What Determines Happiness?

The Formula for Happiness

Happiness = S (Set Points, Fixed) + C (Circumstances) + CH (Changeable)

S (Set points): These are fixed and cannot be changed: Our Sex, Genes, Life Experience, Ethnicity, Age. These set points account for a whopping 50% of our Happiness and are FIXED. That's right, 50% is not on the table when we look for ways to increase our happiness..

C (Circumstances): Primary Relationships, Social Status, Health, Looks, Career, Wealth, Location. Employer. Circumstances account for a miniscule 10% of Happiness. I bet that was not in your thoughts as you played the lottery

CH (Changeable): Changeable accounts for a massive 40% of our Happiness. The two changeable factors are: (Drum roll please!) 'HOW YOU THINK' & 'WHAT YOU DO'.

Regardless of set points, you still have a lot of room to influence your own happiness and by a 'country mile' the most influential sector is with your thoughts and actions.

The first thing to do is realise you have a choice, even when dealing with difficulties.

Marci Shimoff, author of Happy for No Reason suggests, “The next time you’re faced with a challenging situation that gives rise to negative thoughts and bad feelings, find an equally true thought about the situation that makes you feel better – and lean into it.”

There are quite a few ways to initiate the flow of your Brains four 'Happiness' Chemicals:

Serotonin - (The most important) aka 'The Mood Stabiliser'. Serotonin also plays a role in many crucial systems in our body beyond just our well-being and happiness. It’s believed to affect digestion, bone growth, and even organ development ... Walk in Nature, Exposure to the Sun. Running, Meditating, Cycling, Swimming.

Dopamine - aka 'The Reward Chemical'. The (good & bad) habit former. An incredible tool when used appropriately ... Completing a Task, Self-Care Activities, Eating Food (In complete control of course), Celebrating Little Wins.

Oxytocin - aka 'The Love Chemical'. Makes us social and builds relationships with trust and loving feelings. ... Playing with a Pet, Playing with a Baby, Holding Hands, Hugging your Family, Giving Compliments, Physical Contact.

Endorphins - aka 'The Natural Painkiller'. The Runner’s High ... Laughter, Essential Oils, Watching Comedy, Dark Chocolate, Exercising/Movement.

Remember, the only person responsible for your happiness is YOU. If you are not as happy as YOU would like to be ... what are YOU going to do about it??