Like a car without fuel the body will shut down if it doesn’t have a full tank of happiness. Happiness is a tool that helps us thrive.
Defenders of affect-based theories – hedonistic and emotional state views – might object that a bare majority of positive feelings would suffice for happiness.
2. A Healthy Mind
Despite the common assumption that mental and physical health are distinct entities, research has found that they are densely interconnected. Just as diet and exercise are key to good physical health, a healthy mind is necessary for mental wellbeing.
A healthy mind cultivates a calm, steady attention that focuses on the present moment and lets go of rumination. It has a strong sense of purpose and is clear about its core values. It fosters intellectual curiosity, allowing the mind to expand by exploring new ideas. It maintains close, supportive relationships and a social support network. It also promotes a balanced energy balance by reducing excess calorie intake and engaging in mindful activity.
The Center’s framework for a healthy mind – called the Healthy Mind Platter – is based on pioneering neuroscience and contemplative traditions and includes seven daily essential mental activities to support overall well-being. It is also the foundation of our Healthy Minds Program app and fully mobile well-being intervention, which uses meditation and mindfulness techniques to translate groundbreaking neuroscience into tools for a healthier brain, body, and life.
3. A Healthy Relationship
Having positive relationships, both romantic and platonic, adds meaning to life. When you have people who support you, it is easier to follow healthy behaviors like eating a nutritious diet, exercising regularly and not smoking.
People who are in healthy relationships are also less stressed and have a sense of purpose. However, it is important to remember that you should not find your identity in another person.
Having a healthy relationship can be confusing at times. If you ask your mom, she might have one answer, while your friend might have a different opinion. Fortunately, there are some signs that can help you determine if a relationship is healthy and on the right track for long-term territory. For example, if you are kind to everyone and everything (the waitress, the random clerk at the store, the stray dog outside waiting for its owner), it is likely that you are in a healthy relationship. This includes being supportive of your partner’s hobbies and interests.
4. A Healthy Environment
A healthy environment has clear benefits to people’s mental health and wellbeing. This can include open green spaces, such as forests and mountains, but also a city park or path by a river. These environments reduce stress, depression and anxiety and improve mood.
However, there are many factors that can impact the environment, including pollution from traffic and industry, erosion, climate change, and habitat destruction. These issues affect the quality of air and water, and food.
In this co-created qualitative study, focus groups were held with underrepresented groups to identify their perceptions of key attributes of healthy environments. These included safety (and its moderator, familiarity), accessibility, and sounds and sights. Participants cited these attributes in relation to the health impacts of an environment, with a particular emphasis on mental health and wellbeing. This research uncovered novel facets of the health-environment relationship, which go beyond those defined by national and global health organisations. These facets can help direct environmental policy.