As the world rallies together to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, the International Day of Happiness - observed on March 20 - reminds us that staying optimistic, happy, and maintaining mental well-being is the need of the hour.

Remember the slew of memes on Happiness is? Well, its true for every individual. The word happiness can have any meaning some may find it in playing with a dog, taking a long nap, enjoying the rain, spending time in nature, drinking a cold glass of lassi on a summer day...the list goes on.

International Happiness Day is usually the day when the United Nations calls upon nations to approach public policies in ways that can improve the well-being of citizens. It is believed that to attain global happiness, economic development must be accompanied by social and environmental well-being.

As we focus on social distancing this week to shut down coronavirus, YS Weekender has curated a list of Happy Reads for you.

So, grab a cup of coffee, get cosy in your bed or sofa, and enjoy these books on motivation, happiness, and self-help.

The Happiness Project book was a year-long project, carried out by lawyer-turned-author, Gretchen Rubin.

Gretchen decided to dedicate a year to happiness, and The Happiness Project was the result. Published in 2009 and having spent close to two years on the New York Times bestsellers list, the book chronicles Gretchens adventures during the twelve months she spent test-driving the wisdom of the ages, current scientific research, and lessons from popular culture about how to be happier.

Photo Credits: Goodreads

During her journey, she made many discoveries novelty and challenge are powerful sources of happiness. She discovered that money can help buy happiness when spent wisely, outer order contributes to inner calm, and the very smallest of changes can make the biggest difference.

On her website, Gretchen says that her book has turned to a movement where people are creating groups to discuss their Happiness project with each other, and many professors, psychiatrists, and clergy have recommended her book in various book clubs.

Authored by renowned Harvard psychologist Daniel Gilbert, Stumbling on Happiness describes the shortcomings of imagination and illusions of foresight that causes people to misconceive their future and misestimate their satisfactions.

Photo Credits: Goodreads

With powerful insights, the New York Times bestseller book explains why we seem to know so little about the hearts and minds of the people we are about to become.

After experiencing a terrible panic attack on live television on Good Morning America, news anchor Dan Harris embarked on an unexpected journey through the worlds of spirituality and self-help, and discovered a way to become happier in the true sense.

Photo Credits: Goodreads

10% Happier delves in the outer reaches of neuroscience to the inner sanctum of network news to the bizarre fringes of Americas spiritual scene, and leaves you with a takeaway that could actually change your life.

For long now, Denmark has been regarded as the happiest country in the world. And hygge is the reason for it.

Photo Credits: Romireads

In this New York Times bestseller, The Little Book of Hygge, Meik helps you be more hygge: from picking the right lighting and planning a dinner party through to creating an emergency hygge kit and even how to dress.

Meik is the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen, and has said that hygge is the magic ingredient that makes Danes the happiest nation in the world.

Author Russ Harris in his book, The Happiness Trap: Stop Struggling, Start Living, explains the way most people go about trying to find happiness, and end up making themselves miserable, driving the epidemics of stress, anxiety, and depression.

The empowering book showcases the insights and techniques of ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), a revolutionary new psychotherapy based on cutting-edge research in behavioural psychology.

Photo Credits: Goodreads

By clarifying your values and developing mindfulness, ACT helps you escape the happiness trap and find true satisfaction in life, the author says.

He presents the following techniques to help readers:

Reduce stress and worry

Handle painful feelings and thoughts more effectively

Break self-defeating habits

Overcome insecurity and self-doubt

Create a rich, full, and meaningful life

Spiritual leader The Dalai Lama dedicated all his life to peace-keeping. A Nobel Prize winner will tell you that happiness is the purpose of life, and that "the very motion of our life is towards happiness."

Photo Credits: Goodreads

Through conversations, stories, and meditation, he explores the many facets of everyday life, including relationships, loss, and the pursuit of wealth, to illustrate how to ride through life's obstacles with a deep and abiding source of inner peace.

(Edited by Asha Chowdary)

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Hooked to books? These happy reads are the best choice in the time of social distancing - YourStory