Typically, happiness is an emotional state characterized by feelings of joy, satisfaction, contentment, and fulfillment.
While happiness has many different definitions, it is often described as involving positive emotions and life satisfaction.
Instead, happiness is an overall sense of experiencing morepositive emotionsthan negative ones.
Verywell/ Jiaqi Zhou
Types of Happiness
There are many different ways of thinking about happiness.
For example, the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle made a distinction between two different kinds of happiness:hedoniaandeudaimonia.
Hedonia and eudemonia are more commonly known today in psychology as pleasure and meaning, respectively.
More recently, psychologists have suggested the addition of the third component that relates toengagement.
These are feelings of commitment and participation in different areas of life.
Some activities may be both pleasurable and meaningful, while others might skew more one way or the other.
For example, volunteering for a cause you believe in might be more meaningful than pleasurable.
Reframing these negative perceptions isn’t about ignoring the bad.
Instead, it means trying to take a more balanced, realistic look at events.
It allows you to notice patterns in your thinking and then challenge negative thoughts.
Impact of Happiness
Why is happiness so important?
Cultivate Strong Relationships
Social supportis an essential part of well-being.
Research has found that good social relationships are the strongest predictor of happiness.
Consider deepening your existing relationships and explore ways to make new friends.
Get Regular Exercise
Exercise is good for both your body and mind.
Physical activity is linked to a range of physical and psychological benefits including improved mood.
It may help improve happiness by promoting healthier behaviors.
Research has found that perceived social support plays an important role in subjective well-being.
It is important to remember that when it comes to social support, quality is more important than quantity.
It is a constant pursuit that requires continual nurturing and sustenance.
Essentially, happiness becomes such a lofty goal that it becomes virtually unattainable.
Perhaps the lesson is to not make something as broadly defined as happiness your goal.
It is also important to consider how you personally define happiness.
Happiness is a broad term that means different things to different people.
This can make achieving these goals more manageable and less overwhelming.
History of Happiness
Happiness has long been recognized as a critical part of health and well-being.
The “pursuit of happiness” is even given as an inalienable right in the U.S. Our understanding of what will bring happiness, however, has shifted over time.
Psychologists have also proposed a number of different theories to explain how people experience and pursue happiness.
Once more basic needs are fulfilled, people are then motivated by more psychological and emotional needs.
Positive Psychology
The pursuit of happiness is central to the field ofpositive psychology.
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