Just like a car, your happiness needs to be filled up. A full tank is more fuel-efficient than a partial one.
Data-driven answer coding led to the inclusion of subcategories substantially neglected in previous EHHI studies: inner harmony (including low-arousal feelings of peace, serenity, balance, and equipoise) and awareness.
It’s a feeling
Happiness is a feeling that’s hard to define. It can include positive emotions, life satisfaction, and more. But it also involves other factors, such as mindfulness and self-care. It’s important to think about how you personally define happiness. This will help you create goals that are specific and attainable.
Pleasure and positivity are two essential components of happiness. People who seek long-term happiness may do well to work on their physical health, relationships, and careers. They can also increase their oxytocin levels by embracing others and engaging in acts of service.
Some psychologists use different terms to describe feelings of happiness. Hedonic happiness is based on pleasure, while eudaimonia is based on virtues and meaning. Both types of happiness can lead to a better, longer life. However, they are not the same thing. Eudaimonia is more about the purpose of life, and it is a more long-term goal than hedonic happiness. Eudaimonia is often associated with good character traits, such as wisdom, moderation, and courage.
It’s a state of mind
Happiness is an electrifying and elusive state. It has long captivated philosophers, theologians and psychologists, who have even tried to measure it through large-scale surveys. Jeremy Bentham believed that public policy should seek to maximize happiness, while Thomas Jefferson put the “pursuit of happiness” on par with life and liberty in the Declaration of Independence.
People who feel happy are more likely to trust others, form monogamous relationships, and exhibit caregiving behaviors. They also produce more oxytocin and have lower levels of stress hormones. But it is important to avoid forcing positivity or happiness when it isn’t naturally present. This can backfire, causing people to feel worse.
A number of different types of happiness have been described by psychologists, including hedonia and eudemonia. Eudaimonic well-being is associated with taking responsibility, pursuing long-term goals, and being committed to personal values. It is also characterized by self-criticism, regrets and self-judgment. The best way to achieve eudaimonic happiness is by practicing mindfulness and meditation.
It’s a personality trait
Researchers found that personality provides the context within which happiness operates. Happiness depends on many personal traits and characteristics, including empathy, compassion, and humility. Happiness can also be characterized by optimism, self-acceptance, and resilience. These traits are influenced by the way you view and handle life’s ups and downs.
A happy person prioritizes spiritual/non-materialistic values and relationships with others. They don’t worry about keeping up with the Joneses or nabbing a prestigious job. They also prioritize adequate sleep, as they know that not getting enough shut-eye can negatively impact their outcomes, energy level, cognition, and ability to cope with stress.
They don’t take things personally and are willing to accept life’s downsides while savoring its upsides. They look for win-win situations and appreciate that the world is a mysterious place. They also don’t get caught up in negative social comparisons. They avoid indulging in gossip, jealousy, and envy. They are kind, warm, and benevolent. They are a joy to be around, and their smiles are genuine.
It’s a fuel
Happiness is the fuel that drives success and performance. When you’re happy, you have a positive outlook on life and energy to pursue what you want in the future. If you’re not happy, your energy levels drop and it becomes difficult to achieve what you want.
You can find happiness in many ways, from taking a walk outside on a beautiful day to enjoying a delicious meal. Even a simple pleasure like watching your child play can give you a boost of joy. I often bring ice cream into my seminars because it instantly makes people happy. It’s a great way to remind yourself of what makes you happy and how often you experience that feeling.
Stability is another source of happiness, and you can achieve it by focusing on your strengths. You may also want to try meditating or praying for a few minutes each day, which can rewire your brain and permanently raise your level of happiness.