If you’re joyous, you’re happy, right?
Joy and happiness, while similar, are not the same.
you could be happy but not joyous and vice versa.
Getty Images / Verywell Mind
That’s because joy and happiness arepositive emotionsexperienced differently.
And both serve different purposes.
Below, we’re breaking down the differences (and similarities!)
between joy and happiness and whether you might experience both emotions simultaneously.
So, What Is Joy, Exactly?
Joy is the ability to affirm the goodness of life even in the midst of sorrow.
And Happiness Is What?
Happiness often occurs spontaneously, in a moment arising through a convergence of time and place, Boscaljon adds.
Happiness is temporary and ephemeral, whereas joy is more enduring.
The Psychology of Joy vs.
The Psychology of Happiness
Positive psychologyhas long focused on the differences between joy and happiness.
Moments of happiness might be akin to positive emotions.
Sosnowsky recommendsbeing presentin your experiences to amplify your happiness.
Cultivating True Joy
True joy is about a sustained state of meaning.
Or, practicing gratitude, vulnerability, and acts of kindness, Ackerman suggests.
Ultimately cultivating true joy comes from providing a deeper appreciation for the arcs of life, Boscaljon says.
Finding meaning and purpose through human experiences and appreciating the difficulties added to life enables a truly joyful perspective.
Can You Experience Joy and Happiness Simultaneously?
Experiencing joy and happiness at the same time is possible.
Can You Have Joy And Not Be Happy?
you could be joyful and unhappy at the same time.
Another example could be an exhausting assignment at work.
Your job brings you joy but certain assignments make you unhappy.
Reconnecting With Joy and/or Happiness
There are numerous ways to find joy and happiness in your life.
Boscaljon says being more present in your life will ultimately bring more joy and happiness.
Joy is more long-term and tends to be linked to intrinsic factors.
Snyder CR, Lopez SJ.Positive Psychology: The Scientific and Practical Explorations of Human Strengths.
SAGE Publications; 2007.
2009;9(3):361. doi:10.1037/a0015952
