International Day of Happiness is celebrated on March 20th every year and it’s a day dedicated to promoting happiness and well-being worldwide. It was founded by the United Nations to recognize the importance of happiness and the role it plays in the lives of people all around the world.

The day reminds us that happiness is a universal goal and that it’s essential to our well-being. It encourages us to prioritise our own happiness and take steps to increase it. Celebrating International Day of Happiness can help us reflect on our lives, focus on the positive, and connect with others.

There are many ways to celebrate International Day of Happiness. One way is to surround yourself with positivity. Spend time with people who make you feel happy, listen to music that lifts your mood, or read a book that inspires you. You can also practice gratitude by writing down things you’re thankful for.

Another meaningful way to honour International Day of Happiness is to do something kind for yourself or others. This can be as simple as taking a relaxing bath, going for a walk, or buying yourself a small treat. Or, you can do something kind for someone else, like volunteering, donating to a charity, or sending a thoughtful message to a friend or loved one.

Spending time in nature is also a great way to mark International Day of Happiness. Research has shown that spending time in nature can boost our mood, reduce stress, and increase our sense of well-being. Take a hike, have a picnic, or simply sit outside and enjoy the beauty around you.

Finally, connecting with friends and family is a wonderful way to celebrate International Day of Happiness. Spending time with people we care about can increase our sense of belonging and happiness. Plan a meal or activity together, or simply reconnect with someone you haven’t spoken to in a while.

Steenberg is the perfect place to spend International Day of Happiness 2023 for many reasons.

Treat yourself or a loved one to a spa treatment to take some time for self-care and relaxation. Steenberg Spa offers a blissful retreat with a range of treatments, including customised massages, facials, and body wraps. The serene surroundings and expert therapists ensure that guests leave feeling renewed and refreshed.

To enhance your celebration, you can experience a specially curated wine tasting at Steenberg’s tasting room. The estate is renowned for its award-winning wines, produced using some of the finest grapes, cultivated on the property. You can discover the art of winemaking, savour a selection of wines, and relish a five-star tapas experience with friends at Bistro Sixteen82. Executive Chef Kerry Kilpin and her team prepare the dishes expertly, using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients and infusing each dish with flavourful flair.

If you’re in the mood for a day of exercise and exploration, Steenberg provides an array of outdoor activities that encourage physical wellness and happiness. Enjoy a leisurely bike ride on the meandering biking trails, or challenge yourself with a round of golf on the 18-hole championship course at Steenberg Golf Estate. You can also take a relaxing stroll through the fragrant gardens and unwind in the peaceful environment.

If you’re seeking a family-friendly dining experience, look no further than the contemporary Tryn Restaurant. Satisfy your cravings with a delectable breakfast, a light and easy lunch, or a sumptuous dinner. Indulge in one of Tryn’s bespoke cocktails while dining in one of the beautifully curated dining rooms or on the sun-dappled terraces that provide breath-taking views of the vineyards and gardens. Watch your children enjoy themselves on the extensive lawns or play outdoor games to their hearts’ content.

Finally, Steenberg offers luxurious accommodations that cater to a wide range of preferences and tastes. All rooms are exquisitely furnished, with scenic views of the estate and mountains. Take a dip in the pool or curl up with a good book and unwind.

Remember that dedicating time to prioritise your own well-being and happiness is important. And, if you’re in pursuit of a peaceful way to honour International Day of Happiness, Steenberg has an abundance of options to help you achieve this.

Let’s take a moment to celebrate happiness and all the joy it brings to our lives!

“A fitness lifestyle is never an easy lifestyle, but it’s so amazingly beneficial to one’s well-being,” said a fitness enthusiast Lungi Mxongo.

Lungi recently spoke with Lifestyle and Tech about her life and her thoughts on living a fit lifestyle.

She stated that when beginning a fitness lifestyle, one must be patient because consistency is essential and results do not appear overnight.  She began her fitness journey in 2016 when she felt dissatisfied with her weight.

