What Is Happiness and How to Become Happier?
What is happiness? Well, the answer might surprise you. Happiness is more than just a passing emotion; it is your default state of being.
Yes, you are supposed to be happy by default. You don’t need to get anything or do anything to be happy.
Happiness is our natural state of being, but it’s buried deep under layers of negative thoughts and emotions like stress, anxiety, and fear.
Furthermore, connecting with our innate state of happiness is a choice we can make each moment by replacing negative thoughts with positive ones and learning to manage our emotions in a healthy way.
Therefore, happiness is not merely a result of external circumstances or achievements.
It’s a starting point for a joyful and fulfilling life.
This means that we can learn to be happy regardless of our circumstances, by prioritizing happiness as a goal and understanding that it’s within our control.
In essence, happiness is a state of being that affects us physically, psychologically, and spiritually.
It serves as the foundation for joy and other positive emotions, leading to improved overall well-being and a greater sense of fulfillment in life.
Key Takeaways
1. Happiness is your natural state of being. You are supposed to be happy by default, but often stress, anxiety, fear, anger, and other negative emotions make you unhappy and bury this innate happiness.
2. Happiness is a choice. Just like you can choose what to think when you become aware of your thoughts, you can choose how you feel once you are aware of your emotions. The key to choosing happiness is to catch and replace your negative thoughts with positive ones and learn to deal with your emotions in a healthy way.
3. Happiness is the starting point, not a result. Happiness is not an emotion that just happens when good things happen to you. It is not simply a chemical reaction or something that you can catch when around happy people or in a place that makes you happy. You can learn and choose happiness each moment, and by prioritizing happiness, you can create the joyful, stress-free life you’ve always dreamed of.
Definition of Happiness
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines happiness as “a state of well-being and contentment,” while the Oxford English Dictionary describes it as “the state of being happy.”
(That’s not very helpful, is it?)
On the other hand, these definitions make it clear that happiness is subjective.
The essence of happiness is a subjective experience of feeling good or satisfied with one’s life or circumstances.
Generally, happiness could be defined as a state of well-being and contentment, characterized by positive emotions such as joy, life satisfaction, and pleasure.
Happiness vs Joy
Happiness and joy are often used interchangeably, but there is a distinction. Happiness is an emotion, whereas joy is categorized as a feeling.
Emotions, such as happiness, are automatic responses to stimuli experienced both physically and psychologically.
Feelings, on the other hand, are subjective experiences that arise from the interpretation of emotions.
Therefore, happiness serves as the root from which feelings like joy emanate, emphasizing its profound impact on our overall well-being.
Whether you call your internal state of being ‘happiness’, ‘joy’, ‘bliss’, or any other name, is all semantics, really.
The key takeaway here is that happiness is the default state. Therefore it is ‘built-in’ and you know it when you feel it. No one has to explain to you what happiness is. You feel good when you feel it, and you just get it: “A-Ha! This is what it’s like to be happy”.
What is happiness: Positive Emotions and State of Mind
If you want to dive into the science of happiness, positive psychology offers great insights into your sense of happiness.
While there are many theories of happiness, in my experience, positive psychology hits the closest to the mark.
Just remember: Happiness is more than just physical reactions in your body. Authentic happiness encompasses all facets of your being; body, mind, and spirit.
This quote by none other than Albert Einsteins sums it up nicely:
“It would be possible to describe everything scientifically, but it would make no sense; it would be without meaning, as if you described a Beethoven symphony as a variation of wave pressure.”
With that out of the way, positive psychology, a branch of psychology focused on studying and promoting well-being and optimal human functioning, offers several perspectives on happiness.
Happiness and Positive Psychology
According to positive psychology, happiness is more than just the opposite of unhappiness.
Subjective Well-being: Positive psychology often defines human happiness in terms of subjective well-being, which includes both cognitive and affective components. Cognitive well-being refers to individuals’ overall evaluation of their lives. Affective well-being involves experiencing positive emotions such as joy, gratitude, contentment, and love, while also managing negative emotions effectively.
PERMA Model: One prominent framework within positive psychology is the PERMA model, developed by psychologist Martin Seligman. The PERMA model identifies five essential elements for well-being and happiness:
- Positive Emotions: Experiencing positive emotions such as joy, gratitude, serenity, interest, and hope.
