Having good relationships with family and friends is one of the most important predictors of happiness. Having a sense of purpose and meaning is also important.
The OECD uses a survey to measure subjective happiness. It takes into account things like job satisfaction, income, and community. It also considers the ability to cope with life’s ups and downs.
1. It’s a feeling
Despite its frequent use, happiness is not well-defined or measured. While it may evoke feelings like joy and contentment, these feelings differ for everyone. It is also important to note that it does not mean ignoring or denying negative emotions.
Happiness, unlike pleasure, is a more complex feeling than simple excitement or elation. It is a deep sense of well-being and contentment that transcends short periods of enjoyment. It is a feeling that comes from a sense of meaning, purpose and gratitude.
Some skeptics claim that a mere majority of positive affect suffices for happiness, but this view lacks support from the literature. Furthermore, hedonistic and emotional state theories both claim that happiness involves more than just a bare majority of positive affect. This makes hybrid theories attractive.
2. It’s a state
Happiness has been long recognized as a critical element of well-being. It was even given as an inalienable right in the Declaration of Independence. While researchers have been working diligently to understand happiness, it can still be difficult to define.
Some research has equated it with positive emotions and life satisfaction (or eudaimonia). However, others have distinguished between happiness and joy. Joy is different than a feeling of pleasure, jubilation or elation. It’s more of a deep sense of flourishing that can endure through difficulty.
It’s important to know the difference between happiness and joy because it can affect how you approach life. For instance, it’s hard to be happy when you’re pursuing things that won’t bring lasting contentment. That’s why it’s important to work on a sustainable happiness plan.
3. It’s a habit
Happiness is a habit, and like all habits, it can be formed. Many people struggle to create new healthy behaviors – whether it’s eating better, exercising more, or spending less time on their phones. These habits don’t always feel fun in the beginning, but they contribute to a long-term goal of a happier, healthier you.
As research shows, low mood is correlated with poor health and a shorter life expectancy. Happiness, on the other hand, has been shown to improve both.
The confidence, vitality and joy that you deserve are only a few small daily rituals away! Do Happy: Daily Happier Habits helps readers form the new habits they want by offering accountability and rewards. Completing tasks earns blue stars on the accountability calendar and happyStars that eventually lead to happy status!
4. It’s a goal
In the short term, acquiring riches or experiencing a big life event like graduating from school, traveling to another country, or starting your own business can provide an intense feeling of happiness. These feelings can also wane over time.
Eudaimonia, which translates to flourishing or having a good life, can help you maintain longer-term happiness. This can be achieved by practicing virtues like kindness, wisdom, courage, prudence, and moderation.
Some people try to pursue happiness by focusing on their strengths, forming healthy relationships, or living in a good community. But this approach can be viewed as passive or even paternalistic by others.
5. It’s a choice
In life, there will always be things that are outside your control. For instance, you cannot choose if someone treats you poorly or if you have an illness that causes pain.
However, you can decide to focus on what is within your control. You can make choices that contribute to happiness, such as focusing on leisure activities that you enjoy and choosing a healthy diet.
Another way to choose happiness is to find things that you are grateful for. Write them down in a journal to solidify the choice. Practicing gratitude has been proven to help increase optimism and reduce anxiety.