Happiness is an emotional state characterised by the feeling of joy, satisfaction, contentment, and fulfilment. While happiness has many different definitions, it is often described as involving positive emotions and life satisfactions.
The term happiness is used in the context of mental or emotional states, including positive or pleasant emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy. It is also used in context of life satisfactions, subjective well-being, eudaimonia, flourishing and well-being.
Happiness is a choice, many happy people realise happiness is a choice and it’s up to them to intentionally choose to be happy every single day. Happy people are not held hostage by their circumstances and they do not seek happiness in people or possessions.
The real happiness is to live in the present moment at the fullest. Therefore, happiness is a journey not a destination. Happiness is continuous and obtains the feeling of fulfilment. Happiness is a state of mind where positive and good emotions create it.
There are three components of Happiness:
1. Momentary mood- how you feel right now.
2. Life satisfaction- your overall evaluation of life.
3. Assessment of specific life domains- work, relationships, finances, health, etc.
Positive emotions such as happiness contribute to the following:
Better physical health and immune function ( less visits to the doctors and faster healing )
Living a longer life.
Having greater creativity.
Increasing success at work, better decision making and performance, increase in your earnings.
Higher quality relationships, more friends and stronger partnerships.
increased prosocial behaviours, more volunteering, connections to the community.
a greater ability to cope with challenges.
The PERMA model by a leading researcher in the field of Positive Psychology Dr. Martin Seligman.
Positive Emotions: what we feel ( joy, pleasure, comfort, warmth, etc.)
Engagement: being fully absorbed in stimulating activities, being in “Flow”.
Relationships with others that are positive, nurturing, and rewarding.
Meaning: serving some purpose that is larger then yourself.
Accomplishment: pursuit of achievement and mastery.
Some strategies that will increase happiness in your life:
Focus on problem solving, not just venting.
Take time to build quality relationships with supportive people.
Count your blessings and practice gratitude.
Take time to engage in Random Acts Of Kindness.
Respond actively and constructively, celebrating when others share good news With you.
Attend to others mindfully, and practice compassion and empathy.
Be kind to yourself, rather then self-criticising or perfectionistic.
Savour experiences because this will intensify and prolong your enjoyment of them.
Set meaningful goals for yourself that provides structure and purpose, give yourself a sense of identity and increase your self-esteem.
Build motivation, rather then doing things to just please others.
Seek healthy challenges, stretching your abilities just a little beyond your comfort zone to realise your potential.
Appreciate what you already have rather than focusing on what you still desire.
Avoid the temptation to complain and reinforce negativity, instead cultivate optimism and practice positively reframing your circumstances.
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