Category: Happiness

Some people struggle, believe it can happen overnight or believe the search for happiness is never ending. Every person desire to have a fulfilling and happy life. When personal thoughts, actions, and words work in harmony, the person can be said to be happy. Happiness can be defined as a mental feeling which is characterized by satisfaction, love, contentment, pleasure, or even joy. Such people report fewer instances of negative emotions such as anger, anxiety and sadness. Traditionally, happiness is considered an evanescent and elusive thing both external and internal experiences. Every person experience happiness in different periods in their lifetime such as during birthdays, life achievements, in our families, and other positive life occurrences. On the contrary, people also go through episodes of sadness in their lives such as after the death of a loved one, illnesses, and other undesirable events of life. There are many ways that a person can strive to improve their levels of happiness in the modern world.

Happiness can be boosted through pleasure, meaning, and also engagement. Increasing personal pleasure levels as well as positive emotions are some of the ways that can help a person boost their happiness. According to the past research, any person can intensify their positive emotions of the past by refining forgiveness and gratitude, the present emotions through mindfulness and savoring, and finally, the future emotions by constructing optimism and hope (Seligman, Parks, and Steen). However, this concept is limited by the fact that an individual’s emotions operate within a range which is determined by a person’s genetics. As a result of this, positive emotion is not the only determinant for happiness and so every person ought to have a broader conception about the concept.

Happiness can be brought about by higher gratification levels. Gratification usually entails full engagement and involvement. Since gratification has no known shortcut, its pursuit requires us to draw on personality strengths like social intelligence, creativity, perseverance, beauty, and excellence as well as the sense of humor (Seligman, Parks, and Steen). The hunt for gratification, however, comes with unpleasant emotions. The final route to happiness is often through the efforts to belong to a certain service that goes beyond an individual. Such services include family, community, goodness, higher spiritual power, and justice. Such services give meaning to life since it certifies a certain longing for a purpose in life. Any person who uses these routes to achieve happiness is known to achieve a full life with greater satisfaction levels.

According to past research, there are some demographic differences in regard to happiness. Women are more likely to be happier than men. Research conducted at the University of Minnesota among identical twins showed that every twin had an inherent gene for happiness which determined their level of happiness in life (Brooks, 5). Genes account for half of the reasons why some people are happier in life than others. Other studies indicate that isolated events such as securing a dream job account for 40% of people’s happiness. Although these events bring fair levels of happiness, the impacts of such events usually last for a shorter period of time (Brooks, 7). Despite long-time goals taking a longer period of time to meet, the happiness that comes along usually dissipates after a short period of time. An individual should chase four main values such as community, family, work, and faith to boost the genetically determined levels of happiness that cannot be altered with. Rewarding work, other than money can be a great source of happiness especially through integrating a person’s passion to skills, enabling an individual to create their own valuable lives and those of other people. Brooks concludes by saying that any person should commit their lives into the family, community, meaningful work, and faith for them to become happy in life (Brooks, 17). Sharing of happiness can only be facilitated when people strive and struggle for a free enterprise to make every person around them access their blessings.

Jennifer Senior argued that life contentment is usually defined and remembered through an individual’s experiences of lows, highs, and how they come to an end. Many people are believed to be happier if they are more religious, younger, smart, attractive, and if they are in a happy marriage (Senior, 425). However, a lot of studies have confirmed these findings to be wrong and they go far beyond to illustrate that social status cannot be used to measure an individual’s levels of happiness. According to Jenifer Senior, people who live in better areas are much happier and that all the other factors are just indicators of whether a person is or not happier with their life. If a person is surrounded by close friends and family, they are most likely able to live a happy life (Jenifer, 4). According to him, sadness and happiness are part of every person’s life. The two interact with each other to keep any person’s emotions balanced and stable. Excessive happiness can hinder a person from recognizing the sadness in their lives and make a person believe that nothing is wrong with their issue. On the contrary, a lot of sadness can make a person have dark thoughts which can consequently lead to depression and lack of appreciation of the happiness around. Every person, therefore, has the mandate boost their pleasure levels and create their own happiness by having positive memories in their mind.

In conclusion, happiness is just a changeable state other than a trait which lasts for a shorter period and so everyone has the right to be happy. The main routes to achieving happiness according to this essay are increasing positive emotions, gratification levels, and involvement in certain services in the community, family, and society at large. Genetics play a vital role in determining a person’s levels of happiness. However, people cannot be happy or sad all the time. Both sadness and happiness are important to create emotional balance in any individual. A person is advised to make adjustments in their life in order to increase and live a happy life. For instance, one should adjust the way they use their money to enable them to become happy in life. As a result, sadness is acceptable in a person’s life if they have the happiness to balance it. Happiness is very vital since it promotes the achievement of individual’s goals and other gives human beings the potential to change their own lives and those of other people.

Chinese philosopher Confucius explored what is needed to achieve happiness and sustain it. He believed that happiness is largely down to the individuals’ moral innocence and place within society rather than the individuals desires. Confucius looks at multiple ways to develop good character throughout our lives by increasing our place in society and thus increasing our happiness.

