The magic of giving: When it comes to happiness, turn your attention to others

Cultivating social relationships and talking to strangers are just some of the habits you need to develop – and practise on a daily basis – to achieve happiness. — AFP

HAPPINESS is often seen as the ultimate goal, but it seems increasingly difficult to achieve. According to the latest data from the World Health Organisation (WHO), some 970 million people worldwide suffered from a mental disorder in 2019, a number that has risen considerably since the Covid-19 pandemic.

The global health authority defines mental health as “a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realise their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community. It is an integral component of health and well-being that underpins our individual and collective abilities to make decisions, build relationships and shape the world we live in.”