Celebrating ‘Happiness Happens’ Month: 4 Moves That Bring the Happy Like Whoa

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August means it’s time to celebrate Happiness Happens Month, a time dedicated to finding joy and sharing it with others.

Founded in 1998, this month is all about recognizing that happiness doesn’t have to wait; it can happen today. It should happen today. As someone who deeply values the importance of positivity in both life and business, I’ve long felt happiness is not only contagious but essential for living a full, authentic life.

“Happiness Happens Month” serves as a powerful reminder that joy isn’t found only in life’s big moments. Often, it’s the small things that bring us the greatest delight. Whether it’s a smile from a stranger, an act of kindness, or the beauty of nature, these moments build up to create a life centered on joy.

What’s more, living a happy life doesn’t happen by chance; it’s an intentional decision we make every single day. Below, I’ll share four ways to make happiness happen this month with suggestions rooted in both personal experience and principles that have guided my own life and career.

Happiness Happens 2025 | Kevin Guest

1. Sunrise Gratitude: Light the Day Before It Lights You

Happiness begins with gratitude. Incorporating it into your morning routine can set a positive tone for the entire day. Start by taking just five minutes each morning to reflect on the things you’re thankful for.

Research shows that practicing gratitude not only boosts personal happiness but also improves mental health and reduces stress. A gratitude journal that tracks the good in your life is a helpful reminder, even on challenging days.

In All the Right Reasons, I write:

“You build your life on a solid foundation when you define what values are most important to you and make a commitment to live by those values.”

One of my foundational values is gratitude, and I truly believe it opens the door to joy, harmony, and contentment—all the good stuff.

2. Get Your Green On: Mother Nature’s VIP Lounge

Nature has an incredible ability to uplift our spirits. Spending time in green environments—like parks, gardens, or even near a potted plant—can lift moods, reduce stress, and boost creativity. Even when you pause to enjoy a flower or walk barefoot on grass, it contributes to happiness.

At USANA, we encourage taking regular breaks to recharge and appreciate these simple connections with nature. We realize that sometimes it’s the quiet moments that remind us happiness isn’t complicated; rather, it’s about being present and connected.

3. Joy in Stereo: Turn Up the Volume on Your People

The theme of this year’s Happiness Happens Month is a perfect fit for one of the guiding philosophies I live by: relationships matter more than anything else. I’ve found that happy relationships, whether with friends, family, or colleagues, are a key driver of personal happiness.

One principle I’ve introduced in All the Right Reasons is what I call “The Dorothy Principle.” It’s simple but profound—“Nothing is more important than relationships.” Relationships give life meaning, and when we nurture them, we find unparalleled joy. So call a friend. Write a heartfelt note. Share laughs around a dinner table. These connections, though small in effort, can bring a lifetime of happiness.

4. Hands That Help, Hearts That Fly

True happiness often comes from helping others. In my book, the Holland Principle reminds us to find opportunities to serve and act on them, whether it’s volunteering, offering support, or doing small acts of kindness. Service instantly shifts our perspective and connects us deeply with others. As I’ve shared before, “Love and service are inextricably connected,” and giving to others not only lifts them, it lifts us, too.

The cool thing is research shows that acts of kindness trigger a release of serotonin, the brain’s feel-good chemical. It’s no wonder that when we give, we receive even more in return.

Happiness, On Tap and Overflowing

So here’s the thing: at its heart, Happiness Happens Month is about awareness. It’s about choosing to see the good already present in your life and sharing it with others. You don’t need a monumental event to feel happy. Sometimes, it’s the quiet moments, the thoughtful gestures, and the deliberate focus on well-being that light up our days.

Will you join me in celebrating joy? Start small, take intentional steps, and watch how your actions ripple outward, creating more happiness not just for yourself, but for others, too.

Because when it comes down to it, happiness really does happen…when we make it so.

Are we connected on LinkedIn? There, I share posts about professional development skills, self-care reminders, and other relevant topics.

Wellness Check: 7 Daily Habits for Lasting Health

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With August marking National Wellness Month, I encourage each of us to embrace small daily habits that lead to lasting mental, physical, and emotional wellness.

Wellness isn’t something you check off a list; it’s a rhythm you live. You don’t have to overhaul your life. But if you shift a few daily choices, you’ll be amazed by how much calmer, clearer, and more energized you feel.

Along with exercise, proper nutrition, service to others, and a passion for music, here are seven daily habits that support long-term well-being and harmony.

National Wellness Month Kevin Guest1. Start with Stillness

Whether through meditation, prayer, or a few deep breaths in a quiet place, five minutes of quiet can reset your entire day. Stillness creates clarity.

2. Fuel with Intention

You can’t chase your dreams on junk fuel. What you feed your body determines your energy, resilience, and mood.

3. Move Every Day

You don’t need a gym membership to move. Take a walk. Stretch. Dance in your kitchen. Your body was made to move.

4. Speak Kindly, Especially to Yourself

I almost missed my first Grand Ole Opry performance because of self-doubt. That inner voice matters. Make sure it’s a kind one.

5. Choose Connection

Wellness is more than solo self-care. Strong relationships are essential. In fact, I’ve found that relationships are the most important thing. Surround yourself with people who lift you up. Also, be there for them.

6. Protect Your Yes

It’s not selfish to rest. When you overcommit, you burn out, so it’s okay to say no to anything that doesn’t light you up. In reality, boundaries are one of the highest forms of self-respect.

7. End With Gratitude

A daily gratitude practice doesn’t have to be long. Name three things you’re thankful for. It rewires your brain toward peace.

These habits align with the mission of National Wellness Month to inspire proactive steps toward better health. It’s not about perfection, it’s about participation. In reality, everyone deserves a life that feels good to live.

As shared in All the Right Reasons, many of Guest’s habits are rooted in real-life experiences, from boardroom presentations to backstage nerves. “I’ve stood at literal and figurative crossroads where anxiety almost beat me down,” he said. “From my first performance at Grand Ol’ Opry to presenting in front of a packed arena, I’ve felt the damage of negative self-talk, but I’ve learned that preparation, purpose, and small daily acts create confidence that lets you share your gifts confidently and lift others higher.”

I shared a version of this article in a news release on Aug. 4, 2025. All the Right Reasons provides more inspiring examples of learning from mistakes and living well. All proceeds go to feeding hungry children, and each book purchase provides 40 meals. 

USANA Health Sciences, a global leader in health and wellness products, has long recognized the importance of social wellness in building a successful business. From its founding in 1992, USANA has focused on clear and concise communication to build trust with its customers and distributors in 25 countries. For more information about USANA Health Sciences and its dedication to promoting health, wellness, and entrepreneurial success, visit USANA.com.