• In this world filled with varieties of people living together, we witness people with different mentalities. We often come across people who even with all the luxuries and riches are still not happy, but we can also find such people who without having anything are still happy. Ever wondered “Why is that so?“.

Happiness, a positive emotional condition, is defined by feelings of fulfillment, joy and satisfaction. Althought there are many different meanings of happiness, it is frequently said to involve joyful emotions and a sense of fulfillment in one’s life. Psychologists and other social scientists frequently use the word “subjective well-being” because it has such a broad definition. Positive emotion, engagement, relationships, meanings and accomplishments are the five components of happiness that are linked to lower heart rate, lower blood pressure and heart rate variability. 

Definition

Positive psychology researcher Sonja Lyubomirsky elaborates, describing happiness as “the experience of joy, contentment, or positive well-being, combined with a sense that one’s life is good, meaningful and worthwhile”. The ancient philosopher Aristotle provided another definition of happiness by arguing that all other human  wants are merely means to achieving happiness.  He believed that there were  four levels  of happiness;  happiness from immediate gratificationa and from achieving fulfillment.

Importance of happiness

The importance of the happiness is clearly listed in its meaning, feeling connected to sense of contentment in our lives and having good, enjoyable emotions.  Happiness is crucial for both our mental and bodily well-being. Our contentment and well-being are greatly impacted by experiencing some good feelings on a daily basis. Because of this, it’s crucial to take action that makes us feel good. These emotions can be evoked by even straightforward activities like playing with a child or a pet, or taking a stroll outside. It has been demonstrated that greater feelings of happiness and wellbeing promote healthier bodily wellbeing as well as better relationships, increased social connection, and addition to others’ lives.

Here are some of the benefits of happiness:

• It can improve your relationships as people like being around happy people.
• Happier people give more to others.
• It can enhance your productivity.
• You can be more productive when you are put in a positive mood.
• It can promote better health behaviors.

• Happier people engage in more exercise.

• It can lead to better immune functioning.
• Happier people are more resistant to colds and even experience faster-wound healing.

Positive feelings eventually boost wellbeing and personal resources. Positive feelings don’t just indicate wellbeing; they also create it for the future. The solitary most crucial component for human flourishing is positive affect.

While negativity is necessary to keep us in check and prevent a Pollyanna syndrome, people tend to thrive when their ratio of optimism to negativity is 3:1 or higher. People frequently become stuck when there is a lack of positive feeling.

How to be happy?

Bouncing from one pleasure to the next does not lead to happiness. According to researchers, happiness usually requires periods of extreme pain. How happy you are or can be depends on a variety of factors, including your genetic makeup, living circumstances, accomplishments, marital status, social connections, and even your neighbors. According to research, contentment is a choice that one can make.

Regularly indulging in small pleasures, becoming absorbed in difficult pursuits, establishing and achieving goals, and discovering a purpose greater than oneself all contribute to increased life satisfaction. It’s the actual pursuit that’s key. Happiness often comes from within.

Two key components of happiness are:

The balance of emotions: Everybody goes through both good and bad moods, feelings, and emotions. Generally speaking, being happier is associated with having more positive emotions than negative ones.

Life satisfaction: This has to do with how content you are with various aspects of your life, such as your relationships, your career, your accomplishments, and other things you value highly.

Conquer negative thinking

You have to work a little harder to train your brain to conquer negative thoughts. Here’s how;

• Don’t try to stop negative thoughts.
  
  

• Treat yourself like a friend.
  

• Challenge your negative thoughts.
• Get moving.
• Practice optimism.
  

• Spend time in nature.
  

• Declutter (But save what makes you happy).
• The one minute rule (do any task that can be finished in one minute).

  People frequently seek out temporary fixes, such as delectable treats or expensive purchases, in an effort to avoid unpleasant feelings. These pleasures make us happy, but only for a short while. However, it is also deceptive to base all expectations of contentment on achievements like getting married, becoming well-known, or becoming wealthy. When we make investments in worthwhile objectives, connections, and beliefs as well as learn how to deal with stress, we experience lasting happiness.

Daily habits to be happy
Happy people live with purpose. They find joy in lasting relationship, working toward their goals and living according to their values. Happy person is not enamored by luxury. This person is fine with simple pleasures of life.

Regardless of your version of true happiness, living a happier, more satisfied life is within reach. A few regular habits can help you get there. The following daily habits may help you achieve more happiness in your life.
–Smile

-Exercise

-Practice gratitude

-Acknowledge the unhappy moments

-Avoid comparing yourself to others

-Get into nature

-Explore meditation

-Consider therapy

–Find a self-care routine

–Let go of grudges

-Talk and share

–Focus on the good

-Don’t pursue physical possessions

–Do what brings you meaning

-Dump your negative thoughts

-Dedicate your little time to help others

-Focus on your strengths

-Feeling like you’re living the life you wanted

–Feeling that the conditions of your life are good

-Enjoying the positive, healthy relationships with other people

According to the World Happiness Report 2022, Nepal occupies 84th place on its 10th edition which was released ahead of the annual International Day of Happiness which happen to fall on March 20 every year. This report in fact proves that happiness doesn’t only mean luxuries and riches. Happiness can only be achieved by having positive thinking and enjoyimg little things in life. Also, in order to stay happy and keep the people around us happy we have to develop a healthy relationship them. We need to maintain proper communication and regular contact if they are significant in your life. Additionally, we also have to give them the proper time as

     “Happiness is a journey not the destination.”