The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected our communities. The pandemic has brought new challenges and struggles that many have not had to deal with before, including an increase in overall mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.  With this in mind, the Grant and Boone County Family and Consumer Sciences programs teamed up to bring a new program, Laughter, Motivation, and A Blueprint to Happiness, to our communities.

This two part program developed by the University of Arkansas focused not only on motivation and laughter, but also how to build happiness around you.  Participants were able to learn about the benefits of laughter, the power of positivity, how to motivate themselves and others, recognizing strengths in themselves and others, and learn five strategies to build a happier life.   

We followed up with participants three months after the program to see if they had implemented any of the practices that they had learned at the program.  

After completing the three month follow up:

• 85% reported actively trying to replace negative thinking habits with positive ones
• 69% reported setting at least one specific goal for themselves, and actively worked toward achieving that goal
• 62% of participants reported actively focusing on positive things happening in their life, and looked for more positives in a situation even if it initially perceived as negative situation.
• 54% stated that they analyzed their social circle to determine how their friends influenced their happiness and how they might be influencing their friend’s.

On this follow-up participants were asked if they had done any additional thinking about their personal strengths and how they have used their strengths since participating in the program.  62% responded that they have done additional thinking and when asked what changes they had made one participant responded, “Making changes in some of my habits - strengths as well as weakness. Reaching out to others to be encouraging even in these days of this pandemic.”

When asked about participating in the program participants shared:

• “I'm very glad you offered it. Reconfirmed my goals and efforts (lifelong) especially during COVID. Helped to put words to others to motivate them.”
• “I feel everyone can gain motivation. Remain positive and continue to learn that I am enough.”
• “This year has been a hard year to find happiness.  This program gave me food for thought! Thank you.”