One element Confucian’s believe in to be happy is to invest in friendships and the idea of ‘Jen’, which means feeling concerned for the well-being of others. By investing in other people’s feelings, you not only aid their happiness but your own by knowing you have helped someone when they needed it the most. By sustaining this investing, you sustain your happiness. Additionally, by becoming an avid member of society by joining different clubs and groups (including work), it will increase peoples happiness, due to the social interaction which allows you to invest in friendships but also develop a good moral character by helping your community with your time. Confucius highlights the importance of dedication to your education and occupation, the better educated you become, the higher the chances of achieving a better job and wealth earned from hard work, is seen positively by Confucianism; because it means people with money have higher status allowing them to have more means to be happy. As well as hard work Confucius believed that mild amounts of fun were acceptable to achieve instant pleasure. Finally, Confucius argues that one of the most important aspects of reaching happiness is by having a sense of duty and responsibility within your friendships, society and occupation.

To summarise, Confucius doesn’t lay out a set ideology of what happiness is but a checklist on how to achieve it throughout our lives. His attitude of working hard and investing in friendships and the community we live in can still be seen in our modern society almost two thousand three hundred years later, with more people than ever going to University to achieve a good earning job; along with the numerous community centres and clubs around promoting social interaction allowing friendships to form and societies to bond; supporting Confucius idea that people become happy by knowing their place in society. Confucianism approach to a happy life is simple but effective.

Comparing Aristotle and Confucius highlight stark differences such as if we as human should aim for pleasure or not. Aristotle claims its something only animals strive for and with our higher-level reasoning we should be aiming for more. Whereas Confucius sees that ‘having fun’ can bring us instant pleasure and happiness during our journey for sustained happiness. However, they both agree that friendship is the one of the most important factors needed in achieving happiness, Confucius that by being concerned about other people’s well-being it boosts your own happiness level and your friends. He encourages the joining of communities and clubs so we can increase our friendship circle and therefore our overall happiness level. Although Aristotle agrees in the importance of friendship, he views it as almost sacred, stating that in order to maintain a virtuous friendship (the highest friendship one can acquire) you cannot have many friends due to the effort required. Such instances are repeated when comparing Aristotle and Confucius, with them having the same overlying themes but different interpretations and approaches on what that means to achieve happiness. None the less the overlying themes both build up a good moral character which they both believe is needed for happiness.

Mankind’s superfluous yet multifarious hounding for felicity has been a constant throughout history. Singapore’s stressful lifestyle and long working hours often leave one little time to indulge. Yet, contrary to Aristotle’s Nicomachean ethics, I believe happiness is achievable by all without the dedication of one’s entire life. Happiness is intrinsically important for me as a source of motivation, productivity or coping mechanism in times of need. My pursuit of happiness aligns with Stoicism, where we rationalize away ineffaceably disturbing issues that upset us, allowing happiness to be independent of things beyond our control. I propose the adoption of Stoicism as stoic happiness is more achievable, helps in our everyday life, yet has a simple path to achieve it.

As a philosophy, Stoicism is easy for us to practice due to its minimal requirements and ever-present nature. Both the acquisition of material wants and longing for immaterial is irrelevant; This means neither a trip to a fancy restaurant nor possession of that expensive Chanel bag is requisite in our hunt for happiness. Instead, virtue is viewed as good while vice is bad – an already acknowledged notion in our lives – where we should be righteous and avoid debauchery. Thus, the espousal of Stoicism allows us to grasp happiness with simplicity and minimum anguish; unlike Nicomachean ethics – having to dedicate our entire lives – or Epicureanism – requiring certain conditions to be fulfilled.

Happiness through Stoicism helps our day-to-day living, be it in more trifling matters such as coping with bad grades to substantial circumstances like the loss of a loved one. The Stoic virtues of prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance have been key components throughout my life. They help maintain a positive outlook on life, curbing negative emotion while striving towards my ideals.

I strongly advocate you to adopt Stoicism with me, creating happiness through simply cultivating the mind. This can be done through Epictetus’ 3 disciplines of desire, action, and assent. Stop worrying about things beyond your control, live virtuously and always think before you act. This allows you to better deal with situations that trouble you in life, achieving better peace of mind and leading a more content life.

In brief, remember the Finnish proverb: “Happiness is between too much and too little”. I hereby propound to you to join me in nurturing our mind, enhancing our quotidian life to a fruitful and happy one.

Happiness is a state of mind and any person can achieve happiness if they are able to appreciate the situations of their life. Happiness can be achieved with the simplest activities such as when a child shares her favorite biscuits with her friends, or when a son listens to his mother. Two famous persons namely, Richard Branson and Jordan Peterson have interesting and differing views on the search for true happiness. Therefore, I would be sharing their views as well as my understanding of finding true happiness. According to Richard Branson in the article “key to happiness”, he claimed that happiness should not be regarded as a goal. He believes that finding true happiness lies in focusing on others instead of the self. He also views happiness to be achieved by enjoying life as it comes than trying to do things directly to achieve happiness. He focused on personality function, health, charity, altruistic behavior, and spending quality time to achieve happiness. He also claimed that actively seeking and valuing happiness, will lead to disappointment due to their desired level of happiness (Ng, 2018).

