Happiness is a complex and sought-after state. Philosophers, psychologists, and even economists have long attempted to define the term happiness. Since the 1990s, positive psychology has been dedicated to studying happiness and contentment. Several studies by psychologists have shown that happiness goes beyond simply maintaining a positive mood; it encompasses a sense of purpose, meaning, and deep joy.
Despite its elusive nature, science has revealed key components of happiness, such as the choices, activities, and thoughts that lead to it, as well as theories that explain the origin and attainment of happiness and well-being.
Is lasting happiness possible?
Finding happiness is a gradual process that involves curiosity, the ability to take risks and endure anxiety in pursuit of goals and passions, and maintaining a balance between momentary happiness and long-term fulfillment.
An individual's true happiness can be found in the support and celebration provided by friends and family in times of both success and failure. One can even experience happiness in solitude, it is not necessary to be in someone's presence to be happy. Happiness involves embracing all types of emotions, and to incorporate happiness into one's life, it is important to indulge in healthy activities and make the most of one's time. Overall, happiness involves living mindfully, with meaning and purpose.
Does science have anything to do with happiness?
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Psychologists and researchers have worked to understand the connection between happiness and science. While the correlation was not well understood in the past, it has become evident that happiness and science are closely connected. Five factors contribute to happiness and enhance well-being: positive emotion, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment. Additionally, various concepts related to happiness have emerged beyond these principles.
According to several scientific research studies and experiments carried out by experts over the years, new findings continually emerge to prove the relationship between happiness and science. Here are some interesting facts that show how happiness and science are interconnected:
- Happiness is linked to a lower heart rate and blood pressure, contributing to the maintenance of a healthy heart and regulation of blood pressure.
- Happiness creates a barrier against microbes; happier people have a lower chance of getting sick and experience an increase in dopamine production in their bodies.
- Individuals who are happy and content produce less of the stress hormone cortisol, thus keeping stress and anxiety at bay.
- It is believed that individuals who are happy and maintain a happy lifestyle tend to live longer than people who don’t.
- Relationships are much more conducive to a happy life than money and materialistic things.
- Happiness boosts our immune system, keeping several diseases away from our bodies.
Busting myths related to happiness:
Everyone strives to be happy and avoid unpleasant and negative emotions and thoughts. As a result, people often seek quick fixes such as splurging on expensive items and spending ridiculous sums of money on luxurious vacations.
While these indulgences provide temporary happiness, pinning all hopes of ultimate happiness on getting married, acquiring a secure job, gaining fame, and accumulating money can be misleading.
Many people believe that achieving milestones such as marriage, a successful job, and materialistic possessions will bring happiness, while experiences like divorce and chronic disease will bring sadness. However, research has shown that the happiness and sadness associated with these life milestones are often short-lived.
The global pursuit of happiness has led to initiatives and measures like the World Happiness Report, and the World Happiness Database collaborating with different countries to understand their pursuit of happiness. The happiness of the world depends on the happiness of each individual, and it's an important role of each individual to advocate happiness for everyone.