- Engagement (Flow): Engaging in activities that allow individuals to experience a state of flow, where they are fully absorbed and immersed in what they are doing, leading to a sense of timelessness and fulfillment.
- Relationships: Cultivating positive relationships and social connections with others, which contribute significantly to happiness and well-being.
- Meaning: Finding meaning and purpose in life by engaging in activities that align with one’s values and beliefs, contributing to a sense of fulfillment and significance.
- Accomplishment: Setting and achieving meaningful goals, whether personal, professional, or academic, and experiencing a sense of accomplishment and mastery.
Hedonic and Eudaimonic Happiness
Positive psychology also distinguishes between two broad types of happiness: hedonic and eudaimonic happiness.
- Hedonic Happiness: This type of happiness focuses on pleasure-seeking and the pursuit of positive experiences and emotions. It emphasizes the importance of maximizing pleasure and minimizing pain.
- Eudaimonic Happiness: Eudaimonic happiness, on the other hand, emphasizes personal growth, self-realization, and living in accordance with one’s values and potential. It involves pursuing activities that contribute to a sense of purpose, meaning, and fulfillment, even if they may not always result in immediate pleasure.
Hedonic happiness is what we often think of when we talk about happiness. Essentially, we tend to think that pleasure and happiness are the same.
But that’s only a small part of what the experience of happiness encompasses. The focus of hedonic happiness is on the physical level of experience, and that is but 1/3 of what you are made of.
Eudaimonic happiness covers the other 2/3’s of your experience of life: mental and spiritual (even though happiness is more than just a state of mind or connection with the sprit)
So thinking about happiness only in terms of seeking pleasure in external events or material possessions while avoiding pain will limit your ability to enjoy life.
It will make happiness a fleeting feeling, tied to what’s happening in your life.
But this is what we learn. While growing up, we learn that happiness is tied to getting something or being something, failing to recognize that happiness is so much more.
It is, in fact, even more than just the hedonic and eudaimonic combined.
Let’s take a look at these different levels of happiness.
The 3 Levels of Happiness
The concept of the three levels of happiness outlined in my book offers a framework for understanding and pursuing happiness.
Let’s break down each level and its significance:
Physical Happiness: This level pertains to the satisfaction of physical needs and desires. It encompasses pleasures derived from sensory experiences, such as food, comfort, leisure activities, and physical well-being. Physical happiness is often the most tangible and immediate form of happiness, as it directly addresses our bodily comforts and pleasures. However, it’s important to note that relying solely on physical pleasures for happiness may lead to temporary satisfaction without deeper fulfillment.
Mental Happiness: The mental level of happiness involves intellectual and emotional fulfillment. It includes aspects such as personal growth, learning, creativity, relationships, and emotional well-being. Mental happiness arises from engaging in activities that stimulate the mind, foster personal development, and cultivate meaningful connections with others. While physical happiness tends to focus on immediate gratification, mental happiness offers long-term satisfaction and a sense of fulfillment derived from pursuing one’s passions and nurturing relationships.
Spiritual Happiness: At the highest level is spiritual happiness, which transcends the physical and mental realms. It encompasses a sense of purpose, meaning, and connection to something greater than oneself. Spiritual happiness involves exploring existential questions, seeking inner peace, and aligning with core values and beliefs. It can be attained through practices such as meditation, mindfulness, acts of compassion, and service to others. Spiritual happiness provides a profound sense of fulfillment and contentment that goes beyond material and ego-driven desires.
Happiness is found in the journey
These levels of happiness are not mutually exclusive, and individuals can focus on one or more levels simultaneously based on their preferences and circumstances.
Moreover, they represent a journey of progression and building, where each level builds upon the previous one, leading to greater levels of happiness and fulfillment.
The key takeaway is the importance of balance and integration across these levels.
True happiness is not solely about reaching the highest level but about finding harmony within and between the physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions of life.
By balancing different aspects within each level and harmonizing the levels with each other, individuals can cultivate a state of blissful existence.
Furthermore, the concept of continuous elevation suggests that the pursuit of happiness is an ongoing journey of growth and refinement.
You could say that happiness is a journey, or that happiness is found in this jouney of balancing and integrating the levels of happiness.
Even after achieving a state of balance, there remains room for further exploration and enhancement of happiness, meaning that happiness is not a fixed destination but a dynamic and evolving process.
How to Become Happier?
We think that material possessions and wealth make us happy, but they only provide temporary pleasure.
