A full tank of happiness can help you deal with the ups and downs of life. This is especially important when times are tough.
Like a full tank, your level of happiness can fluctuate depending on the things you do and the way you think about them.
The APA defines happiness as feelings of joy, gladness, satisfaction, and well-being.
What is Happiness?
Happiness is a feeling of pleasure and well-being. It is a state of mind and can be influenced by your genetic makeup, life circumstances, achievement levels, marital status, social relationships, and individual ways of thinking and expressing emotions.
Because happiness is a subjective experience, it’s difficult to measure objectively. However, research has shown that happy people tend to have positive interactions with others and can spread their good moods. Furthermore, brain scans have revealed that a state of joy can be triggered by simple activities like cuddling with loved ones or watching a funny movie.
Happiness also relates to meaning in your life and the sense of purpose you feel in what you’re doing. It is a more long-lasting experience than hedonia, and it can be achieved through things like volunteering or spending time with family. Happiness is often described as a “purposeful” life or eudaimonia, which refers to the flourishing of a person’s potential through virtues such as wisdom, courage, moderation, and kindness.
How to Become Happier
A variety of factors impact happiness, including genetics, life circumstances, achievements and social relationships. But, researchers say, much of a person’s happiness is under their control. Things like regularly indulging in small pleasures, getting absorbed in activities that challenge them, and building close social ties boost life satisfaction.
Practicing mindfulness and learning to let go of grudges also increase joy. Getting plenty of sleep and exercising are other happy-making habits. Plus, research shows that music can have a powerful impact on emotions—especially upbeat and positive tunes with fast tempos or major chords.
It’s also important to remember that happiness fuels or precedes success. But be careful not to get caught up in the rat race of chasing milestone after milestone—it can leave you feeling tired, burned out, and even more unhappy. If you’re unsure how to create more fun in your life, consider talking to a counselor for perspective and tips. They can help you identify obstacles and find ways to get back in balance.
What Causes Happiness?
Whether it’s getting a massage, visiting a new city or simply smiling in the face of life’s challenges, happiness-inducing activities can be powerful and rewarding. They can also increase a person’s feelings of accomplishment, which is a key component to overall satisfaction with life.
Studies have found that a person’s relationships with friends and family are one of the biggest influences on their happiness. In fact, the happiest people in a study from Harvard were those who had close, reciprocal relationships with other people.
Feeding the mind is another key aspect to happiness. Rather than burying your head in social media, make time for reading (or listening to audiobooks) that stimulate and challenge your brain. When you do, you’ll discover that your mood and physiology shift. Those who have happy, fulfilling lives often experience better physical and mental health than those who don’t. Even the happiest people feel down from time to time. Happiness isn’t something you can achieve on your own but something you must consciously pursue.
What Makes You Happy?
Research suggests a few healthy habits can help you feel happier on a daily basis. One simple step is to stop comparing yourself to others. Whether you’re chatting with friends or scrolling social media, upward comparisons can be a big happiness drain.
Getting a good night’s sleep and keeping your environment neat can also improve your mood. Studies show that people who have messy homes and are cluttered with papers and books are more stressed than those who have a clean, uncluttered space.
Exercise increases brain chemicals that boost happiness, reduces stress hormones, and can help with depression and anxiety. Plus, it only takes 10 minutes of movement a day to feel the mood-boosting benefits.
Another happy-boosting habit is to give back to others. Try giving compliments on a daily basis or volunteering once a month to help someone in need. These small actions are proven to help you feel better and may even inspire you to become more proactive in helping others.