Getting to a happy place is like filling a tank. It’s about figuring out where you are currently, knowing what you can control and then changing your systems to better the way you are operating.
Most people would agree that faith, family and friends add meaning and happiness to life. A good job is also important.
What is a full tank?
There are many different theories of happiness, but most involve some combination of pleasure, engagement, attunement, confidence, and positive emotion. Some theories, such as hedonism, are based on the idea that pleasure is the main driver of human well-being. Others, like emotional state theory, take a broader view of happiness and include things like a person’s moods, emotions, or feelings of euphoria.
Still other theories, like those of philosopher Jeremy Bentham, argue that happiness should be a central goal of life and the primary concern of public policy. Others, such as economists, worry that a focus on happiness could lead to paternalism in which states attempt to directly influence the well-being of citizens.
The good news is that most of the factors that predict happiness are under our control. We can work to increase our income, improve our health, develop strong relationships, and make other changes that will contribute to a happier and more fulfilling life.
How do I know if my tank is empty?
One group of theories departs from hedonism by identifying happiness with non-pleasure states, like emotional well-being. These include moods, emotions, and positive and negative affect. They might also refer to a person’s general disposition, such as temperament. The latter might be a mixture of positive and negative aspects of personality, such as impulsiveness or persistence.
Another family of views, hybrid theories, tries to find an irenic middle ground. They often identify happiness with subjective well-being (SWB), which is a combination of life satisfaction, domain satisfactions, and emotions and affect.
Regardless of how you define happiness, it is important to know that you can always improve it. The good news is that the majority of factors that influence happiness are actually under your control. Managing your mindset, practicing mindfulness, getting enough sleep, forming healthy habits, exercising, spending time with loved ones, and having spirituality are all things that you can do to increase your happiness. And the best part is that you can start small and build these activities into your daily routine over time.