What Exactly Is Happiness?
Happiness is both a thrilling and elusive state. Long have philosophers, theologians, psychologists, and even economists attempted to describe it. Since the 1990s, a whole branch of psychology called positive psychology has been dedicated to determining it. Happiness is a state of well-being that comprises living a good life with a sense of significance and genuine fulfilment. It is more than just a cheerful mood.
Though feeling cheerful has health benefits as well. A growing number of studies reveal that happiness might improve your physical health; for example, feelings of positivity and contentment appear to benefit cardiovascular health, the immune system, inflammatory levels, and blood pressure. Happiness has even been connected to increased longevity and improved quality of life and well-being.
Happiness is a worldwide quest. Researchers discovered that people from all over the world value happiness more than other desirable personal outcomes such as accumulating wealth, material items, and entering paradise.
How to Be Content
Happiness does not come from jumping from one joy to the next; instead, experts have discovered that achieving happiness generally entails periods of significant agony. Your genetic make-up, life circumstances, accomplishments, marital status, social ties, and neighbours all impact your happiness. Or it may be those unique ways of thinking and expressing feelings differ. According to research, a large portion of happiness is under your control.
Indulging in minor pleasures regularly, becoming immersed in challenging activities, developing and fulfilling goals, keeping close social links, and finding meaning outside oneself all contribute to increased life happiness. It is the pursuit of happiness rather than happiness itself that fosters well-being.
Signs of a Contented Individual
Happy people live with a sense of purpose. They find fulfilment in long-term relationships, working toward their goals, and embodying their ideals. The happy person is uninterested in material possessions or lavish holidays. This individual is content with the simple joys of life. Here are a few apparent signals that someone is happy.
Is eager to learn new things
Has a high level of humility and patience, smiles and laughs easily
Follows the flow
Compassion is often practised, and self-care is practised
Enjoys solid relationships and is glad for others
Gives and receives without causing pain
Meaningful and purposeful lives
Has fewer expectations and does not feel entitled.
Is not vindictive or disrespectful; does not harbour grudges
Small annoyances are ignored
Does not obsess over yesterday and tomorrow; does not engage in games
Is not stingy with their joy
Happiness Myths
When it comes to what we believe will make us happy, there are many misconceptions. People frequently feel that they will be happy after accomplishing a particular milestone, such as finding the perfect mate or earning a specific wage.
Humans, on the other hand, are adept at adapting to new situations. This implies that people will become accustomed to their new relationship or money, return to a baseline level of satisfaction, and seek the next milestone. Fortunately, the same idea holds true for setbacks—we are resilient and will almost certainly find happiness again.
In terms of money, research suggests the sweet spot for yearly income is between €70,000 and €100,000 each year, rather than a million-dollar wage. Earnings above €100,000 may not inevitably equal higher well-being; a person earning €200,000 per year will not necessarily be as happy as someone earning much less.
These fallacies regarding happiness are exemplified by the following thoughts:
"I'll be content when I'm wealthy and successful."
"I'll be pleased to find the proper person to marry."
"I'll be thrilled if I get my dream job."
"I can't be happy when my relationship is in shambles."
"I will never be able to recover from this diagnosis."
"The best years of my life have come to an end."
Psychology of Happiness
The branch of psychology that studies human well-being is known as positive psychology. It questions how people can feel good, have real connections, discover flow, achieve their goals, and live meaningful lives.
The movement was inspired by University of Pennsylvania psychologist Martin Seligman's goal for a fundamental shift in psychology—from focusing on disease and distress to offering the knowledge and tools to nurture growth, meaning, and fulfilment.
Happiness Throughout Life
Every person has a unique life experience and thus a unique happiness experience. However, some patterns appear when scientists evaluate the average trajectory of happiness across a lifetime. Happiness and satisfaction start relatively high, drop from youth through midlife, and rise throughout later years.
What makes someone happy in their 20s may not make them happy in their 80s, and joy in one's 80s may seem inconsequential in one's 20s. People should continue to observe and revise what makes them happy at any given time to strive for fulfilment throughout their lives.
Health and happiness
Health and happiness are inextricably linked. That's not to imply that people with illnesses can't be happy; it's just that taking care of one's health is an important—and perhaps underappreciated—part of happiness.
Researchers have discovered numerous relationships between health and happiness, including a longer lifespan. Still, it is impossible to determine which element causes which. Improving one's diet, exercise, sleep, and other habits can make everyone happier.
If you enjoyed this blog post, please come back again in the coming days when I talk more about what happiness is and explain how we may better find it.