Personality In the personality aspect, it is the ability of the person to handle various emotional situations and participate in activities that provide stimulation as well as appreciate the magnitude of interpersonal communication. A person who is emotionally stable and highly extroverted can achieve gratification and enjoys positive emotion while reducing the impact of negative emotions (Ng, 2018). Giving He shared that trying to gain wealth does provide happiness but to a certain extent only. He claimed that spending money on others does bring more happiness. When a person spends his money for the betterment of others such as by giving to charity, he addresses his needs such as relatedness, autonomy, and being competent Empirical evidence shows that donating to good causes has helped people to achieve happiness than those who do not. Furthermore, those who volunteer also lead healthier and longer life than those who don’t. All these imply that altruistic behaviors enhance the well-being of a person and reduce the impact of negative emotions (Ng, 2018).

Time Research indicates that a person spending quality time with family and the community tends to be happier, healthier, and live longer when compared to those who do not spend time with others. Similarly, those who spend their time with their life partner are happier than those who are single (Ng, 2018). In addition, actively participating in social activities that help to bring people together as one community also brings about happiness. In summary, Richard Branson’s idea of happiness lies in the altruism and ability to relate to society which brings about the well-being of satisfaction that leads to achieving happiness. Jordan Peterson in the article “Happiness is a pointless goal”, claims that it is evil in all of us, life is full of problems and happiness should not be the aim of living. One should live their life morally than serve others therefore, one should make their own world by being responsible for yourself (Lott, 2018). He shared that there are monsters within the people and it is seen when people lash out in a social network where their identity is kept anonymous. He claims that happiness is just a side-effect of things we do, and it should not even be an aim in life. He believes that people are born with certain morality and the meaning of life which require them to take responsibility for themselves. In addition, he claims one should appreciate malevolence and the ability to create evil as we hate those who are better than us. He believes in becoming a bad person and then keeping ill-intention feelings within ourselves. When comparing both of their ways, there are many differences between them. Firstly, Mr. Branson advocate serving others and taking a selfless stance in achieving happiness while Mr. Peterson argues that self-importance is crucial, and happiness is not on the life radar. Secondly, Mr. Branson mentioned that giving to others fulfills innate needs as well as being with others while Mr. Peterson advises taking responsibility for self. Thirdly, Mr. Branson advised me to take on life as it comes while Mr. Peterson mentioned that life is complicated and hard. Fourthly, Mr. Branson shares on spending quality time with a loved one and the community while Mr. Peterson replies on self-reflection of the past and emphasizes resentment. Mr. Peterson also advocates taking the evil side to solve the problem than being a nice person. In terms of similarity between them is that happiness should not be regarded as a goal in life. Both are from a western world where individualism plays an important role however Mr. Branson preaches collectivism while Mr. Peterson takes the lead on individualism to achieve happiness. I agree with Mr. Branson’s views on achieving happiness in terms of giving and time. I may suspect that Mr. Peterson is affected by his daughter’s sickness which caused him to see the world from a darker angle (Lott, 2018). In this world, there is no ‘I’ because we have people all around us at any point in time. From birth to death, there are always people around us. When we are a child, we have our parents around us, in school, we have friends, at work, we have colleagues, in married life, we have a life partner and eventually, we have children and grandchildren, etc. Therefore, our life revolves around other people than ourselves.

Family, Money, and Happiness Happiness is achieved when we spend quality time with a loved one. Studies have shown that when comparing money and family lead to happiness, money does bring happiness to life but it is limited until our basic needs are addressed while spending time with family brings about greater happiness than family income (Boyles, 2008). Therefore, one should work hard to achieve family needs as well as spend quality time with family. Quality time does not mean watching television as a family but more interactions that occur while watching and after the show. Sharing of events and experiences also constitutes having quality time. Quality time also includes actively participating in a social setting such as block parties at the void deck and festive celebrations at work and community. If time is pressing the issue and mundane activities take away your time, we can outsource the mundane activities such as household chores and cooking, which gives more time for desired activities(Whillans, Dunn, Smeets, Bekkers & Norton, 2017).

Health and Happiness Incorporating a healthy lifestyle into our daily hectic life such as taking stairs and eating moderately does bring happiness. Studies have shown that healthier people appreciate life more than those in poor health. People with poor health such as major illness will have reduced life satisfaction (Easterlin, 2003). Therefore, we should strive to have a healthier lifestyle that gives longevity. It is also stated that healthy relationships with life partners correlated with strong immunity which enhances health and happiness (Scott, 2018). In summary, it is important for one to appreciate life as it comes while having a positive mindset of overcoming any challenges. Strong support from the loved one, adequately wealthy, ability to meet basic needs and serve others, will lead one to achieve happiness in life.

Mental Health is a positive idea. The idea is socially characterized, yet by and large identifies with the delight throughout everyday life, capacity to adapt to stresses and pity, the satisfaction of objectives and potential, and a feeling of association with others (Jenkins, 2007).Cutts and Mosaley (1978) has characterized emotional wellness as a ‘capacity to alter palatably to the different strains of the earth; we meet throughout everyday life and mental cleanliness as the methods we take to guarantee this alteration’.

