The APA’s definition of happiness states that it is “a feeling of joy, gladness, satisfaction and well-being.”
But while it’s an important part of life, happiness means different things to people from all walks of life. It can also be hard to measure because it’s a personal value that you define yourself.
It’s a choice
Many people believe that happiness is a choice. It’s a mantra that pops up on social media, is written on postcards, or is recited by motivational speakers.
However, while it’s a good idea to be happy and find the things that make you feel joy, it’s not a simple task.
It can be especially difficult for those with mental health concerns. Those who struggle with depression, bipolar disorder, or other mental health disorders often cannot seem to “choose” happiness.
This can lead to a lot of frustration and confusion, even self-loathing. In addition, it can reinforce stigma surrounding mental health issues.
It’s a journey
Many people will tell you that happiness is a journey, and it can be a great way to think about the pursuit of happiness. This is because, unlike most other things in life (like wealth or status), happiness does not have a set point, and it doesn’t depend on any one thing or circumstance.
While a lot of things affect our happiness, science has shown that as much as 40% of it is in our control. This includes your emotions, your personality traits, your physical well-being and your sensations.
Those are all important factors, but the most consistent predictors of our overall level of happiness come from how we define it.
The APA defines happiness as “a general feeling of well-being, joy, contentment or satisfaction”. So, we might be talking about pleasure, excitement, or deeper senses of life satisfaction.
Another key component of a happy life is pursuing personal growth and self-improvement. This can be accomplished through a variety of activities such as meditation, exercise, and social interaction with others. It’s also important to cultivate quality relationships with family, friends and colleagues.
It’s a state of mind
When most people think of happiness, they tend to focus on a specific moment that brought them joy. This could be a birthday, wedding, or a moment with friends and family.
While these are important, there is another kind of happiness that can be achieved without being tied to a specific event. Detachment is an important part of this happiness because it helps reduce psychological knots that are formed when expectations do not match reality.
This type of state is a great way to start your day, as it gives you a clearer perspective and a greater appreciation for all of the good things in your life. It can also help you become more resilient when the inevitable ups and downs of life come your way.
It’s a feeling
When we think of happiness, we tend to associate it with smiles and a feeling of warmth. But that’s only part of the story.
When you feel happy, your brain releases chemicals into your body. These chemicals send signals to your central nervous system and cause reactions in other bodily systems, such as your heart and blood vessels.
For example, when you’re in a good mood, your face flushes and your heart races. And these reactions can increase your feelings of joy for days on end.
Happiness and joy are both part of the same emotional family tree, says neuroscientist Mark Vaillant.
But happiness is a feeling, while joy is a choice. In fact, you can increase your chances of finding happiness by cultivating feelings like pride, gratitude and awe.