There have been thousands of books written on the topic of finding happiness. We think that this is an attainable state, a feeling that once we grasp it, we can have it forever. Rather than happiness being a goal, it is a cycle. We aren’t always going to be happy. Life throws curveballs, and the downs are just as important as the ups. In order to appreciate happy, we need to experience sad.
There are things we can do to promote happiness in ourselves and in our circumstances. People often are asked what makes them happy. Is it playing with your pet, or taking walks on the beach? Do you find happiness in other people or in your family? Happiness might be a nap in the sun, or a really good cup of coffee. Happiness comes in many forms and being able to recognize where we can find little bits of happiness is essential.
Happiness isn’t in how much money we have or where we are. Happiness and contentment are found when we are on the path to our purpose in life. Connections with people, animals, and experiences are what create lasting, positive memories in our minds, and these experiences are often what brings us more happiness than simply pursuing what feels good to us in the moment.
Here are six things that have been shown to improve feelings of happiness in people over the course of their lifetimes:
- Volunteering is a great way to get outside of your comfort zone, meet a need, and meet other people. By focusing on someone or something other than yourself, you widen your perspective on life and get outside of your own problems. Giving money away to a worthy cause and donating your time have been shown to boost happiness, too.
2. Be grateful. People who are grateful are shown to be happier and more optimistic than people who display more negative mental habits. Writing down a few things you are grateful for every day, or every week can help you see where the silver linings are in your life. Thanking others for their actions or gifts is another way to boost happiness and strengthen the relationship you have with the important people in your life.
3. Interact with animals. Whether you volunteer at an animal shelter or have pets of your own, interacting with animals has therapeutic and mental health benefits. The animal in your life loves you unconditionally and can provide you with a happy friend to live alongside with. Taking care of a pet gives you purpose and allows you to engage with another being on a different level than we do with people. We have a lot to learn from animals!
4. Physical contact. Getting intimate with your partner or even just hugging a friend can have major emotional and mental health benefits. We crave connections with other people, and our physical connections with others are very important for establishing feelings of happiness. Physical contact can help reduce anxiety and make us feel more connected to other people.
5. Even taking a walk around the block can get your heart rate up and warm up your muscles. It’s always a mood booster to be outside and going places; regular exercise can boost your immune system and make you look and feel fitter, happier, and healthier. You can find a community sports team to play with, take hikes with your dog, or just join a buddy at the gym to motivate one another and keep each other accountable in your exercise habits.
6. Get out of the house. Go enjoy a new museum exhibit, a music night featuring local bands, or another cultural event that gets you out of the house and engaged with your community. You can learn new things, experience something new, and meet other people who are interested in the same things you are. These events are often free, so you don’t have to break the bank to have a good time. Studies have shown that experiencing art and music make us happier.
These six ways are just a few of the options we have for finding happiness in our everyday lives. What they have in common is their foundation of connecting with other people and helping one another get through this crazy journey we call life. By focusing on things outside of ourselves, we open ourselves up to happiness in more ways than we realize.
If you are looking to establish happiness routines in your life, start with some of these six happiness habits. You’ll find meaningful ways to live your life no matter where it ends up taking you.
The article provides a practical approach to achieving happiness by suggesting actionable steps that focus on human connection and altruism. The inclusion of volunteering and gratitude as core elements resonates with psychological principles of well-being.
The suggestions provided seem valid, but the idea that happiness isn’t tied to financial stability is perplexing. Financial instability is a significant stressor for many people, and to overlook that is naive.
I concur. While happiness can certainly be found in small moments and personal connections, financial security provides the necessary foundation to even appreciate those moments. Ignoring this undermines the holistic view of mental wellness.
True, but the article does emphasize volunteering and other activities that don’t require financial investment. Perhaps it’s about finding balance rather than dismissing the importance of financial stability altogether.
The emphasis on happiness being a cycle rather than a permanent state is noteworthy. It aligns with the idea that emotional highs and lows are both integral to a fulfilling life experience.
It’s interesting how the article ties happiness to a sense of purpose and community engagement. The suggestions seem well-grounded in both psychological research and common sense.
The article’s practical focus on everyday activities to boost happiness, like taking walks and engaging in cultural events, is very actionable. It breaks down the abstract concept of happiness into manageable habits.
I found this article refreshing and insightful. The emphasis on the cyclical nature of happiness and the value of experiencing sadness for a fuller life resonates deeply. Implementing gratitude and physical contact as tangible habits is not only practical but essential for emotional well-being.
The article’s suggestions are broadly applicable and simple to implement. It’s refreshing to see a focus on non-material sources of happiness. The mention of physical contact and interacting with animals highlights the importance of emotional and social dimensions in our lives.
Indeed, the focus on non-material sources of happiness is crucial. It’s a reminder that the best things in life often aren’t things at all; they’re experiences and connections.
I agree. Especially the part about interacting with animals. It underscores how much we can learn about unconditional love and presence from pets.
Ah, yet another article on happiness. As if volunteering or hugging a friend is going to magically solve all of life’s problems. What about the complexities of mental health, existential angst, and the inherently random nature of human existence? A bit too simplistic, don’t you think?
I must applaud the article’s emphasis on physical activity and community engagement. As a psychologist, I can vouch for the benefits these activities bring to one’s mental health. Scientific studies have repeatedly validated these claims.
Oh great, another ‘get outside and be happy’ sermon. Because clearly, a walk around the block is the cure for existential dread. Next, they’ll be telling us to solve world peace with a puppy and a gratitude journal.
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