Mental Health, all things considered, speaks to a clairvoyant condition which is described by mental harmony, amicability and substance. It is distinguished by the nonattendance of crippling and weakening side effects, both mental and physical face to face (Schneider, 1991). Mental Health is a record which demonstrates the degree to which the individual has had the capacity to satisfy his natural needs, i.e., social, enthusiastic or physical; and the degree to which he gets himself rationally stressed. This psychological strain is commonly reflected in manifestations like nervousness, pressure, fretfulness or sadness among others. The idea of versatility has been characterized hypothetically as a dynamic procedure, which includes association among hazard and defensive factors that are both interior and outer to the person. Strength is the capacity of people to effectively work in spite of huge life misfortunes.

Resilience is a critical factor for positive mental health (Davydov et al. 2010; WHO 2005), and centers around positive results notwithstanding having encountered circumstances and misfortune appeared to convey huge dangers for creating psychopathology (Blum and Blum 2009; Luthar, Cicchetti and Becker 2000; Masten 2001; Masten, Herbers and Reed 2009; Masten and Obradović 2006; Rutter 2000). Sound advancement and qualities are underlined rather than ailment and negative results (Fergus and Zimmerman 2005; Tusaie and Dyer 2004). Happiness is that believing that comes over you when you realize life is great and you can’t resist the urge to grin. It’s the inverse of trouble. Happiness is a feeling of prosperity, euphoria, or satisfaction. At the point when individuals are effective, or safe, or fortunate, they feel bliss. The ‘quest for joy’ is something this nation depends on, and diverse individuals feel satisfaction for various reasons. At whatever point accomplishing something causes satisfaction, individuals ordinarily need to accomplish a greater amount of it. Nobody at any point griped about inclination a lot of bliss.

Happiness can be comprehended as a result of life and impacts positive emotional wellness (Fordyce 1988; Park 2004; Seligman 2008; Sheldon and Lyubomirsky 2005). Inside and out, satisfaction remains an imperative region for research and wellbeing advancement methodologies among teenagers (Mahon and Yarcheski 2002; Seligman and Csikszentmihalyi 2000) for a few reasons. To begin with, satisfaction is something that all people want in its own right (Seligman 2008). Second, bliss has an immediate incentive for teenagers’ wellbeing, just as it can have a few positive advantages sometime down the road (Diener 2006; Diener and Chan 2011; Lyubomirsky, Diener and King 2005; Seligman 2008). Third, bliss may likewise ensure against negative psychological well-being (Park 2004; Seligman 2008). In this way, joy merits advancing, not just on account of its incentive to a youthful’s life in general, yet in addition in light of the fact that a person’s emotional prosperity can have constructive advantages both later in his or her life and for society overall (Diener 2006; Lyubomirsky, Diener and King 2005).

In a longitudinal survey, Skehill (2001) ascertain the relationships between adolescent’s resilience, coping styles and their perceived effectiveness, stress appraisals, and psychological well-being and distress in response to a stressful experience. Participants were 99 Australian adolescents (71 male & 28 female) attending a potentially stressful ESOEP, which aims to bolster adolescents’ levels of resilience, resourcefulness and mental health outcomes. Results found that attending the ESOEP neither increased resilience and well-being nor decreased distress.

Beasley et al. (2003) conducted a study in which direct effects and buffering models were tested in relation to cognitive toughness and coping for general health and psychological performance. 187 university students (81 males & 106 females) completed Life Experiences Survey, Stressful Life Events Screening Questionnaire, Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations, Cognitive Hardiness Scale, General Health Questionnaire and Symptom Checklist-90-Revised. There were no significant gender differences in mean scores, except for distraction oriented and diversion-oriented coping, where female scored higher than male on both subscales. The results clearly support a main effects model of the relationship between life stress and psychological health.

To study well-being of adolescents in relation to self-resilience and religiosity, a study is conducted by Singh (2016) in Ludhiana District of Punjab (India). The sample comprised 200 students (100 boys and 100 girls) of government secondary schools. The data were obtained by using General Well Being Scale, Self-Resilience Scale and Religiosity and Spirituality Scale. Results revealed that there exists significant positive correlation between well-being and self-resilience among adolescents.

Aristotle was a Greek philosopher that lived in the fourth century BC of Ancient Greece. He spent his life analyzing different philosophical texts; which led to his work on a good human life and happiness. Aristotle believed that in order to achieve a good human life we must be a good human being through our actions. In the film, Groundhog Day, we meet a weatherman, Phil Connors, who repeats the weather countless times on February 2nd. As Phil continues to repeat his day, he begins to perform acts of wrongdoing, because he knows that he will not be held accountable for his actions. Eventually, Phil gets tired of repeating the same things, so he finds ways to kill himself. Phil’s co-worker, Rita, explains to him that he should not kill himself, and instead try to improve his lifestyle. Throughout the film we see a change in Phil’s moral and personality, because he goes from being lost himself and through his improved choices, Phil finds a new purpose for life. In this essay I will discuss the film, Groundhog Day, and compare this film to Aristotle’s view on happiness found in the Nicomachean Ethics.

