Happiness refers to a multifaceted psychological state and includes brain serotonin and dopamine circuits. It affects neuroplasticity, cardiovascular, and immunological function. Positive effects lower cortisol for better stress resistance. Happiness also impacts epigenetic pathways, which may affect longevity gene expression. Therefore, learning the happiness underpinnings might guide mental health measures and therapeutic interventions.
What is Happiness?
A state of well-being and happiness activates the prefrontal cortex and amygdala. Dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins are released for contentment, joy, and satisfaction. Dopamine drives reward-motivated behavior. On the other hand, serotonin manages mood and social behavior. Endorphins also relieve pain and boost happiness. Psychological assessments, including the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire, quantify subjective well-being.
From the clinical perspective, mental health professionals often use the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) to assess happiness. PANAS evaluates both positive and negative emotional states, providing a broader understanding of an individual’s emotional condition. A strong sense of purpose is linked to higher happiness levels and a reduced risk of mental health disorders.
What are Sources of Happiness?
1. Health
A healthy body together with a healthy mind leads to a happy life. The health of our body and mind are closely related. A great health is made up of a balanced diet, exercise routine, adequate sleep and a moderate lifestyle. Having a healthy lifestyle contributes to a healthy physicality and in turn affects our appearance and self-esteem.
2. Intellect
Basic intelligence is something that many of us are blessed with, and we tend to take it for granted. However, without the basic intelligence skills, coupled with the different skills and knowledge gained going through life, one might find it hard to have a good life. Acquiring skills, knowledge, and most importantly wisdom helps one make a life.
3. Wealth
It is undeniable that we need money to get the basic needs in life. Without the ability to make the bare minimum and also the financial stability to bring food to the table, one will find it really hard to be happy. Yes, happiness does increase with income, but only up to a point and studies have suggested that there is no further progress beyond possessing a certain value.
4. Career
Having a career contributes to happiness too as that is our source of income for survival and also where we spend most of our time. Having a meaningful career gives purpose and accomplishment. A job that matches personal beliefs and abilities increases work productivity as well as work happiness which contributes to a good life.
5. Social Skills
Humans are social beings and have the innate ability to develop interpersonal connections with others. Having healthy relationships with people and also an established social network are essential for people to live a good life. Solid social relationships boost the probability of survival by 50%.
6. Family
Spending quality time with people you care about and who care about you is the number one predictor of happy people. Having a family who is always there for you and whom you know you can count on provides great comfort. People with tight familial ties are happier and this sense of belonging also contributes to emotional stability.
7. Marriage
Marriage does not guarantee happiness but married people are in fact happier than people who are not married according to studies. A good marriage promotes mental and physical health. A happy marriage, which requires good communication and respect, makes for a good life.
8. Children
Parenting is tough yet rewarding and leads to a greater meaning in life. Parents may report an increase in stress level during child rearing but better life satisfaction later. Instilling good moral values in the children helps create a legacy too.
How to Find Sources of Happiness?
Gratitude as the Starting Point of Happiness
Happiness starts with gratitude. Dr. Robert Emmons showed that thankfulness diminishes envy and anger for better mental health. According to a University of Texas research, keeping a gratitude journal made participants happier via rewiring the brain. People who keep a gratitude journal are happier, physically healthier, and more generous and benevolent. People developed a lasting positive change when they write three things for which they were thankful for every day for 21 days.
Acceptance Leading to Happiness
Accepting uncomfortable feelings is key. Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar discovered that accepting unpleasant feelings speeds up rehabilitation. For example, participants who permitted melancholy after a breakup may recover faster than those who repressed feelings. Research has shown that the people who do this recover more quickly than people who try to control and suppress difficult feelings. Acceptance boosts emotional resilience and helps people handle life’s obstacles more calmly.
Emphasize Happiness Despite Modest Means
Contentment brings lasting happiness. Comparing oneself to others frequently leaves one unhappy. According to Dr. Martin Seligman, concentrating on what one has rather than what one lacks boosts happiness. Only the unwise create issues for themselves by comparing themselves with the wrong people. Compare with our past “self” and we would be happier.
Giving Back to Others
Giving cultivates compassion. Giving back strengthens communities and happiness. A study shows that volunteering does not just make us happy, but also helps improve our mental health over time. Volunteering connects us to others and most importantly, brings fulfillment to our life.
Meditation for Developing a Positive Mood
Meditation enhances mental wellness. “Doing meditation literally transforms the brain, making us more susceptible to positive emotions and more resilient in the face of painful emotions,” said Dr. Ben-Shahar during a lecture on positive psychology at Harvard. Meditation fosters single-pointed concentration, training the meditator to focus on one thing at a time. We can take responsibility for our happiness by doing things to increase our confidence levels, hope and optimism.
Exercise
Exercise three times a week, thirty to forty minutes each session. This is equivalent to taking some of the most powerful psychiatric drugs. Researcher Michael Babyak noted, “Exercise teaches the body that it matters.” Exercise has been found to significantly decrease depression and was an equally effective antidepressant for both genders.
Setting and Achieving Life Goals
Goal-setting and pursuit are key to happiness. Setting life goals is what keeps us going. People find motivation in life when they have a clear goal to achieve. Dr. Martin Seligman found that clear, meaningful objectives raise life happiness. Without a set goal, one would live their life aimlessly and find it hard to realize the joy in life.
Quotes by Grandmaster JinBodhi
Here are some impactful quotes by Grandmaster JinBodhi on happiness:
- “Hearts filled with gratitude bring contentment and happiness.”
- “Meditation enables us to rid ourselves of life’s complexities and return to a state of simplicity.”
- “When one person leaves suffering behind, it is not something to congratulate ourselves about, but when many people leave suffering, it is a joy.”
- “Helping others is like helping oneself. Generosity brings great happiness.”
- “Through practicing meditation, irrational and chaotic thoughts are replaced by logical and sensible thoughts.”
Along these lines, discover the numerous courses and retreats available at Bodhi Meditation and begin your life-altering path to serenity, health, and happiness right now!
