Exploring the Road Towards Happiness
Imagine you had a long and tiring day and your cozy bed is waiting for you to unwind. Before drifting off to sleep, look back and ponder upon what you struggled today for; what was the purpose for working your fingers to the bone throughout the day? And did it make you happy? You scroll down Social Media because it makes you happy, you work because it makes you happy, you fall in love because it makes you happy, you chase success because it makes you happy. But ever thought about what really makes you happy?
We humans spend most of our lives hunting happiness and contentment. This ‘Happiness’ is like a beautiful and mischievous butterfly that makes us run behind it like a kid hoping to catch it. Some people find it in the most obvious corners whereas some people scan the entire planet to find it. Wondering what are the common flowers this butterfly called ‘happiness’ sits on most often? Let’s explore together! Read the article till the end to unveil what happiness is and how to be happier. (Psst, there’s a surprise for you as well ;))
What is Happiness?
Happiness is subjective and can have as many definitions as the number of people living on this planet. This question might hold different answers for different people. It depends upon the perspective of looking at life. For some, happiness is an emotion, for some, it's a process, for some, it's an achievement, and for some, it's the ultimate aim of life.
Happiness is a state of well-being and contentment characterized by positive emotions and satisfaction with life. It is a subjective experience that can be influenced by various factors such as relationships, finances, health, and personal values.
What is Happiness Quotient?
Ever thought, can we calculate anyone’s happiness too? Yes, happiness can be measured! The happiness quotient is a measure of an individual's overall subjective happiness and well-being. It takes into account factors such as positive emotions, life satisfaction, and a sense of purpose. In total seven happiness quotients such as physical, emotional, social, occupational, environmental, intellectual, and spiritual come together under the same roof to form the happiness quotient.
How to be Happier?
We all have different definitions of happiness then how can the pathway of reaching towards it be the same? But considering how the happiness quotient of people is constantly deteriorating, here are a few tips to help you promote happiness in your life.
Practice Gratitude
No one has a straight curve in life. We all come across peaks and valleys in our lives. We mope around when things go wrong, we smile when things go our way. But in this marathon full of tears and smiles, we forget to express gratitude. Every tear shedding from your eyes gives a lesson, every smile spreading across your face is a cue to keep going. We forget to extract this positivity from every situation thereby failing to be grateful.
Gratitude is a positive emotion. When we are grateful towards anything or anyone and not just being grateful but expressing it, it makes you feel happy. Practice gratitude by turning your focus towards the positive things in your life.
Engage in activities that bring you joy
Do what you love and love what you do. Indulge in activities that you find interesting. Engaging in hobbies and such leisure activities acts as a stress buster. It reduces the level of cortisol (stress hormone) and stimulates the release of happy hormones such as dopamine which promotes happiness.
Exercise!
As it’s said, “A healthy mind resides in a healthy body.” Taking care of your physical health by exercising and indulging in healthy habits can do wonders for your mental health too. Exercise regularly as physical activity has the power to uplift mood.
And exercising doesn’t always mean lifting heavy weights at the gym. It could be as simple as taking a walk in nature, stretching your muscles a bit, practicing yoga, and avoiding being a couch potato!
Cultivating strong relationships
As social beings, no human can survive without relationships. Connect with others and build positive relationships. Happiness scatters its magic when one is loved and loves others.
Cherish every healthy relationship of your life. Extract happiness from these relationships and be their source of happiness as well. Surround yourself with people who radiate positive vibes and plunge in their positivity.
Manage Stress
No human has a stress-free life. Still, people could be happy if they know how to manage this stress and how to deal with the tantrums of life. Identify your stressors and devise healthy ways of overcoming them. Practice mindfulness, meditation, and maintain a healthy lifestyle to reduce stress and increase happiness.
Indulge in random acts of kindness
When we are kind towards others, it ignites happiness within. Helping others not only makes the giver happy but the receiver also. Give back to society, volunteer for a good cause, and be empathetic and compassionate. If I talk about myself, I feel the happiest when I’m being my kiddish self, when I’m able to put a smile on someone’s face, and when I help! And believe me, the joy you’ll feel is pure bliss.
Related Post: Developing the Art of Kindness
Besides these, getting quality sleep, eating your favorite food, cherishing even your little accomplishments, savoring every moment, finding a sense of purpose in life, and smiling as often as you can are some of the ingredients of happiness.
With the increasing hustle and bustle of life, the butterfly of happiness is somewhere slipping through the hands of humans. To be happy you do not need to hit a jackpot, become a billionaire, attain fame or climb Mount Everest, happiness can be found in anything and everything. Look around yourself, there are countless reasons to smile. You do not have to become Sherlock Holmes to search for happiness, just be yourself and embrace life as it comes your way because happiness is not found, it’s seen!
Take this Oxford’s happiness test to know your happiness status!
So, what makes you happy? Let me know your recipe for happiness in the comments below! :)