The film, Groundhog Day, resembles Aristotle’s view on the good life and happiness, because we see Phil Connors transform from being an unhappy person to someone that has found their happiness through their new view on life. The beginning of the film starts with Phil being unhappy with his job, and feeling like he has no purpose in his life. As the film progresses, we see that Phil is given multiple chances to find happiness throughout this moment, and through those chances, he ends up finding what it truly means to discover happiness and virtue.

Phil Connors was stuck on the day, February 2nd, and the day kept repeating and repeating. In the beginning, Phil took part in bad acts, because he knew that there would be no consequences. If Phil were to kill someone, steal, or perform other bad parts; it would not matter because Phil will repeat the day with a clean slate. Phil is living in a world that is free from consequences. However, repeating these bad acts can take a toll on our mental health, because we are performing the same kind of acts, and repetition alone can lead to frustration.

Aristotle believes that there are two types of virtue, “intellectual and moral, and they are both achieved by repeating actions of virtue” (Nicomachean Ethics). Phil was able find true happiness and virtue, because as he kept repeating his day, Phil realized through his mistakes and with the help of Rita, that he need to perform actions that will have an impact on not only himself but those that surround him. This film shows the similarities between the happiness Phil experiences as well as the conceptions of happiness found in the Nicomachean Ethics. Phil demonstrates both intellectual and moral virtues. For example, when Phil help older women change their flat tires, he showed actions of moral virtue. This an example of moral virtue, because Phil acquired this virtue through repetition of being able to help others. Another example is when Phil was able to learn a new foreign language. This would be an example of intellectual virtue, because this virtue is typically taught by others and not just attained through repetition; which is how Phil was able to learn the language.

At the end of the film, Phil realizes all of the different motivations that helped him act morally to his own desires in life. Rita played a large role in helping Phil realize the bigger purposes in life, and that is to perform actions that will bring you the utmost happiness. She believed that if Phil took part in activities that improved his life then he will find virtue and happiness. One of Phil’s strongest motivation was his self-realization and his desire for true happiness.

When people have conversation in the English language, it is not uncommon to see them use joy and happiness interchangeably. While this mistake has become commonplace, we must not never to fail to point out that there is a difference between happiness and joy. You are probably going through this guide because you are guilty of such a communication error. Well, it would help if you learned the disparity between knowledge is power. So, in the next couple of minutes, you will get to grasp the contrasts. In the end, you will always use them with rock-solid confidence. Now, we will kick of this joy vs happiness tutorial by defining the terms.

Definition of Joy

Joy is the feeling of satisfaction and peace of mind. Feel free to describe it as the quality that comes with inner peace. When people are in this state, the common thing is that you see them wallow in limitless pleasure because we live in a world of endless challenges. So, it is safe to say that this state of mind comes within oneself. It is devoid of any form of mental turmoil. Much as the state of mind has to do with oneself, lots of external factors can change it. One easy way to explain what the concept means is painting a picture of you helping someone who is in extreme poverty. Not sure of the next meal, the person runs to you for assistance.

Lo and behold, you are in a position to help. Well, you go ahead to offer that much-desired support, thus becoming the person’s glimmer of hope. Without mincing words, the needy person will express his heartfelt appreciation. Sure, you will be absolutely delight that you could help. This is simply because you were not compelled to. You go feeling fulfilled. That is joy in action. However, joy does neither lasts for a moment nor a flash in the pan. Nevertheless, it lasts for a long time. It shows that you lead of a fulfilled life.

Definition of Happiness

Happiness is a sweet feeling that comes as a result of an external factor. However, the driving force behind happiness is always materialistic. More often than not, this state of mind does last for a long time, as the external initiator that terminate anytime. Despite that, it is the feeling that shows that someone is delighted about something. The thing in question could be strengthening of bonds, gift items, mutual understanding, compliments, etc. Going back to the previous example, the needy person will be happy because you have given him food.

Here’s the caveat though: The person may come for the second time, and you will turn him down, telling him that times are pretty hard. Well, this means is that you have terminated the person’s happiness, as the comment will remind them how miserable they are. It is often said that he who goes borrowing, goes sorrowing. In other words, happiness is temporarily or momentarily because the external force that initiated it can easily terminate it at the drop of a hat. Sure, you are the external factor in this context.

Main Difference between Joy vs Happiness

You probably wondered: What is the difference between joy and happiness? Well, the table below will satisfactorily answer that question.

• Definition An internal, long-lasting feeling of pleasure An external-initiated state of mind that shows a feeling of pleasure
• Source The source is within The source is external
• Foundation It comes with a moral foundation or attribute It is usually based on material things or gains
• Outcome Self-realization and better satisfaction Mutual understanding, strengthening of bonds, admirations, etc.
• Duration or timeframe It lasts for a long time It is always momentarily or lasts for a while

Conclusion

In conclusion, we have to mention that the two words are nouns. Little wonder many people use them interchangeably. Having come thus far, you will have learned the wide chasm between them. This happiness vs joy guide will be incomplete without reemphasizing the fact that while the former lasts for a moment, the latter lasts for a long time. Sure, these are the most crucial disparities between them.

