Happiness 101 - How to Find Happiness Within Yourself
Happiness has been a hotly debated topic over the centuries. Some philosophers think that happiness is a kind of value, while others believe that it's merely a feeling or emotion. A third group of philosophers takes a more pragmatic approach, arguing that happiness is the result of a particular set of ongoing life experiences. Whatever your philosophy, it's important to understand that you can't buy happiness, and that you can only find it within yourself.
Happier people prioritize spiritual and non-materialistic values over material ones. They're not obsessed with keeping up with the Joneses, nabbing a prestigious job, or buying a bigger house. Instead, they place a high priority on relationships with family and friends, having fun and laughing, and pursuing their passions. They also value experiences over possessions and prioritize getting enough sleep (seven to nine hours per night).
They're realistic about their needs and expectations. While it's natural to desire a nicer car or bigger house, happy people realize that they don't necessarily need those things to feel satisfied. In fact, research shows that many of the things that make us happy are free or cost very little. The most common are exercise, relationships, and personal growth.
Most importantly, happy people have a clear sense of purpose in their lives. They apply their skills, efforts, and energy to projects and causes that benefit the world. This makes them more likely to be successful, which in turn leads to happiness.
Studies show that happy people are physically healthier than their less happy counterparts. They have lower blood pressure and are at a lower risk of heart disease. They also produce less of the stress hormone cortisol, which can lead to weight gain and insomnia. Happiness can also boost the immune system and reduce aches and pains.
Aside from physical health, happiness has been linked to better work performance and life outcomes. Happier people are more productive at work and have better social connections. They're more likely to be married, to have good health, and to have a strong support system. And finally, happier people are more likely to survive serious illnesses and injuries.
The downside of pinning your happiness on external goals is that you may fall into unhelpful thinking habits. For example, if you're constantly waiting for that big event to make you happy, it could end up taking much longer than expected to feel happy again after the event is over.
Try to shift your perspective by thinking about what makes you happy on a regular basis. This might be spending time with family or friends, participating in a hobby you love, or simply feeling energized after a great workout. The more you practice this technique, the easier it will be to sustain your happiness on a day-to-day basis. Then, you'll be able to enjoy all the benefits that happiness has to offer.