Pandora’s Box: 10 Essential Facts of Happiness

Posted on December 6, 2007
Filed Under Life, Psychology

“Happiness is an emotion in which one experiences feelings ranging from contentment and satisfaction to bliss and intense joy.” – Wikipedia A clear definition of happiness is very difficult to find for such a common term.

Happiness seems to be a selfish goal. This definition brings to mind an image of happy people lying around all day.

Below are 10 essential elements you will find with people who describe themselves as happy. If you consider yourself a happy person, chances are many of these are already present in your life. If you would describe yourself as unhappy, this can help you identify the elements that are absent in your life. You can then choose to cultivate and develop these elements if you decide it’s important to increase your happiness.

1. Youth
Young people are more aware of bad news and negative emotions than are the elderly. Aging seems to bias us toward the positive, despite more fragile health and finances; that may be because we’ve come closer to reaching our goals.

2. Intelligence
Smarts have only a weak effect on happiness; being brainy may decrease satisfaction by raising your expectations and making you more aware of your shortcomings.

3. Education
In the 1950s, book learning brought happiness, but a college education no longer lifts well-being on its own. Education opens the door to a better career, but it also fosters higher expectations that may be disappointed.

4. Health
You make healthy choices, eat healthy and feel fit. The health generated more joy and happiness.

5. Religion
Surprisingly, churchgoers get only a small lift from the Lord. The cause: faith fosters both community ties and social networks, which are both known to make people happier.

6. Humor
Not taking things so seriously can bring hope and happiness. People with a hopeful outlook tend to also be good at laughing.

7. Friendship (Relationships)
Friendship is one of life’s main joys. Due to novelty, spending time with friends lifts your mood more than spending time with family. Being cooperative and knowing how to chat up the opposite sex are also associated with happiness.

8. Family and child
You are close with your family; you stay in touch and support each other. The child generated enormous happiness.

9. Money
If you’re poor, money does make a difference. But above a threshold of about $40,000 a year, more won’t make you happier. Comparisons, though, influence your state of mind: No matter how much or how little you make, doing better than your neighbor will make you feel better.

10. Beauty
People like pretty. Good looks help your popularity and, by extension, your career; both boost mood. But pulchritude on its own doesn’t do much good.

Happiness matters. Focus now on the happiness elements important for you and take action! It’s now your turn. Turn the key. Be your own leader.

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Comments

3 Responses to “Pandora’s Box: 10 Essential Facts of Happiness”

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