There are many factors that affect the happiness or the subjective well-being of individuals. Happiness appears to be one of the most important goals for people as most people mentioned happiness to be a wish for their children as well as themselves (Noba 2021).

Diener (1984) equates subjective well-being to the three types of happiness. Life satisfaction, Positive feelings, and low negative feelings. Life satisfaction is usually a result of high self-esteem, achieving one’s goals, and a decent income. Positive feelings can be a result of spending time with friends and loved ones and job or career satisfaction. Low negative feelings equate to a general sense of happiness despite occasional negative emotions. This can be associated with low neuroticism which has correlations with mood disorders and mental illnesses, a positive outlook, and satisfied goals. Sonja Lyubomirsky breaks up the factors that affect happiness into three groups: Genes, Life circumstances, and life choices and behaviors. (Jasper Bergink 2015) Using Sonja Luyuobomirsky’s 50-40-10 rule we can determine that 50% of the difference in happiness levels between two individuals can be explained by looking at genes and inheritable traits, 40% by the person’s actions and choices, and 10% by the life circumstances of the individual. Thus, there is 50% of our happiness we cannot control, and 50% that we can. Many people try and do or buy things to boost happiness, such as buying a new car, moving to a new house, etc. While these things do cause a boost in happiness, it is only temporary, and after a few weeks or months the new becomes the norm, and the levels of subjective well-being drop down to about the same level as before. This is known as hedonic adaptation. Hedonic adaption is the change over time to which something that was previously interpreted as a positive or negative stimulus now becomes neutral (Science Direct 2021) For example, a newly married couple has an initial boost in Subjective well-being, and this usually lasts for up to two years but over time the subjective well-being levels return to as before. This isn’t to say that the couple no longer have feelings for each other but that the initial excitement and new experience of being married is no longer there and marriage is no longer new and exciting because it has become a part of their everyday lives. A more lasting approach to happiness could be in terms of our life choices and behaviors. Being physically healthy can lead to mental well-being as well which is why it is important to eat healthy food, exercise regularly and sleep 7 to 8 hours per night. It is also important to maintain relationships with peers and/or spouse or partner, as spending time with people you love is a healthy way to express well-being (John Rampton 2018). Learning a new skill or improving on a current skill is also beneficial for lots of people. Progress is proven to make people feel more positive about themselves and taking up a new hobby can also improve creativity. Some hobbies can help one stay more active and can help in making new friends.

The physical feeling of happiness comes from one of four hormones. These are dopamine, serotonin, endorphins, and oxytocin. Each of these has specific roles in the type of happiness you get but they can all equate to the “feel good” sensation.

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter stored in the mid-brain which when released gives feelings of pleasure, reward or satisfaction, and motivation. Dopamine is a part of the reward system which is present in both humans and animals. The reward system aims to reward an individual when they are doing something that better their survival. For example, eating or exercising. So, when one is doing these things the brain releases dopamine as the reward. As humans, we seek to find more of what makes us feel good and this is the reason why many people develop addictions to cocaine, heroin, and even sugar. However, these addictions disturb the natural production of dopamine and set the reward system off balance.

Endorphins are produced by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland during exercise, laughter, sexual activity, and sometimes in food consumption. Endorphins give rise to a euphoric feeling and are often released after intense exercise. This feeling can be known as “runner high”

Serotonin is released all throughout the brain and central nervous system to give the feeling of well-being and general happiness. When serotonergic neurons are stimulated serotonin is released from vesicles into the synaptic cleft. The serotonin then binds to the postsynaptic neuron thus giving us the feeling of happiness. Errors or faults within this process are linked to depressive disorders.

Happiness is a fundamental aspect of human existence and is often regarded as the ultimate goal in life. People across cultures and societies strive to attain happiness, but what exactly is happiness? Is it a fleeting emotion or a long-lasting state of contentment? This essay aims to explore the concept of happiness, the different kinds of happiness, its importance, ways to achieve happiness, and the factors that affect it. Furthermore, it will emphasize the idea that true happiness comes from within and cannot be bought with money.

What is happiness?

Happiness is a complex and elusive concept that has fascinated philosophers, psychologists, and individuals throughout history. At its core, happiness is a subjective experience of positive emotions and a sense of overall well-being. It encompasses feelings of joy, contentment, and satisfaction with one’s life. However, happiness is not a fixed state but rather a dynamic and evolving experience that can vary from person to person.

Happiness is not solely dependent on external factors such as wealth, possessions, or success. While these external factors can contribute to momentary pleasure, true happiness is often found in the internal realm. It stems from a deep sense of fulfillment, purpose, and the alignment of one’s values and actions. It involves living authentically, cultivating meaningful relationships, pursuing personal growth, and finding joy in the present moment.

Moreover, happiness is not a destination to be reached but rather a journey to be embraced. It requires an ongoing commitment to self-care, resilience, and the cultivation of positive emotions. By understanding and nurturing the factors that contribute to our own happiness, we can lead more fulfilling lives and create a positive ripple effect in the world around us.