Happiness exist in this very moment. Happiness is in the journey itself, not at the end of it. If you keep chasing happiness, you will never realize that it was always there, and did not need to be pursued at all.
That being said, there are some common obstacles that prevent you from enjoying the journey of life and finding happiness within. Overcoming these common obstacles will allow you to start uncovering your innate happiness.
Overcoming Obstacles to Happiness
Materialism: Challenge the belief that material possessions lead to lasting happiness. Focus on experiences, relationships, and personal growth instead of material wealth.
Poor Mental Health: Prioritize mental well-being by seeking support from professionals, practicing self-care, and developing healthy coping mechanisms to manage stress, anxiety, and depression.
Unrealistic Expectations: Let go of the idea that happiness is contingent upon achieving specific goals or meeting societal standards. Embrace the journey and find joy in the present moment.
Negative Thought Patterns: Identify and challenge negative thought patterns through mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral techniques. Cultivate a positive mindset by focusing on gratitude and self-compassion.
External Validation: Shift focus from seeking validation from others to cultivating self-acceptance and self-love. Recognize that true happiness comes from within and is not dependent on external approval.
Comparison: Avoid comparing yourself to others and focus on your own journey. Celebrate your accomplishments and progress, no matter how small, and practice gratitude for what you have.
By addressing these obstacles and adopting healthy habits and mindset shifts, you can pave the way for greater happiness and fulfillment in your life.
The characteristics of a happy life
A happy life is characterized by a sense of fulfillment, contentment, and inner peace.
It involves cultivating meaningful relationships, continuously seeking personal growth and development, and practicing gratitude for life’s blessings.
Living mindfully and being fully present in each moment, finding purpose and meaning in our endeavors, and prioritizing physical and mental well-being are also key factors in achieving happiness.
Striving for balance in all aspects of life, including work, relationships, leisure, and personal growth, is essential for sustaining long-term happiness.
Ultimately, a happy life is about aligning our actions with our values and aspirations, fostering a sense of harmony and fulfillment in our daily experiences.
That’s a lot, I know.
So what can you do?
Becoming Happier: Steps Towards Lasting Joy
- Recognize Happiness as a Choice: Understand that happiness is not solely reliant on external factors but can be cultivated through conscious decision-making.
Practice Positive Thinking: Focus on happiness by replacing negative thoughts with positive ones, fostering a mindset of gratitude and optimism.
Manage Emotions Healthily: Learn to deal with emotions in a constructive manner, allowing for the release of negative feelings and the embrace of positivity.
Prioritize Inner Well-being: Address physical, psychological, and spiritual aspects of your life to enhance overall happiness.
Let Go of Unrealistic Expectations: Release the notion that material possessions or achievements equate to happiness, focusing instead on inner contentment and fulfillment.
Embrace Joyful Moments: Cultivate a mindset of mindfulness, allowing yourself to fully experience and appreciate moments of joy and contentment.
Seek Support: Surround yourself with positive influences and seek support from loved ones or professionals if needed.
7 Days to Lasting Happiness (Free Resource)
There’s a lot more to happiness than can be explained in this blog post.
If you are interested in learning the ins and outs of happiness, and getting practical tools for creating a happy life, sign up for my free email course ‘7 Days to Lasting Happiness’.
Sign up (free) by using the form below ⬇️
Conclusion: What is Happiness?
Happiness is subjective well-being, a state of contentment and inner peace that transcends material wealth and external achievements.
It’s about enjoying the journey of life with gratitude, mindfulness, and a sense of purpose, regardless of the challenges we may face.
Happiness is:
- A connection to your default emotional state of being
- A balancing act of physical, mental, and spiritual fulfillment
- Leading a meaningful life
- Living according to your deepest values
True happiness isn’t defined by external circumstances or material gains. While winning the lottery may provide temporary pleasure, true happiness isn’t contingent upon wealth or possessions.
Instead, it typically involves cultivating strong relationships, finding purpose and meaning in our lives, and prioritizing our physical and mental well-being.
Disclaimer
The entire contents of this blog are based upon the opinions of the author. It is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The information in this blog is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your health care professional before trying any of the products or methods based on this content. I cannot guarantee that you will be free of stress, anxiety or depression, or that you will be happy. I simply want to share with you what I have discovered during my twenty years of seeking happiness and what has worked for me may not work for you.
