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In Pursuit of Happiness
Three keys to understanding true contentment
If you’re happy and you know it, thank your parents. Research suggests that 50 percent of happiness — a sunny disposition, easygoing personality, and an ability to cope well with stress, anxiety and depression — is genetic. Factors such as marriage, income, religion and education influence just about 10 percent of our life satisfaction, according to a 1996 paper by University of Minnesota researcher David Lykken. The other 40 percent? Well, that’s in your control.
“Happiness can be a way of being, in addition to a fleeting feeling. Creating happiness as a way of being comes from a combination of authenticity, meaning and purpose and using your strengths,” says Aymee Coget, Ph.D., who co–founded the American Happiness Association, a nonprofit dedicated to compiling and sharing research about happiness. We could all use a little more joy in our days, so here are three proven ways to turn frowns upside down — for good!
Seek happiness from within. Think that movie stars are really that happy? Sure, they’re rich, famous and good–looking, but research suggests that those three qualities don’t necessarily equal bliss. It’s inward pursuits — personal growth, community involvement, physical health and loving relationships — that put a smile on most faces. “People who expect materialistic things to make them feel good often reap the opposite: They’re less satisfied with their lives and more stressed,” says Edward Deci, Ph.D., professor of psychology at the University of Rochester in New York, where the research was conducted.
Get your daily dose of laughter. It really may be the best medicine. In addition to its emotional lift, studies show that a good laugh provides physical benefits: It aids digestion, alleviates pain, steadies blood pressure and improves mental functions. And there are no bad side effects! Not much to chuckle about these days? Rent a funny movie, see a comedy show or try Laughter Yoga, a blend of deep yogic breathing, stretching and laughter exercises that’s growing in popularity nationwide. Find a Laughter Yoga class near you at www.laughteryoga.org.
Set realistic happiness goals. Goal setting is a great way to take ownership of your happy thoughts, but you have to keep things real. “We overestimate how much we’ll accomplish in a day, leaving us frustrated, while underestimating what we can achieve in a year, given just a little progress every day,” says David G. Myers, Ph.D., author of The Pursuit of Happiness. So instead of a long–range goal like “make more money,” Myers suggests breaking your goals into smaller, more manageable chunks. For example, finding volunteer work that you love is likely to make your heart sing — plus, it may open some career doors that could lead you to additional income. It may also introduce you to people who will boost your spirits, making you feel richer in an emotionally–gratifying way.
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Good article, except that I think that happiness has a lot to do with how you're raised,more than what's in your genes.
Depression is an illness that can destroy lives and families so any pursuit of happiness is worth trying!
If God is your hero rather than a person being your hero, life becomes a joyful experience.
I also think people you are around on a day to day basis has a lot to do with your state of mind. I think personal relationships cannot be overlooked. Folks are always telling others that they should try and work on their marriage, but they cannot understand the stress a person is going through. That is why I make it a point to never tell someone what they should do concerning their love life. And I agree with the person who said having a close relationship with GOD always helps.