The world coronavirus pandemic arrived in the United States in January 2020 or earlier and ultimately resulted in schools and businesses being closed, individuals being laid off or losing their jobs, and personal health and safety practices being implemented that isolated families and individuals. As a result of the mental health issues including anxiety and depression observed in the community, Grant and Boone County Cooperative Extension partnered to offer a new program, “Laughter, Motivation and A Blueprint for Happiness,” to the general public to help individuals build important coping skills and attitudes. 

This two-part program was adapted from University of Arkansas Extension curricula.  The sessions focused on not only 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 five strategies to build a happier life.  

Thirty-one adult men and women from the general community participated in-person or online (hybrid education) in the sessions that featured interactive discussions, activities, self-assessments, and goal setting. 

A mailed evaluation was sent to all participants three months after the end of the program to determine changes in attitudes and behaviors.   

Results from the three month follow up survey returned by 13 (42%) of participants revealed individuals had adopted changes as indicated by the following: 

• 85 percent reported actively trying to replace negative thinking habits with positive ones
• 69 percent reported setting at least one specific goal for themselves, and actively worked toward achieving that goal
• 62 percent 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 percent stated that they analyzed their social circle to determine how their friends influenced their happiness and how they might be influencing their friend’s

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.”