Happiness is the feeling of contentment and joy that comes from living a life full of meaning and purpose. It also includes self-respect, forgiveness, modesty, hope and gratitude.
Some worry that promoting happiness in public policy would amount to paternalism, and that governments should leave matters of personal well-being up to the autonomous individual. Others counter that failing to address happiness could leave people without the means to thrive.
1. It’s a feeling
Happiness is an elusive and electrifying state of mind that’s been the subject of study by philosophers, theologians and psychologists. It’s also a top priority for people from all walks of life around the world. The pursuit of happiness has health perks, promotes career success and fosters deeper connections with those you love. And research shows that feeling joyful has ripple effects, benefitting those in your inner circle as well as your neighbours, bus drivers and strangers.
Philosophers identify two main senses of happiness. Hedonistic or life satisfaction theories equate it with pleasure, whereas emotional state views distinguish happiness from mere enjoyment by requiring some form of reflective endorsement or disposition.
2. It’s a state of mind
A lot of people think happiness is determined by outside factors like wealth, success and relationships. They’re mistaken: Happiness is actually a choice you make every day. And the more you choose happiness, the more it will be a part of your life.
You can start to choose happiness by observing how you feel. For example, if you’re complaining about something that’s beyond your control or constantly focusing on negative events, your happiness will suffer.
Positive psychology focuses on eudaimonia, which means “the good life”. So the main idea behind this concept is that happiness depends on a combination of different things like a person’s lifestyle and environment. But it also depends on his or her ability to control thoughts and see the positive side of every situation. This is where mindfulness meditation comes in. It’s a great tool to help you learn to appreciate what you have in life and become stronger in the face of adversity.
3. It’s a feeling of contentment
The pursuit of happiness can be exhausting. It’s a goal that many people strive for, but often find that it’s fleeting and hard to maintain. What we might really need to pursue is contentment, a feeling of satisfaction, peace and gratitude.
Those who are content have a much easier time finding happiness in their lives. They can focus on what they do have rather than constantly striving for more, which can lead to feelings of dissatisfaction and resentment.
A good example would be Gandhi, who found great happiness in his life because he was content with where he was at the moment. That doesn’t mean that he didn’t have ambitions and goals for himself, but that he wasn’t constantly striving to achieve the next level of happiness. This can fuel positive emotions like joy and pride, but it also helps people get past the more difficult emotional states of anger and sadness.
4. It’s a feeling of gratitude
Gratitude, or appreciation of the good things in life, is the most powerful variable that psychologists have found for predicting happiness, even over such things as wealth and health. Studies have shown that people who regularly practice gratitude are happier than those who do not, and that the effects can last up to a month.
Practicing gratitude slows down the hedonic adaptation process, which is why it is so effective in combatting low mood. Counting your blessings, writing a list of things you appreciate on a daily basis or writing thank-you letters have all been shown to have positive effects on happiness.
Philosophers, theologians and psychologists have long sought to define this electrifying state of well-being. More than just positive mood, however, happiness is a feeling of deep contentment and fulfillment. This feeling is closely linked to life satisfaction, which has also been correlated with a host of positive life outcomes, including greater protection from depression and anxiety, stronger social connections and a higher resilience in the face of adversity.