Introduction
This is a question that has troubled many people and to date there is no agreed upon definition for happiness. Researchers, philosophers, psychologists and even educationists have been debating on this and are yet to agree on the real definition for happiness. For the last 6 decades, various researches have been conducted on happiness. However, despite varying definitions for happiness, there are some points of agreement in the various definitions.
In this post, we’ll define what happiness really is, the right time to be happy, different levels of happiness and 11 things you should do to be happy.
So now, let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
11 Things You Should Do to Be Happy
So, What Really is happiness?
Generally, happiness can be defined as both a mental or emotional state; a feeling; a state of being and; has to do with what people experience, do and achieve. For example, it is generally agreed that there are some factors of life that contribute to one’s happiness. These include relationships, income, moral values, positive emotions and physical health among others.
However, going back to the root meaning of the word happiness, it is interesting to note that a long time ago, happiness was associated with some luck or fortune. It was thought that happiness was not deliberate but came randomly as a way of a by-product or luck in the course of one’s life. This definition has been challenged in the 20th and 21st Century where there’s been a lot of emphasis on the importance of happiness in life.
When is it right to Be Happy?
Happiness should not be conditional because conditions are never permanent. Many people mistakenly think that they can only be happy if they meet certain conditions. If you attach your happiness to achieving certain things in life e.g., wealth, education, marriage, good grades in school or college, promotion at workplace or good profits in your business, you may be in for a long walk because there is no telling when you’ll achieve these things, if at all. What if you don’t attain them, what will happen? Will you keep postponing your happiness?
For some people, happiness is a feeling that comes with satisfaction of their current status in life.
Happiness has to start from within you rather than from without. Before you can be happy because of what is going on around you e.g., in the neighbourhood, family circles, business, workplace, school or college you’ve got to be happy from within. Your spirit has to be happy above everything else. No wonder thesaurus gives the synonyms for happiness as peace of mind, joy and good spirits.
Different Levels of Happiness
According to research, individuals have different levels of happiness based on:
a) Genetic influence
b) Intentional activity
c) Life events e.g., marriage, death of a loved one or becoming physically disabled.
Generally, what contributes to our happiness depends mostly on
a) Biological influences
b) Personality influences
c) Social influences
11 Things You Should Do to Be Happy
There are many things that you can do to be happy or increase your happiness. Let us look at some of them:
1. Happiness is not permanent. It can swing and is determined by your state of being. To maintain happiness then you need to maintain a state of well-being.
2. Happiness. being an emotion like any other is enhanced by doing or thinking of things that elicit it. Do or think of the things that make you happy. Keep away from negative thoughts; they only reduce your happiness.
3. Be contented with what you have for now — enjoy the moment even as you seek to improve on what you already have. This equals to happiness. Seek that which gives you contentment and satisfaction. Let your soul be at peace and happiness will follow.
4. Seek first the kingdom of God and its righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you. First ensure you have a personal relationship with God then all other things will fall into place. When you reverse the order, happiness will be elusive.
5. Don’t confuse pleasure with happiness. Pleasure doesn’t necessarily lead to happiness. Happiness is more profound and goes beyond pleasure. If you’re looking for happiness, it may not necessarily be in pleasure. In fact, pleasure can lead to guilt and rob you of the very happiness you’re looking for.
6. Seek meaning of life as opposed to seeking happiness. Having a sense of purpose in one’s life leads to happiness. The sense of purpose makes you understand the reason for your existence and pushes you to fulfil your purpose. That leads to happiness.
7. Overcoming the things that may reduce your happiness (temporarily) e.g., lack of money, poor health and facing difficulties in life. If your overcome these you will surely regain your happiness. Don’t focus on the problem. Focus on how to overcome it because you can if you will and you will if you can.
8. There has been more emphasis on happiness during the 20th and 21st century than in the earlier periods. The earlier generations believed that happiness was some kind of luck or fortune that one could randomly bump into. The latter generations (of the 20th and 21st century) believe that happiness is a critical ingredient in life. That without it, life is incomplete. Now you know, that happiness is not some kind of luck or fortune. You have to deliberately and consistently work at it.
9. Being happy is better than not being happy. Happiness has a positive effect on our health (both mental and physical), lifespan, success and even those around us. Irrespective of what’s going on around you, there are more benefits to choosing to be happy.
10. Good relationships have a great effect on our happiness. When relationships with people who are close to us e.g., spouse, parents, children, close friends and family members are working well, we are more likely to be happier. Therefore, nurturing these relationships will augur well for our happiness.
11. Guard your happiness. While it’s true that there are certain events that affect our happiness, the bottom line is that you have control over your happiness. You may have everything in life but still not be happy. Happiness is a choice. Choose to protect your happiness by not allowing external factors to control it.
Conclusion
Happiness has more benefits than negative effects. Its no wonder everyone wants to be happy and more and more effort is being put to research on what really happiness is. In the meantime, learn to be happy always because your own happiness depends on you. It does not depend on what we have or do not have or are yet to have. Don’t wait for circumstances to become perfect before you can be happy. They never will. Begin to be happy today because you can. Be happy for what you already got and don’t just focus on what you don’t have.
Wishing you all the happiness and thanks for reading.
As usual, we are always happy to have your feedback.
