A full tank of gas not only feels good. It also benefits your health, boosts career success and improves your relationships.
But what exactly does happiness look like? Some theories differ on this point. One approach, called hedonism, defines happiness as pleasure-feelings. Others, such as the emotional state theory, depart from hedonism in various ways.
1. You’re in the moment
Happiness can feel elusive and out of reach at times. But it doesn’t have to be.
Waiting for happiness may actually detract from your ability to shape it in the present moment. For example, if you’re waiting for your next promotion or new relationship to make you happy, you may find that the happiness is short-lived.
Instead, try focusing on the positives in your life and surrounding yourself with people who lift you up. Researchers have found that each happy person you spend time with increases your chances of experiencing happiness yourself, thanks to our brains’ mirror neurons. Even if you can’t get away for a vacation, take the time to cultivate positive interactions in your daily routine. A simple activity like taking a walk or listening to music can do the trick.
3. You’re healthy
Getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and eating well all contribute to our happiness. The good news is that it’s easier to cultivate health habits than you might think.
Studies show that even the act of planning a vacation increases happiness. That’s because when we anticipate something, it raises our mood and boosts our sense of wellbeing for eight weeks.
It’s also contagious; we can catch happiness from our friends. Reach out to your happier comrades when you’re feeling down, as their positivity can have a lasting impact on you. But remember that happiness is not a quick fix. Cultivating happiness is a journey that’s unique to each of us. It takes time to build happiness, just like it takes time to build a good relationship.
5. You’re happy
We can’t control what happiness looks like from the outside, but we can control how happy we are day in and day out. The secret to a happy life is in the small habits, practices and routines we build into our lives.
It’s important to take the time to reflect on what makes you happy as an individual. Remove the noise of social media and ask yourself when you feel happiest. It could be when you are connecting with friends, practicing mindfulness or spending time outdoors.
Creating a ‘what makes you happy list’ will help you to focus on the things that give your life meaning, not just in the moment but on a daily basis. And if you’re wondering how to get started, click here to download my free ‘What Makes You Happy’ worksheet!