Ever wondered what truly brings joy? In our quest for happiness, we often overlook simple yet profound truths. Science has surprising answers and proven steps that can significantly boost your happiness.
TL;DR
Introducción
You might think that winning the lottery or achieving a major milestone could catapult you to new levels of joy, but that’s not the case. Numerous studies show that our happiness levels remain stable regardless of external events.
A groundbreaking 1978 study by psychologist Philip Brickman discovered that even significant life changes, such as winning the lottery or suffering a severe accident, don’t have a long-term impact on our happiness. After the initial excitement or shock, we feel as happy as before. Surprisingly, another study by psychologist David Lykken in 1996 found that at least 50% of our ability to be happy is genetically determined, while external factors like money and education contribute a mere 3%.
So, what truly makes us happy? It’s not binge-watching your favourite show but personal growth, social connections, and caring for others. Investing in the happiness of those around us, not just ourselves, seems to lead to greater fulfilment. Isn’t it fascinating how interconnected we are?
How to achieve happiness
To find happiness, it’s crucial to surround yourself with joyful individuals. Their positive energy can be infectious and uplifting. Engaging in constant learning and self-improvement can also foster a sense of satisfaction and personal achievement. Living in the present, seeking out activities that bring joy, and building resilience are key ingredients in achieving happiness.
1. Surround yourself with happy people
You’ll find that surrounding yourself with joyful individuals can greatly boost your happiness, as their positive energy can spread to you. A compelling 2008 study involving 4,739 participants demonstrated that our happiness levels are influenced by those around us.
Happiness was found to be contagious, spreading among friends living within a mile, spouses, siblings, and neighbours. If a nearby friend becomes joyful, your chances of sharing that joy increase by 25%. The same goes for spouses, siblings, and neighbours, with improvements up to 16%, 28%, and a staggering 70%, respectively. However, the joy of colleagues showed no impact.
The takeaway? Encircle yourself with content individuals, as their happiness could rub off on you.
2. Always be improving and learning
Embrace the journey of constant self-improvement and learning. It’s an exciting path that can lead to immense satisfaction and fulfilment.
According to the British Household Panel Survey, dynamic events such as starting a new course or passing an exam correlate more with happiness than stable situations. This suggests that the act of progressing, of continually bettering yourself, may hold the key to your happiness.
It’s not about reaching a final destination but about relishing the journey. So, keep learning, keep growing, and keep challenging yourself. There’s joy in every new discovery, a thrill in every achievement.
Remember, happiness isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. And each improvement you make, each new thing you learn, brings you one step closer to that moment of joy.
3. Live in the present
Living in the present is about appreciating the present, focusing on the present moment, and not getting caught up in what’s been or is yet to come. Scientifically, this approach can significantly contribute to happiness.
Living in the moment allows you to savour the good times and make them last. This means relishing in a hearty laugh, indulging in your favourite meal, or soaking in the warmth of affection from a loved one.
Research shows that emotional well-being improves when one pays attention to one’s present experiences. One learns to appreciate the simple joys and avoids dwelling on past regrets or future uncertainties.
So, embrace the present. It’s the key to a happier and more fulfilling life. You belong in the here and now.
4. Find and do things that bring you joy
Finding and engaging in enjoyable activities can be a game-changer for your overall mood and well-being. According to science, actively seeking out and participating in positive, dynamic events significantly boosts happiness. Remember, happiness is not a static state; it’s a dynamic process, and you have the power to influence it.
Also, don’t underestimate the simple things. Regular exercise, good sleep, spending time in nature, and absorbing light – have all been scientifically proven to enhance mood and well-being. Experiment with these elements, as they’re inexpensive yet effective.
5. Build your resilience
Building your resilience is key to handling life’s ups and downs. It’s about accepting where you’re at while nurturing hope for the future. Life won’t always be perfect, and that’s okay. Your strength lies in your ability to bounce back, to say, ‘I’m here, and I’m okay.’ This is resilience, a crucial factor in your overall happiness.
Scientifically, resilience is found to be a significant predictor of life satisfaction. It’s not about avoiding crises but rather about how you handle them. Cultivate this skill by embracing life’s imperfections and fostering optimism for future outcomes. Remember, the balance between acceptance and hope forms a healthy resilience.
6. Spend your time on what matters most to you
The science of happiness suggests that engaging in activities that mean the most to you can significantly boost your contentment levels. Consider mapping out your week and scheduling time for what makes your heart sing. Perhaps it’s hanging out with friends, losing yourself in nature, or simply daydreaming. Make these moments phone-free zones to immerse yourself and reap the maximum benefits fully.
If you dread certain tasks, pair them with something you love—maybe listen to your favourite jam while cooking dinner. The idea is to make your days count, for as Annie Dillard astutely observed, our days culminate in our lives.
The pursuit of happiness
To be truly fulfilled, you will always need something more. Striving for a better life, better surroundings, and better you keep the wheels of happiness turning. The journey is your home, not the destination.
On this quest, don’t seek happiness explicitly. Instead, immerse yourself in activities that bring joy to others. You’ll find satisfaction and purpose in your efforts and a sense of belonging. As a species, we didn’t evolve to be in a constant state of contentment but to always long for more.
Interestingly, happiness is elusive – it won’t appear while you’re consciously waiting for it. You need to lay the groundwork and then allow it to unfurl naturally. It’s an art, both in attaining it and dealing with the setbacks along the way.
True and sustained happiness isn’t something you chase; it’s something you practice. And though it doesn’t carry a price tag, it’s not easily attainable. Like the best things in life, happiness requires effort and patience.
Happiness is a choice
Choosing to be happy is an exercise and requires active participation. It’s a skill you can learn, like mastering a new workout routine or adopting a healthier diet. You wouldn’t expect to get fit by sitting on the couch, and it’s the same with happiness. You need to put in the effort, make a conscious decision every day, and truly mean it when you say you choose to be happy.
Optimism isn’t automatic, nor does hope spring up unbidden. You have to cultivate these attitudes and nurture them. And just like a garden, they require constant attention and care. But there’s a scientific basis to this. Research shows that those who actively choose to be positive and hopeful and who decide to love and pursue happiness are more likely to experience it.
Your happiness is within your control. You can choose to see the world through a lens of hope, love, and positivity. It may not be easy, but the rewards are immeasurable. You don’t have to wait for happiness to happen to you. Choose it, cultivate it, and it’ll be yours.
The psychology of happiness
Research in positive psychology suggests that happiness is not solely a product of personal choice and genetics but is also significantly influenced by external factors. Contrary to popular belief, positive thinking techniques like meditation or gratitude journaling cannot solely guarantee a state of bliss.
The landscape of American optimism has shifted dramatically over the years, with less than half of the populace identifying as optimistic compared to nearly 80% in 2004. This decrease parallels an increase in mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and addiction.
It’s important to acknowledge that cultural, economic, political, and institutional trends substantially shape our happiness. The environment you live in and the experiences you encounter can profoundly impact your emotional well-being. Overemphasizing individual control over happiness can be misleading and potentially harmful.
Thus, happiness is a complex web of interconnected factors, not just a personal choice or a result of positive thinking. The broader societal context is equally significant in determining our happiness.
Conclusión
Go ahead and choose joy and surround yourself with positivity. Remember, it’s not about having a perfect life but appreciating what you have.
Don’t chase happiness; choose it.
Deja tu opinión sobre esto