HAPPINESS AND POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY

Humans seek happiness.

Any condition that does not imply or guarantee happiness is despised or sometimes used as a means of evaluating oneself against others’ fortunes.

Thanks to the internet, we now have the resources and tools to look for simple lifehacks that promise ‘everlasting happiness.’ It should come as no surprise that Harvard’s ‘Managing Happiness’ is a popular course and an interest in happiness studies is at an all-time high.

What is Happiness?

Is it a state of everything working out all the time?

Is it a state of seeking inner peace?

Is it the innate aspiration of humankind?

Is it just based on genes?

How can we find happiness if we choose to?

Can happiness be everlasting?

These are some of the questions that prompt us to look for solutions, either by observing others who appear content and confident, or by studying the concepts put forth by academics.

The Philosophy of Happiness deals with the existence, nature, and attainment of happiness. Famous Greek Philosopher Socrates (469-399 BC) believed that happiness is innate and attainable through human effort.

Plato observes in The Republic, “The man who makes everything that leads to happiness depends upon himself, and not upon other men, has adopted the very best plan for living happily.”

Early Greek Philosophers held the view that focusing on the soul rather than the body is the key to happiness.

Sourcing strength and happiness internally can ensure a balance in your emotional state. Internal happiness is centred around your achievements, a sense of pride, and gratitude for all that life has to offer.

Psychologists believe that happiness is the primary motivator of human behaviour.

Years of extensive research have resulted in the emergence of the exclusive subfield called Positive Psychology since the 1990s. Positive Psychology is focused on understanding the nature of happiness and applying it to ensure human well-being and life satisfaction.

Contrary to popular belief, Happiness is not about experiencing a state of joy all the time. Happiness is best enjoyed when it is considered a part of a whole spectrum of emotions including sadness, fear, resentment, and frustration. Embracing the balance of emotions aids in a balanced state of mind and improves your chance of life satisfaction.

Research from Positive Psychology suggests that genes account for almost half our happiness. Some people are indeed predisposed to be happier than others.

The rest of it, of course, is a choice aided and supported by circumstances and intentional activity.

Martin Seligman is credited with the rise of Positive Psychology and the world’s first authentic formula for happiness –

H = S + C + V

Happiness(H) is the sum of three factors – happiness set point(S), life circumstances(C), and factors under voluntary control(V).

Positive Psychology operates under the premise that the well-being of a person can be defined, measured, and taught. This formula helps to scientifically approach happiness and work towards operating at our maximum potential.

The factors in the formula may appear simple but each of them is layered with years of research and insight by some brilliant psychologists.

For example, to understand the ‘H’ mentioned in the formula, we should be clear that it does not point to momentary happiness.

Winning a match, getting promoted, meeting a friend, and getting a hike are some examples of momentary happiness. While these may result in a temporary high, the feeling cannot endure for a longer duration.

Positive Psychology defines it with the concept of ‘hedonic adaptation.’

Hedonic adaptation refers to people’s tendency to return to a set level of happiness despite phases of intense stress or unbridled happiness. This happiness set-point (S) is mainly defined by our genes and acts as the baseline for our default state of happiness.

Going back to the formula, we have to work on the other two factors namely life circumstances (C) and factors under voluntary control (V) to increase the happiness factor in our lives.

Life circumstances can be altered by getting into a new relationship, relocating to a new place or job, or working towards finding your passion. Make sure you factor in only those circumstances that are under your control to be worked upon.

Any action you take to change your life circumstances will guarantee that you will soon live the life of your dreams. The idea is to enjoy the process of achieving it in your life rather than becoming fixated on the outcome.

Perfection is elusive, but excellence is attainable with consistent action.

So, aiming to be better and working on worthwhile things that appeal to us takes us a little closer to happiness.

Life is not complete without challenges and difficulties. There may be times when we feel we may never feel happy again or things look permanently bleak. Remember that it is not the end. It is just a phase.

I am always reminded of a favourite line whenever things do not look that promising –

“Everything will be okay in the end. If it is not okay, it is not the end.”

Try to understand your challenges and solve them to the best of your abilities and resources. Happiness is dependent on your social, emotional, and physical health.

It is normal to seek happiness and to feel good. But to effectively pursue positivity, you need a mind that is free of psychological problems. Mental health issues are real and need to be addressed with the help of a qualified professional.

Life becomes easier when you start working on yourself. It can be as rewarding as having those perfect abs or fitting into that perfect dress.

A life where you can communicate effectively, fit into every crowd, and have people seeking your company is possible.

Prioritise mental health.

Pursue positivity.

Take that first step.

Meanwhile, here are a few tips on how you can gravitate towards positivity and happiness –

Smile more. A smile makes you relaxed and stress-free. Additionally, it improves your approachability and thereby your social standing. Social connectedness is one of the important factors in feeling good about yourself. We smile when we are happy. However, the opposite is also true. Dopamine and serotonin, among other hormones, are thought to be released by a simple smile, according to neurologists. Dopamine increases our feelings of happiness while Serotonin release is associated with reduced stress. Sport that smile and take that step toward?happiness.

Be receptive to learning. Look for new things to learn, surround yourself with people who inspire you, and constantly?seek?knowledge. The quest for learning is rewarding in itself while also taking you a step closer towards finding your passion.

Be creative. There is no substitute for creative satisfaction. Being creative is a mindful pursuit that gives a sense of purpose and helps maintain cheer?and?enthusiasm.

Expect less. People are often disappointed when they do not get something they feel entitled to. Expect less and treat every choice and opportunity as a blessing and make happiness?a?constant.

Embrace your emotions. Accept every emotion, even if it initially looks negative. You are more receptive to happiness if you are sensitive to the spectrum of emotions.

Seek balance. Seek inner-peace.

Happiness becomes a constant in a mind that is balanced. Here’s to a balance called life for all of us.

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