Happiness is, today, claims maths equation

SMILE – because today is officially the happiest day of 2010.

Psychologist Dr Cliff Arnall used a mathematical formula to demonstrate how human “feelgood factors”, such as enjoying summer evenings outdoors, admiring nature in bloom, the anticipation of upcoming holidays and memories of childhood summers should all peak over the next 24 hours.

To pinpoint today’s date, the happiness guru attached numbers to feelgood factors and ran every day of the year through a mathematical “happiness equation”, with today, June 18, coming out on top.

The ex-Cardiff University lecturer’s complicated formula is: O + (N x S) + Cpm/T + He.

Put simply, a value for being outdoors (O) was added to nature (N) multiplied by social interaction (S), added to childhood summer memories (Cpm) divided by temperature (T), and added to holiday excitement (He).

Dr Arnall, 45, who runs happiness coaching clinics for celebrities, health professionals and businesses from Brecon, Wales, said the Irish would also be enjoying the World Cup despite the team’s defeat against France.

“Irish football supporters love their team, but they also love football and are enjoying watching other nations, so the World Cup coinciding with June 18 makes the day happier,” he said.

“The third Friday in June came out with the highest rating due to peaking factors, such as warm summer evenings outdoors, seeing friends more frequently, and excitement about holidays. Ireland’s economy is also recovering after the credit crunch.”

Dr Arnall said passion for the Wimbledon tennis championships, starting on Monday, should also add to the feelgood factor. Dr Arnal cites society’s obsession with materialism as being one of greatest threat to our overall happiness.

“A person doesn’t need much to be happy. What makes us happiest are relationships with partners, family and friends. The advice I give is work less and spend more time with people you love. That will make you happiest.”