“I was unhappy with my body weight and didn’t like how I looked,” she said. “My self-esteem was low because of my weight. Not fitting in the clothes you like while shopping can be a real mood spoiler.”

 Lungi believes that adopting a fitness lifestyle was the best move she could have ever made. In order to reduce her weight; the fitness fanatic said she started by eating healthy balanced meals portioned in small quantity.

To lose weight, the fitness enthusiast stated that she began by eating nutritious balanced meals in little portions.

“One of the things I couldn’t understand was why I was eating the proper foods yet not losing weight.” When I saw my dietician, it dawned on me that it was the large portions I was eating and not drinking enough water.”

Lungi stated that she began eating extremely little meals and drinking water, 2 to 3 litres per day, and that the bathroom became her best friend. Her diet was normal; she ate carbs and starches in cup-sized portions, vegetables in cup-sized portions, and protein in palm-sized portions. She consumed one fruit every day and a cup-sized snack.

“I discovered that eating a balanced meal in a reasonable amount accomplished the trick,” Lungi said. “I used to eat my dinner for lunch which consisted of protein and vegetables in order to minimize cravings and hunger pangs. I used to eat something light at night, like a Greek Salad or soup. The reason I did that was because decent lunch would give me energy for longer and I would be able to train in the afternoon. You don’t need energy when you go to sleep right, and that trick worked out perfectly for me.”

She said that the first week was really challenging since she had to get used to new eating habits, but her passion to achieve the body she desired kept her going.

“Changing eating habits is never an easy thing to do,” she said.  “It requires a lot of mental strength. The hardest time is when you have to order a healthier alternative while dining out with friends or family and have to watch everyone else eat all the unhealthy stuff in front of you.”

“Surprisingly, I discovered that you can train your mind to eat healthily, and once you do, you won’t ever go back to eating poorly, even when you are served unhealthy prepared food, it’s quite simple to say NO THANK YOU I don’t eat that.” In a polite manner of course.

She continued, “In my fitness lifestyle journey, I learned that you can also train your stomach on eating small portions. At restaurants, I always asked for a side plate to dish up on the side because the food would be too much. Then, I’d eat the same food later on again, effectively turning one meal into two servings for the day.”

On a good week, Mxongo (Lungi) trains  roughly 6 days. She adheres to the idea that 80% of your health comes from your diet and 20% from your workout regimen.

“One needs to have a free day in the week to indulge, but making sure that all of those extra calories and carbs are burned off by exercising. You would hear people talking and saying don’t eat this and that, but I have found that eating bad food, which is always in our presence and eating in moderation and working it off does no harm. Indeed, fitness is the new cool.”

Lungi can be found on instagram  @lungsmxo  Facebook  @lungsdube  TikTok  lungsmxo

Frankly, summer in Europe is always a good idea. From France and Italy to more off-the-beaten-track options, European summers have inspired countless movies, books and sonnets. It’s simply that good – and when the sun is shining, it feels like anything is possible (just like in the movies!)

Sure, Europe is not the friendliest to our South African rands. But don’t think it can’t happen. You can beat the budget blues and make your European summer dream come true. It just takes a little planning, some expert guidance and a touch of creativity.

Top tips to travel to Europe in 2023

Travel in the shoulder season
Nobody likes a holiday where it’s an “excuse me” or an elbow-in-your-side around every corner. So, if a crowd-free visit to Europe is your preferred cup of tea, head to southern Europe during the shoulder and off-peak seasons. Even booking a few weeks out of the June and July peak can be quieter.

“In autumn, winter and spring, Mediterranean destinations are fairly mild, with fewer tourists and queues than during the summer months from June to August,” says Antoinette Turner, General Manager at Flight Centre.

“During the shoulder seasons, the crowds start to disappear but there is still a buzz, and you won’t need to fight for a spot on the main beaches of the Greek Islands or in the capitals of Lisbon, Istanbul, or Madrid. Spring, from May to June, or autumn, September to October, are quieter off-peak seasons to visit.”

