Mental health matters every day at happy® hq.

A few examples: our Mondays are “meetless” (meeting free) to ease the Sunday Scaries. Team happy has access to a mental health fund to offset costs not covered by insurance. We’re required–yup, it’s mandatory– to take 2 mental health days each year on top of our flexible PTO policy. Happy, healthy and friendly behaviors at work are key, which is why we take our policies preventing harassment or discrimination as seriously as we do. 

But, today is special. Today, 10/10, is World Mental Health Day and it falls during National Mental Illness Awareness Week. Every year since 1990 (the grunge & flannel era) a coalition of individuals, organizations, and companies turn up the volume on the mental health conversation during the first full week of October. World Mental Health Day 2024 is focused on “My Mental Health at Work.” happy® is all in on marking this important day, alongside our everyday commitment to mental health - for our products, for our partners, and for our people. 

What’re we up to, you ask? Tending to 3 pillars of proactive mental healthcare: mindfulness, gratitude, and connection. We kicked the day off with a 20 minute breathing exercise, guided by breathwork pro Sandy Abrams. Each member of the happy fam, including our co-founders, dedicated time to the lost arts of handwritten notes and phone calls (imagine that - using a phone to make a call!). The messages were simple: “I’m thinking of you” or “I’m thankful for you, because…” But, the impact of these gestures is dynamic and important. When you show gratitude or connect with others, your brain releases neurotransmitters and hormones that improve your mood, sleep, and overall well-being. 

I’m no scientist, but I know that anything we can do to promote happiness for ourselves and others is a 10 out of 10 - on 10/10 and every day. And, sometimes a self care routine and interpersonal connection just aren’t enough or can feel too hard. That’s why we’re proud to partner with NAMI to raise awareness about the hope and help available for anyone who’s struggling. If you or someone you know needs help please call the NAMI helpline 1-800 950-NAMI or text "Helpline" to 62640. Now go ahead and do something happy® for yourself and others today.