactions, and hope you do, too.
Pledge Happytalism
Here in The Netherlands, we just heard tonight the measures our government is taking to contain the spread of the virus, to flatten the curve, have been tightenend. Also thanks to some people who still do not realize how serious this situation is. This will, undoubtedly, lead to a decreasing happiness for most, if not all, people. Last Friday, the 20th, was International Happiness Day, and the UN has launched a 10 steps to global happiness challenge. (Thank you Kitty Hannah Eden for writing about this).
Links:
10 Steps to Global Happiness
Kitty Hannah Eden on Medium
Consume Culture
Anytime is a good time to consume some culture. Whether it is joining a dance party on Facebook Live, wathcing the opera or virtually visiting a museum. There's so much to do from within your living room. France24 has, in english, a wonderful collection of cultural things to do from your living room. I’ve also seen some wonderful examples of culture going digital. Or artists creating new art specifically for these time. Like these guys, who deserve some love for their song with an important message and cybercollab.
Links:
France24 Culture
Confainament II - Stay Homa
Corona Help Corner
Please check the website of your local hospital. Especially protective gear is in short supply, and you never know what you have in the house that can be helpful. In a facebook group I saw a hospital group in our area was looking for protective glasses. On New Year's Eve, our municipality organises a fireworks show for kids. At the event, children are supplied with protective plastic glasses. It apparently so happens, that these work very well to protect care staff now. And they still can use them. So, check the websites of the hospitals near you, find out what they need (and how you can get it to them in these times).
Also: support your local entrepreneurs and artists. They need not your charity, but jobs. Work. Your customership. If restaurants near you are closed. buy a voucher for dinner later. Stuff like that. Anyway, there’s plenty to do. Going back to the part of the happiness above: did you know something that really always helps in making you happier? Yes, indeed: helping others.
A Touch Of Inspotainment
Yes, that weird term is back. Maybe here to stay. Who knows. Anyway, let’s talk music. Or better yet, just watch how the Rotterdam Philharmonic is playing apart together.