Book as early as possible

“Flights generally skyrocket for the European summer season as visitors from all over the world plan their trip, often coinciding with the June and July school holidays in the States for example,” says Turner.

“If you haven’t yet booked for this summer season, South African travellers are advised to book as soon as possible for the best pricing and choice of departure dates and options – from airline seats and class to your first choice of accommodation.”

Considering going for next year? You can book flights as far ahead as a year.

Consider going in a group

You may be surpirised but touring (or guided holidays) are on the rise.

“In destinations such as mainstream or Western Europe, the price of a single hotel room or adding on breakfast can quickly exceed your travel budget,” she says.

With guided holidays, travellers have a very accurate estimation of what their holiday will cost upfront, minimising nasty surprises.

Remember, many tour packages are all-inclusive (with meals, transport, accommodation and activities included in the cost). This upfront amount can make it much simpler to budget and provide reassurance, especially when considering some of the hidden costs of taking a DIY approach to planning your holiday.

When to go where – and for the rest of the year

If you want that traditional summer in Europe holiday, here’s where you should go, and when:

• For summer in the cities and Mediterranean beach breaks, July and August are the hottest and busiest months. As suggested, travel in May, June or September if you want slightly cooler temperatures, fewer crowds and better pricing.
• For snow – Innsbruck, Prague, Copenhagen, Riga, Salzburg, Hamburg, Stockholm, Tallinn and Helsinki are some of Europe’s snowiest cities. European Christmas markets in November and December are spectacular.
• For skiing – Most of Europe’s most popular ski resorts open from December to April.

Where to go? Trendy European summer destinations for 2023

• Portugal – winner of stacks of World Travel Awards for 2022
• Hungary – a rand-friendly alternative
• Italy – a dreamy classic you have to see at least once
• Turkey – a South African bestseller
• Greece – on the up and up! Incredibly trendy right now.

Turkey is particularly popular as a touring/guided holiday destination, according to statistics from the Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG). FCTG has also revealed that the company’s tour booking web page experienced a 143% increase in visits in the last year.

Budget beaters for Europe

Pre-book tickets for popular attractions

Do you know that you can wait up to two hours to go up the Eiffel Tower?

Pre-book popular attractions wherever possible. Plan to do them in the first days of your trip, too, in case unforeseen circumstances crop up and you run out of time.

Don’t forget the documentation

Just like travel insurance (an absolute must, even though you hope never to use it), it is crucial that you have your paperwork organised before you board your flight. Have copies saved on multiple devices, and back up to the Cloud.

Bookmark popular events

Know what’s happening in the destination. If you’re travelling for a specific festival or event such as Germany’s Oktoberfest, London’s Notting Hill parade, Keukenhof in Amsterdam, Venice Carnival and more, book early. If you’re not interested in the festival, you can change your dates to visit when it’s less busy and there are more hotel rooms and flights available.

Public transport all the way

Travel sustainably and offset your carbon footprint wherever possible by opting for public transport and your own two legs. Not only is it a good way to save money (taxis and hiring cars can be exorbitant for South Africans in Europe), but it’s also another way to discover hidden treasures.

Be flexible

Even in Europe, not everything runs like clockwork. Be open-minded, expect the unexpected and be open to new possibilities that may open up. Sometimes veering off-itinerary can lead to some of the best travel memories.

Explore alternative Europe

‘Alternative’ European destinations are on the rise, and often present more affordable options for South Africans. Eastern European countries are popular and Portugal is still a value-for-money destination, even for South Africans, as is Turkey.

Seek guidance
Enquire with a travel agent about when you should fly – even a few days out can make a difference if you’re not set on specific dates. Remember, agents also have access to fares you may not be able to see, plus their wealth of knowledge and experience will give you the peace of mind and personalised recommendations all travellers need.

“Wherever you set your sights for your European holiday, by booking early, especially during the shoulder and off-peak seasons, you can always find some great deals, along with the biggest choice of trips and departure dates,” says Turner.