What makes you happy on International Day of Happiness?

PUBLISHED: 11:40 20 March 2017

Dereham Youth Theatre Group is performing Wizard of Oz. Costumes provided by Dereham Theatre Costumes. Make up artist - Sophie Blanks Photos taken by Helen Bailey

Helen Bailey

It may be Monday and not traditionally known to be the most uplifting day of the week but today is International Day of Happiness.

Mothers Day at Gressenhall Musuem PHOTO; Matthew Usher

So are you feeling it or do you think it is just another meaningless gimmick?

The event was started in 2013 as a global celebration to be held every March 20 and all 193 United Nations member states have adopted a resolution calling for happiness to be given greater priority.

They say people are now recognising that progress should be about increasing human happiness and wellbeing, not just growing the economy.

So what makes you happy?

The vibrant colours on display at Stody Lodge Gardens. (Picture: Steven Brooks)

Maybe it is performing on stage, just as Dereham Youth Theatre group will be doing when they perform Wizard of Oz at the Memorial Hall from April 5 to 8.

Or is it about spending time with your family? There will be plenty of opportunity to do that this weekend on Mothering Sunday with many venues putting on special events, such as Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse.

Or does a walk around a beautiful and tranquil garden really get the happiness levels to the top of the scale? Stody Lodge offers something for all the senses when its azaleas and rhododendrons are in full bloom.

The 14 acres of gardens near Melton Constable are open to the public again in May, 1pm-5pm on every Sunday and from Tuesday. May 23 to Friday, May 26 inclusive, and Bank Holiday Monday, May 29.