Happiness is one of the most important things in life. It can affect everything from mental well-being to physical health.
Jeremy Bentham believed that public policy should try to maximize happiness, and Thomas Jefferson put the pursuit of happiness on par with life and liberty in the Declaration of Independence. Philosophical interest in happiness has flagged, however, because of objections that it is not well-defined.
1. Happiness is a state of mind
Happiness is a state of mind, and it’s something that you can work on if you want to. Happiness is about learning to be content with what you have and focusing on the positives in life. It’s also about feeling a sense of purpose, finding meaning, and being connected to others.
Studies have shown that happiness is related to many physical traits, including lower blood pressure, less inflammation, faster recovery from illness and a stronger immune system. It also boosts social connections and promotes career success. Happiness can be contagious, so you can help the people around you feel happier as well.
While there is no one-size-fits-all solution to being happy, some things that are known to increase happiness include focusing on the positives in your life, being grateful, practicing mindfulness, building self-esteem and confidence, and developing good relationships. Research suggests that more than half of your happiness is under your control, so it’s definitely possible to become happier.
2. Happiness is a feeling
Happiness is an emotion that can be triggered by positive life experiences and thoughts. It can also arise spontaneously without any obvious cause. Happiness can range from contentment to intense joy. It can last for a short or long period of time, and it can vary in intensity from moment to moment.
It’s hard to define happiness scientifically, and there is considerable disagreement about what it consists of. Some philosophers have argued that it involves hedonism and welfare hedonism, while others believe that life satisfaction and subjective well-being (SWB) are the key ingredients.
In general, a feeling of happiness is a positive sentiment that makes people feel good about themselves and their lives. Research suggests that this positive sentiment may even be contagious, and it has been linked to lower blood pressure and healthier immune systems. Happiness can also lead to greater personal resilience and a sense of meaning. It may also help us see the good in bad times and reduce our tendency to blame others.
3. Happiness is a choice
We’ve all seen those inspirational quotes saying, “Happiness is a choice.” And while the sentiment behind this quote is well-meaning, it can be harmful for people who struggle to feel happy.
It’s hard to choose happiness if you’re struggling in other areas of your life. For example, if you have depression or another mental health condition, it’s not always possible to be happy even if you try to change your mood.
There are a few ways to be happier, like practicing mindfulness meditation or taking up cheerscrolling on social media. But sometimes what you really need to do is remove yourself from a stressful situation or take medication.
In these cases, the choice to be happy is not yours to make. Instead, it’s a choice to focus on self-care and seek out the good things in your life. Then you’ll be able to find those amazing, fleeting moments of happiness that we all deserve.
4. Happiness is a choice
Happiness is an emotion that comes and goes, but a choice to live a meaningful life, to be present in the moment, and to have gratitude are all ways to make happiness more attainable. Having a purpose, whether it’s helping people, volunteering, or becoming politically active, can increase happiness levels and reduce stress levels.
Choosing to be happy is something we can all do every day, and it’s important that everyone feels good about their lives. However, there are many reasons someone’s happiness may be compromised, such as living with a mental health condition like depression. Blanket statements such as “you can choose to be happy” can feel like a punch in the gut for people who struggle with these conditions and can be highly offensive to them.
If you have a mental health condition, it’s always best to talk to a professional about it. There are things a therapist can do to help you that might make you happier, including encouraging positive thinking, teaching you coping skills, and assisting with finding meaning in your life.