In the psychological sense, happiness is a pleasant feeling or emotion ranging from contentment to intense joy. It also encompasses broader feelings of well-being, life satisfaction, subjective well-being, flourishing and eudaimonia.
Happiness is a complex psychological concept that’s incredibly difficult to define. But many experts agree that it’s a worthwhile pursuit.
It’s a feeling
Happiness is an energizing feeling that’s often difficult to put into words. But when it’s done, it can change the way you think about life and improve your physical, emotional, and social well-being.
A full tank of happiness can be achieved through a combination of lifestyle changes, work-life balance, and the right tools for coping with adversity. When you feel happy, your body releases a variety of chemicals into the bloodstream that can help your mood.
Likewise, your heart rates and your circulation increase. This can lead to an improved quality of life, and a better chance at experiencing some of the more memorable moments in your life.
However, it’s hard to find a single thing that can guarantee you a lifetime of happiness and well-being. In other words, you need to understand that it’s not about what you get out of life – it’s all about how you choose to live it. The best way to do this is by using the science of positive psychology and by putting the time and effort into achieving your own personal version of a happy life.
It’s a state of mind
In psychology, a state of mind is your mood and mental state at a particular time. It includes emotions, thoughts, intentions and feelings.
There are many different kinds of states of mind, including anxious, depressed, rational, critical and engaged. They’re all different but can all have an impact on your life.
When you feel happy, it’s like your body has a full tank. It’s a feeling that is stronger than your feelings of negativity, but it’s also fickle.
But there are ways to transform your mind and your experience of happiness. One way is to feed your brain more nourishing content. This can include books, audiobooks or podcasts.
It’s a choice
You’ve probably heard it a million times before, but happiness is a choice. It’s a sentiment that is often well-intentioned and intended to be encouraging, but it can also cause some people to feel less than their best.
Those who struggle with mental health conditions, for instance, often find that the idea of a choice in their mood can be disempowering. That’s because the saying can reinforce the stigma that those with mental health issues have to deal with.
Instead, try changing how you think about happiness and make it something that you strive for on a regular basis. This might mean taking time for yourself, spending quality time with loved ones, or doing things you love.
It’s a fuel
If you want to be happy, then you need to have a full tank of happiness. You can fuel your happiness with things like money, time, or possessions, but the best way to get that happy feeling is to do something for others.
One way to help others is by volunteering. Find out what needs your city or town has and see if there’s anything you can do. This can be as simple as ladling soup or cleaning bathrooms at a soup kitchen.
It can also mean helping people find their path in life. It could mean figuring out how to get an education, finding a job, or becoming more involved in your community.
Some economists and some political scientists believe that public policies can boost happiness. The Cato Institute, for example, suggests that happiness is correlated with economic freedom.