Different Kinds of Happiness

Happiness is a multi-faceted concept that can manifest in various forms. Here are some different kinds of happiness:

• Hedonic Happiness: This type of happiness focuses on pleasure and the pursuit of positive experiences. It involves seeking out activities that bring joy and indulging in life’s pleasures. Examples include going on vacations, enjoying delicious food, engaging in hobbies, or spending quality time with loved ones.

• Eudaimonic Happiness: Eudaimonic happiness emphasizes personal growth, self-actualization, and living a meaningful life. It is derived from a sense of purpose, fulfillment, and aligning one’s actions with their core values. This form of happiness is often associated with a sense of deep satisfaction, intrinsic motivation, and the pursuit of goals that contribute to personal growth and the betterment of society.

• Relational Happiness: This type of happiness arises from healthy and fulfilling relationships. It includes the joy and contentment derived from positive social interactions, emotional support, and meaningful connections with others. Relational happiness can be experienced in various relationships, such as friendships, family bonds, and romantic partnerships.

• Flow Happiness: Flow is a state of deep engagement and immersion in an activity where time seems to stand still. This type of happiness occurs when individuals are fully absorbed in a task that challenges their skills and provides a sense of purpose and accomplishment. It often arises during activities such as playing a musical instrument, painting, writing, or participating in sports.

• Gratitude Happiness: Gratitude happiness is rooted in the practice of appreciation and recognizing the positive aspects of life. It involves focusing on what one has rather than what is lacking. By cultivating gratitude for the present moment, relationships, achievements, and simple pleasures, individuals can experience a profound sense of happiness and contentment.

It is important to note that these different kinds of happiness are not mutually exclusive and can often overlap. Each person may find varying degrees of happiness in different areas of their life, and the key is to find a balance that resonates with their individual values and preferences.

Importance of Happiness

Happiness plays a crucial role in our overall well-being and quality of life. It has been linked to numerous benefits, both on an individual and societal level. Research suggests that happy individuals tend to have better physical and mental health, stronger immune systems, and increased longevity. Moreover, happiness has been shown to enhance creativity, productivity, and success in various areas of life, including work and relationships. A happy individual is more likely to have positive social interactions, build meaningful connections, and contribute to a harmonious society.

Ways to be Happy/ Ways of Developing Happiness

While happiness is a complex and multifaceted concept, several strategies can contribute to its development. Firstly, cultivating gratitude and practicing mindfulness can significantly enhance happiness levels. Being grateful for the present moment and appreciating the positive aspects of one’s life fosters a sense of contentment and satisfaction. Additionally, regular physical exercise has been shown to boost mood and increase happiness by releasing endorphins, the brain’s feel-good chemicals.

Moreover, nurturing healthy relationships and social connections is crucial for happiness. Building and maintaining supportive friendships, fostering intimacy in romantic relationships, and participating in social activities can provide a sense of belonging and emotional support. Furthermore, pursuing meaningful goals and engaging in activities that align with one’s passions and values contribute to a sense of purpose and fulfillment. This could involve pursuing a career that brings fulfillment, engaging in hobbies, or volunteering for a cause.

Happiness Comes from Within

One essential aspect to understand about happiness is that it comes from within oneself. External circumstances and material possessions may provide temporary pleasure, but true and lasting happiness is derived from an internal state of contentment and self-acceptance. It is not dependent on external factors such as wealth, fame, or social status. Research has consistently shown that individuals prioritising intrinsic values, such as personal growth, relationships, and experiences, tend to be happier than those prioritising extrinsic values, such as material possessions or appearance.

Happiness in a Relationship

Happiness within a relationship is a significant component of overall well-being. However, it is important to recognize that a partner cannot be solely responsible for one’s happiness. Each individual must take personal responsibility for their own well-being and bring a sense of happiness to the relationship. A healthy relationship is built on mutual respect, communication, and support. When both partners prioritize each other’s happiness and work together towards common goals, it creates a harmonious and fulfilling partnership.

Factors Affecting Happiness

Happiness is influenced by a multitude of factors, and its levels can fluctuate based on various internal and external circumstances. Here are some key factors that can impact happiness:

• Genetics and Personality: Research suggests that a portion of happiness can be attributed to genetic factors. Some individuals may naturally have a disposition towards a more positive or negative outlook. Additionally, personality traits such as optimism, resilience, and self-esteem can contribute to overall happiness.

• Life Circumstances: While external circumstances do not solely determine happiness, they can have an impact. Factors such as socioeconomic status, health, employment, and relationship status can influence happiness levels. However, it is important to note that individuals have the capacity to adapt to changes and find happiness despite challenging circumstances.

• Social Connections: Strong and supportive relationships play a vital role in happiness. Positive social interactions, emotional support from friends and family, and a sense of belonging can contribute to overall well-being. 

• Personal Growth and Meaning: Happiness is often linked to personal growth, self-actualization, and a sense of purpose. Engaging in activities that align with one’s values, setting and achieving meaningful goals, and finding a sense of fulfillment in one’s work or hobbies can positively impact happiness levels.

