How does nutrition affect happiness?
The recipe to real wellness? Solid nutrition, proper hydration and a good glug of happiness. And in March, you get an extra dose of them all.
What is International Day of Happiness?
While International Day of Happiness may sound like a gimmick, it’s perhaps one of the most underrated awareness days of the year. After all, in a busy world, happiness isn’t always something we put at the top of our to-do list. It comes after we’ve got all our stuff together. But the United Nations believes it's a ‘fundamental human goal’.
It was created back in 2013 after the UN General Assembly called for more approaches to happiness and wellbeing for people across the world. It’s now celebrated every year on 20 March and this year’s theme is ‘Social Media & Happiness’. It’s not just about highlighting the power that social media has to influence our wellbeing but also about exploring how we can all use tech for good. (Maybe it’s a chance to give your mate a message.)
What is Nutrition and Hydration Awareness Week?
Nutrition and Hydration Awareness Week pretty much does what it says on the tin but it’s an important time to raise awareness and educate everyone on the impact that food and drink has on your health and wellbeing.
In 2026, it runs from 16 - 22 March with the annual Global Tea Party happening on Wednesday 18 March. Scones at the ready! (Hey, it’s all about balance.)
How does nutrition affect happiness?
Our gut is our second brain, which is why looking after our gut microbiome has a massive impact on how we feel mentally and emotionally. Our gut holds a lot of our serotonin receptors – and serotonin is what most of us know as the ‘happy hormone’. This vital neurotransmitter plays a really big role in regulating our mood. But it’s not the only one. Different foods have different impacts on mental health.
Fibre helps our bodies absorb glucose slower which stops us having sugar spikes and energy crashes. Antioxidants fight inflammation. Vitamin D produces serotonin. B vitamins produce dopamine. And magnesium is an all-rounder for reducing stress, boosting your mood and helping you get a better kip. And we all know the power of that.
Hydration and mental wellbeing
But if we’re talking about mental health and emotional wellbeing, we can’t forget hydration. Drinking 2 litres a day is not an annoying rule we try to follow, it’s about fighting brain fog, keeping our production of neurotransmitters (like serotonin and dopamine) up and stopping midday naps.
Our brain is 75% water, so it’s no wonder that even mild dehydration can create a noticeable effect.
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