Are You Happy?

Many things to ponder on and trying to find the correct answer on what it is and what it takes to be happy.

From philosophers, psychologists, scientists, and Religious leaders to ordinary people define happiness in different ways but share some common components on the how of happiness.

Dalai Lama in his book The Art of Happiness suggests that; Conversation, stories, and meditations have the power to overcome each day anxiety, insecurities, anger, and discouragement.

The pursuit of happiness nowadays is overshadowed by day-to-day challenges such as the pursuit of wealth, relationships, and loss. Cultivating inner peace is the cornerstone of happiness.

Love, Healthy Lifestyle, Contentment, Hope, and Trust.

Psychology researcher, Sonja Lyubomirsky elaborates on happiness in "The How Of  Happiness" as;

The experience of joy, contentment, or positive well-being, combined with a sense that one's life is good, meaningful, and worthwhile.

According to philosophical explanation,
Happiness depends on:

•  A state of mind.

• A life that goes well for the person leading it.

• The pleasure of the satisfying experience.

Benefits of happiness.

• Physical health, feeling of positivity, and fulfillment are seen to benefit cardiovascular health, the immune system, inflammation levels, and blood pressure among other things.

•  Happiness has been linked to a longer life span as well as higher quality of well-being.

The how of happiness.

Happiness can be determined by:

• Genetic makeup, life circumstances, achievements, mental status, social relationships, way of thinking, and even your neighbors.

• Increase satisfaction in life by:

Regularly indulging in small pleasures, getting absorbed in challenging activities, setting and meeting goals, maintaining close social ties, and finding purpose beyond oneself.

Generally, the pursuit of happiness promotes well-being. Living in the moment gives purpose and meaning to life and it can be one among numerous reasons for happiness.

References

Dennis Wholey. (1986). Are You Happy?: Some Answers to the Most Important Question in Your Life. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt; First Edition.

Dalai Lama. (2009). The Art of Happiness, 10th Anniversary Edition: A Handbook for Living. Riverhead Books; Anniversary edition.

Haybron, Dan, "Happiness", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Summer 2020 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.), URL = https://plato.stanford.edu/archives/sum2020/entries/happiness/

Kringelbach, M. L., & Berridge, K. C. (2010). The Neuroscience of Happiness and Pleasure. Social research, 77(2), 659–678.