Men’s Sheds are well known as a welcoming space where men can connect, share skills, and enjoy a sense of belonging. More than that, for over 30 years Men’s & Community Sheds have contributed to improving the social and emotional wellbeing, as well as physical health, of men in communities all around Australia.
There is a growing field of evidence that combines aspects of psychology, health and economics that links the numerous benefits of ‘happiness’ to longer, healthier lives and stronger, more sustainable communities. The evidence also shows there are things anyone can do each day – including visiting the Men’s Shed – to improve wellbeing.
On this United Nations’ International Day of Happiness, we’re sharing what you told us happiness at the shed looks like.
Our recent Shedder Survey highlighted the power of connection, purpose and laughter in contributing to shedders’ sense of wellbeing and quality of life. Among the key findings about what contributes to happiness at the shed:
- 55% of shedders reported enjoying learning or teaching new skills.
- 60% of shedders reported finding happiness in being able to contribute and give back to their community.
- 61% of shedders said that “working together with my shed mates” makes them happy.
- A significant 69% of shedders say that simply having a cuppa and a chat brings them joy.
- And 69% say that the banter and humour with fellow shedders is one of the things they enjoy most at the shed!
For Shaun from the North Epping Men’s Shed (NSW), “Driving into the carpark, turning off the engine, and hearing laughter inside the shed makes me happy.”
Felix from the Jurien Bay Men’s Shed (WA) finds joy in “playing in our Men’s Shed band.”
For Peter from the Nepean Men’s Shed (NSW), happiness comes from “helping other members.”
Clency from the Pottsville Men’s Shed (NSW) echoes that saying, “Helping others in any way” is what brings him the most happiness.
And Peter from the Nerang Men’s Shed (QLD) jokes that his attendance at the shed “makes my wife happy I am out of the house!”
AMSA’s Shedder Survey also revealed that 83 per cent of shedders consider their shed a support network, with 80 per cent also reporting feeling comfortable sharing life’s challenges with their shed mates.
Research shows a number of factors influence our happiness and wellbeing, including physical and mental health, social relationships and social support. All of which can be positively shaped by joining the local “Shed”.
Men’s Sheds play in supporting men’s wellbeing by providing a space where men can find joy, purpose, and connection.
A shedder’s daily dose of happiness
Happiness isn’t just about big moments—it’s in the small, everyday interactions. Whether it’s learning a new skill, sharing a laugh, or simply having a cuppa and a chat. AMSA’s Living Well program (based on the Wheel of Wellbeing) is about doing little things each day that improve your health and wellbeing.
Your mental wellbeing is the unique way that you handle emotions, respond to stress and also your general outlook on life. It’s normal for a person’s mood and emotions to shift based on their different experiences. Having a strong sense of mental wellbeing will help you bounce back from challenges and get the most out of life. This helps achieve an overall sense of wellness as well as a feeling of being in control, happy, resilient and capable of handling life’s challenges.
Your physical health is also top priority. We all know if you leave the tractor in the paddock without TLC for too long, it’ll get rusty. Follow the basics: eat well, move regularly and watch your fuel intake.
There are six elements of “living well”: body, mind, spirit, people, place and planet. Building your capacity in each of these underlying elements helps you respond to the range of mental tasks you have every day. In the same way it takes a range of skills to build a shed, it takes a range of skills to keep your mind sharp and body in top condition. Do something that fits into one (or more) of these six elements over the course of a week, and you’ll be on your way to a happier and healthier life!
Happiness around the world
Since 2012 the World Happiness Report has been released on the UN’s International Day of Happiness annually.
The Report, published by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford (UK), reflects a worldwide demand for more attention to happiness and wellbeing as criteria for government policy. It reviews the state of happiness in the world today and shows how the science of happiness explains personal and national variations in happiness.
In addition to the ranking of the world’s happiest countries, the report includes curated chapters from international experts at the forefront of wellbeing science.
According to the 2024 World Happiness Report, Australians are the 10th happiest nation in the world.
When segmented by age, the 2024 World Happiness Report revealed older Australians sit at 9th happiest in the world!