Happiness isn’t just about feeling good—it’s about doing good. The more joyful we are, the more connected and compassionate we become. Science backs this up: when we feel happy, we care more. Studies show that gratitude and well-being directly increase our willingness to give back, protect the environment, and support our communities.

In the words of Thich Nhat Hanh, mindfulness helps us see the interconnectedness of everything—the tree, the cloud, the paper are connected, the sandwich we relish is connected to many live. We begin to appreciate the invisible hands behind every meal, every book, and every piece of art. This perspective fuels a desire to give back, consume mindfully, and engage with the world in a way that nurtures both people and the planet.

This is exactly what The Happiness Tour fosters—a joyful, immersive experience that reduces burnout while making a tangible impact on communities. It’s experiential learning meets eco-conscious travel, supporting local businesses, artists, minority-led enterprises, and sustainability initiatives. And thus the strong SDG connection.

In our recent SAY CHEESE tour, we started off at the green pastures, met the cows at the organic farm by Boer Burt

From here we could take fresh milk from the tap and other farm produce and make our 10000 steps journey to the cheese maker at the Kaaspakhuis Woerden . In a three hour workshop we made cheese, learnt about the history, reflected over healthy mindful eating and then proceeded to a farm to fork cafe for a delicious lunch. Later we visited a curated list of local shops to support the local economy. Everyone loved the brownies and coffee at Koffiesaeck a startup run by two passionate women.

In this tour, we have touched upon various SDGs. Lets take a look at the connection between happiness for your team and SDG for your organisation.

Happiness Meets Purpose: The SDG Impact of The Happiness Tour

The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a framework for a better, more sustainable future. The Happiness Tour contributes to multiple SDGs, proving that travel, well-being, and social impact can go hand in hand. Here’s how:

🌱 SDG 3: Good Health & Well-being – Beating Burnout, Finding Balance

Burnout is a global crisis, and The Happiness Tour is designed to combat stress, restore balance, and improve mental well-being through science-backed activities.

🧘‍♂️ How?
✔ Mindfulness & Meditation Workshops – Guided exercises to cultivate awareness and relaxation.
✔ Nature Therapy – Forest bathing, mindful walking, and eco-therapy to reconnect with nature.
✔ Yoga & Movement Sessions – Outdoor sessions in scenic locations.
✔ Sound Healing & Breathwork – Deep relaxation through sound frequencies and controlled breathing.
✔ Healthy Cooking Classes – Preparing nutritious meals with locally sourced ingredients.

💡 Example: Participants in Woerden take part in a forest bathing session, followed by a mindful cheese-making workshop, connecting well-being with cultural immersion.

📚 SDG 4: Quality Education – Learning Through Experience

Education isn’t just about textbooks—it’s about lifelong learning, storytelling, and hands-on experiences. The Happiness Tour integrates education in engaging ways.

🎓 How?
✔ Skill-Building Workshops – Traditional crafts, sustainable farming, and history sessions.
✔ Cultural Heritage Walks – Exploring local history and traditions with knowledgeable guides.
✔ Bee-Friendly Gardening – Learning about biodiversity and supporting pollinators.
✔ Educational Farm Visits – Understanding sustainable agriculture.

🌟 Example: In Enschede, participants engage in storytelling with local historian and book cafe owner, preserving cultural heritage while learning valuable lessons about resilience and history.

💼 SDG 8: Decent Work & Economic Growth – Supporting Local Economies

Sustainable tourism should uplift communities, not exploit them. The Happiness Tour ensures that revenue benefits local businesses, artists, and entrepreneurs.

💰 How?
✔ Partnering with Local Shops & Cafés – Every meal and product purchased directly supports local livelihoods.
✔ Fair Trade Shopping – Encouraging mindful purchases from ethical businesses.
✔ Skill Development for Locals – Involving local artisans, chefs, and guides in workshops.
✔ Community Markets – Showcasing and supporting local farmers and craftspeople.

🍽️ Example: A meal at Brownies & Downies in Woerden provides employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, turning dining into a social impact experience.

🏙️ SDG 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities – Responsible, Regenerative Tourism

Tourism should enhance, not harm, the places we visit. The Happiness Tour engages with cities in a way that preserves culture, reduces waste, and promotes inclusivity.

🏡 How?
✔ Exploring on Foot – Walking tours instead of bus tours to minimize carbon footprint.
✔ Supporting Local Initiatives – Partnering with community organizations.
✔ Urban Gardening & Green Spaces – Visiting and contributing to urban sustainability projects.
✔ Local Art Walks – Exploring street art and local galleries to support artists.

🎨 Example: Participants in Woerden embark on an art scavenger hunt, learning about Leo Gestel’s work while supporting community-run art spaces.

🌍 SDG 12: Responsible Consumption & Production – Mindful Travel & Ethical Choices

We often consume without thought—but The Happiness Tour encourages conscious, sustainable living.

🔄 How?
✔ Farm-to-Table Meals – Eating at eco-conscious cafés with locally sourced ingredients.
✔ Zero-Waste Practices – Minimizing waste during tour activities.
✔ Sustainable Souvenirs – Choosing handmade, eco-friendly, and ethically sourced products.
✔ Upcycling Workshops – Learning to repurpose materials into something beautiful.

🌿 Example: A clay sculpting session in Woerden allows participants to create handmade keepsakes instead of purchasing mass-produced souvenirs.

🌱 SDG 13: Climate Action – Small Steps, Big Impact

The Happiness Tour integrates climate-conscious practices, ensuring that each experience aligns with eco-friendly principles.

♻️ How?
✔ Carbon Offsetting – Encouraging participants to offset their travel emissions.
✔ Environmental Education – Raising awareness about climate issues through interactive learning.
✔ Sustainable Transportation – Encouraging the use of trains, bikes, and walking.
✔ Support Local Conservation Projects – Partnering with environmental initiatives.

🚲 Example: In Woerden, participants use bicycles to explore the countryside, promoting sustainable mobility.

🐝 SDG 15: Life on Land – Nurturing Nature & Biodiversity

Protecting biodiversity starts with awareness and engagement. The Happiness Tour provides ways to connect with nature while giving back.

🌿 How?
✔ Forest Bathing & Nature Walks – Encouraging deeper appreciation for local ecosystems.
✔ Tree Planting & Pollinator-Friendly Gardens – Hands-on activities to promote biodiversity.
✔ Visit Organic Farms & Beekeeping Workshops – Supporting sustainable farming and pollinators.
✔ Wildlife Conservation Experiences – Learning about and protecting local species.

🐝 Example: Participants in Enschede create seed bombs, spreading wildflowers to support bee populations.

The Bigger Picture: Giving Back While Feeling Good

Happiness and sustainability aren’t separate—they feed into each other. When we feel joyful and connected, we naturally want to care for the world around us.

✨ Gratitude makes us more generous.
✨ Mindfulness makes us more eco-conscious.
✨ Burnout recovery makes us better at helping others.

By participating in The Happiness Tour, you’re not just taking a break from stress—you’re actively building a better world. You’re choosing to travel with purpose, support local communities, and engage in experiences that nourish both you and the planet.

🚶‍♀️ Walk away not just refreshed—but inspired.
💛 Give back, feel good, and make a lasting impact.

Join The Happiness Tour, where joy and purpose meet. 🌍✨