Is Happiness Your Health Goal?
If you want to increase your happiness, you might not be sure what to do. Here are some tips for how to chase your own happiness and find meaning in the things you enjoy doing.
Find Your Balance
Depending on who you ask, many factors may lead to “happiness”—fame, money, possessions, attractiveness, among others. It can be difficult not to hold yourself to these standards, but breaking free from the expectations of others can put you closer to true happiness.
Take for instance the idea that you must love your job to be happy. Rather than living to work, many people simple work to live—meaning their job is satisfying because it provides them the resources to live a fulfilling personal life. Try to reframe your attitude toward others’ views of happiness, and look internally for guidance.
Find Your Own Happiness
The science of positive psychology is discovering the answers to happiness and identifying straightforward steps you can take to lead a more meaningful, fulfilling and happy life.
Martin Seligman, Director of the Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania and a Professor of Psychology at Penn shares some important strategies for a happier life:
- Stop and savor the good moments
- Express gratitude
- Do one thing at a time
- Walk slower, eat slower or shower slower
- Invite others to share an activity such as walking or sharing a meal
- Find an activity that captures your attention and makes you lose track of time
- Learn your strengths and acknowledge them
Find a Way to Help Others
Discovering what makes you happy is one part of feeling more fulfilled, but studies show that when we help others we feel better about ourselves and our lives. Here are some tips for connecting with others:
- Use your strengths to help others
- Volunteer or donate to local charities or organizations
- Perform random acts of kindness
As with other health goals, happiness is something you build through many small choices made over time. Enjoy what you discover and notice opportunities for building a life full of happiness.