- Categories:
- Special Interest
- Tags:
- LifestyleMental Health
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Week starting with the 3rd Sunday of January
- Holiday emoji:
- 😊
Hunt for Happiness Week encourages us to appreciate life’s small joys every third full week of January. From January 18-24, 2026, take time to acknowledge the happy moments often overlooked. Embrace gratitude, practice mindfulness, and share your positive experiences with others.
Want to sponsor Hunt for Happiness Week? Learn how
Expected Hunt for Happiness Week Deals
While specific 2027 promotions are still emerging, past years show brands often align with Hunt for Happiness Week by promoting self-care products, wellness experiences, and small indulgences. Look for deals from retailers like Bath & Body Works on aromatherapy, Starbucks for a comforting treat, or Target for mood-boosting home goods. Wellness apps like Calm or Headspace may offer discounts on subscriptions to encourage mindfulness. Local spas and yoga studios might feature special packages, while book retailers like Barnes & Noble could highlight self-help and inspirational titles. Even food delivery services like DoorDash might offer promotions on ‘comfort food’ orders. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as January approaches.
Platform Guide for Hunt for Happiness Week
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #HuntForHappinessWeek. Share photos or Reels of your small joys, mindful moments, or acts of kindness.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #HuntForHappinessWeek. Create short videos showcasing daily happiness hacks, gratitude practices, or uplifting content.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #HuntForHappinessWeek. Share community stories, positive affirmations, or host a virtual ‘happiness challenge’.
Hunt for Happiness Week Hero
Pamela Gail Johnson
History of Hunt for Happiness Week
Are you happy? That might be a difficult question to answer. For any normal person, there are moments of euphoria and there are moments of agony and pain. So one might say, “I am okay.” But saying “okay” is just a courtesy. People generally do not consider themselves happy in normal circumstances. However, we have a lot to be grateful for and happy about. The sad thing is that we do not generally appreciate or acknowledge the little things in life that make us happy. Hunt for Happiness week is all about hunting for reasons to be happy.
The general theme of everyone’s life is about finding happiness. Most of our activities are in pursuit of happiness. Oftentimes, we are not that satisfied with the results. It is a human condition to never settle but to strive for more. In the perpetual search for happiness, we forget what we have achieved. This never-ending strife keeps us under the illusion of sadness. We, as a species, have achieved peace and prosperity that other species cannot comprehend. We have water to drink, food to eat, people who love and care for us, a house to shelter us, and a dream to chase. Should that not be a reason to be content?
The Society of Happy People started the Hunt for Happiness week in 2001. Pamela Gail Johnson was the brain behind the secret society. Johnson is a speaker, author, and advocate for happiness. Her idea of happiness accepts the reality that there can be sad moments too; it is more about realism in happiness. After all, what is life without a bit of balance? All we have to do this week is to acknowledge the things and people that make us happy and genuinely work towards a happy life.
Hunt for Happiness Week timeline
The second verse of the Dhammapada, a collection of Buddhist ideas, provides a basic understanding of the concepts of suffering and happiness.
Socrates links the idea of happiness with the concepts of justice, virtue, and the ultimate meaning of life.
William James proposes the idea that happiness can come from aligning ourselves with a higher purpose.
Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi launches the scientific study of “what makes happy people happy.”
The Secret Society of Happy People proposes the third week of January as the "Hunt for Happiness Week."
Hunt for Happiness Week FAQs
When is Hunt for Happiness Week?
For 2027, Hunt for Happiness Week takes place from Sunday, January 17, to Saturday, January 23. It’s a perfect time to reflect on what truly brings contentment.
Who started Hunt for Happiness Week?
Pamela Gail Johnson created this week-long observance to shift focus towards gratitude and the often-overlooked sources of joy. It began as a way to counteract the negativity often present in media.
Why is happiness important for well-being?
Cultivating happiness can lead to increased productivity, creativity, and a more optimistic outlook on life. It’s a key component of a fulfilling existence, fostering positive relationships and personal growth.
What are some simple ways to find happiness?
To boost your happiness, try setting achievable goals, learning new skills, limiting screen time, and focusing on positive self-talk. Prioritizing self-care and celebrating small victories also contribute significantly.
Hunt for Happiness Week Activities
Write about yourself and what makes you happy
Happiness starts within ourselves, but not everyone has found it. Take a moment to write about yourself and post the same on social media for others to read. Someone will surely find it helpful and inspiring.
Arrange a meet-up with everyone that made you happy
Take this time to appreciate and show special love to people who made you happy in the past. You might have drifted apart from some of them, but let them know that you still remember and appreciate the good time you had together.
Reflect on your mental health, academics, and career
For most people, a lot of stress and sorrow come from their careers. Take this time to reflect on what can be done to make your life better in terms of happiness. Discuss this with your colleagues, and if you are still a student, do the same with your classmates.
5 Important Facts About Happiness
Happy and strong
Happiness can positively affect overall health by improving the immune system.
Happiest country
Finland is the happiest country in the world according to the World Happiness Report released by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network
Happy and yellow
Most studies suggest that the color yellow is associated with happiness.
Happiest animal
Quokka, a small native Australian marsupial, is known as the happiest animal in the world due to its cuteness and friendliness.
Happiness is a contagious condition
Happiness can spread from one person to another and we can feel happiness just by being around happy people.
Why We Love Hunt for Happiness Week
A week to acknowledge happiness
Hunt for Happiness week is an occasion to celebrate the people, events, and little things that make us happy. Even if you are generally a happy person, celebrating this week may help you discover that you can be happier than before.
Can help boost mental health and peace
Happiness is the ultimate goal of life. Happiness can also boost mental health and immunity. In a way, celebrating the week helps identify the issues that we are facing and take the necessary steps to have a better life.
Best week to catch up with old mates
Celebrating happiness also means celebrating the people who make us happy. Hunt for Happiness week is the best opportunity to appreciate and deepen the bond with those wonderful people who made your day.
Hunt for Happiness Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | January 19–25 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2026 | January 18–24 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2027 | January 17–23 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2028 | January 16–22 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2029 | January 21–27 | Sunday–Saturday |
Social Media Tips for Hunt for Happiness Week
Individuals
Creators
Brands