Happiness Can’t be Bought with Money

In a society that often equates happiness with material wealth, it is crucial to recognize that money alone cannot buy true happiness. While financial security can provide a sense of stability and comfort, studies have shown that the correlation between wealth and happiness diminishes beyond a certain threshold. Once basic needs are met, additional wealth does not significantly contribute to overall happiness. Instead, focusing on experiences, relationships, personal growth, and self-acceptance tends to yield greater happiness and life satisfaction.

Conclusion

Happiness is a subjective and multifaceted concept that is vital to our well-being and quality of life. It encompasses various forms, including hedonic and eudaimonic happiness, and is influenced by factors such as gratitude, mindfulness, social connections, and personal growth. True happiness comes from within oneself and cannot be purchased with material possessions or external circumstances. It is a lifelong pursuit that requires conscious effort and a commitment to nurturing one’s well-being. By prioritizing happiness, individuals can lead more fulfilling lives and contribute positively to the world around them.

What is happiness? Where does one find it? How does one obtain it?

There’s no real definition or proven fact by scientists what happiness is, and how it can essentially be obtained. But let me just say, happiness isn’t something sought to be looked for. I’m not one to say this is the core answer to happiness, but with experience and what I believe, Happiness can be derived from a simple appreciation and the act of giving.

Appreciation

From what I observe most people always speak of their future and how’ll they be happier after achieving certain goals/dreams. Most people’s perception of happiness is by binding to the idea that the future is where success & happiness is. Not only do others perceive this but I, myself am occasionally guilty of this.

A vast majority of people live in the ‘not now’, they are psychologically represented by disregarding everything they have in that moment. The human race is always on the run by having the aim to simply ‘get through the day’ rather than actually enjoying the day. Every day, I continuously look forward to the end of the day, leaving university, leaving my job, and finishing up all my work, just till I reach the end of the day only to repeat the same cycle.

‘Until you give the idea that happiness is somewhere else, you’ll never really be happy where you are.’ – Dr. Holden

By focusing on living into the future, and ignoring living in the present you essentially dissatisfy yourself to focus on what you don’t have rather than appreciating what you do. Now don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with having goals, dreams, or aspirations. It’s amazing to be so motivated and fulfilling such desires. But by doing so I personally believe this is where most people’s happiness lacks in the PRESENT.

By keeping high expectations of happiness & life for the future, expectations will steal the gifts and pleasure of what’s sitting right there in front of you. Society is so concerned about creating this image in your mind of happiness and this perfect picture of the future that we forget to appreciate what is there. We often so bind our expectations onto something so singular we end up forgetting other little aspects in our life that add the reason for joy.

True contentment comes when you value what’s in front of you, rather than an idealized view of what you perceive to want/need. – Zoha Rahman.

So just by appreciating any aspect of your life, your family, friends, maybe your significant other, your job, the home, the meal on your dinner table, the dream job… anything- you can simply achieve happiness. It all starts with a new mindset and attitude. Your energy reciprocates what you train your mind to think. So start letting go of all the negativity in your life, enjoy every day as it comes, and make memories & experiences now.

The Act of Giving

Many researchers, authors, and public speakers claim that we may get longer-lasting happiness just by giving to others & being useful, rather than receiving for ourselves. Of course, there’s the pleasure of receiving what we want, but how long will that temporary happiness last?

• You buy something, and you think that makes you happy.
• You hook up with people and think that makes you happy.
• You get a well-paying job you don’t like, and think makes you happy.

Society often lives off this constant cycle of this temporary & perceived happiness, but in reality, to obtain happiness I BELIEVE it’s the act of giving.

I notice my happiness derives from giving to people and being of use to someone. There’s a different kind of happiness you feel when you could be of use to someone or make someone’s day. It doesn’t necessarily mean gifting people with material things to make them happy, but just by presenting simple acts of kindness.

For example a hot day there is nothing as good as a cold glass of fresh water. You don’t have to go to the store for it. Yet when you give it to someone who is thirsty, you can have the happiness that comes from giving.

I too have experienced this act of giving. Just a couple of days ago in downtown Toronto, I was simply walking into the mall passing by an old man holding a hat asking for money. As most people do, I also kept walking, solely for the reason that I never carry cash. As I looked back, something hit me that I didn’t want to be that selfish person. I remembered carrying a lot of change that day, I walked back and gave him all the change I had. I looked down at his hat and before giving it, I saw how he only had two quarters. He then thanked me and said I was the first person to acknowledge him within the past few hours he was there and added on how he can finally have his dinner. In that moment I felt joy in knowing I had made someone else’s night, and by making acts of kindness.

We can give to people not only with possessions/things but through our words and time. We can simply give kindness just by asking someone how their day went and taking the time to listen. Take the time to clean the house so your mother can rest, compliment someone on their hair/clothing /job well done or even comfort someone in need.

I truly believe everyone must ‘practice giving.’ and make it a habit. By doing so we will be busy making others happy and ourselves.

As Aristotle would say ‘the most important factor in the effort to achieve happiness is to have a good moral character – ‘complete virtue.’

Thank you for reading my perception of ‘happiness’.