Numerous studies confirm that the feeling and perception of happiness is 50% determined by genetic factors (source: BBC). It follows from this that the other half, on which our happiness depends, is external factors, and we will consider them today.
Health
Not surprisingly, healthy people are more likely to define themselves as happy. And vice versa: a happy person maintains his health in good shape. Unfortunately, health problems are a serious factor that prevents you from feeling happy, especially when there are external signs condemned by society. Being in the company of a sick relative or friend also becomes a negative factor that is not always possible to avoid.
Family and relationships
Happy people spend enough time with the people they love: family, friends, partners. Interaction with other people satisfies one of the most important human needs – social. A simple strategy for “social happiness”: attend interesting events and do not refuse invitations to them, act as the initiator of family and friends meetings. “Real” meetings give us much more positive emotions than virtual communication, partly due to physical contact with a person, as a result of which the hormone endorphin is produced.
Necessary, useful work
We are happy doing activities that make us “forget” about ourselves and lose track of time. Araham Maslow defines self-realization as the innate motivation of a person, which stimulates the achievement of the maximum from one’s potential. We feel a sense of fulfillment and fulfillment using our skills, talents and opportunities. When we take on a challenge or complete a successful project, we experience the peak of fulfillment and happiness from achievement.
Positive thinking
One of the good habits that allows you to be happy is not comparing yourself to others. For example, an Olympic bronze medalist who is aware of his luck and success is happier than a silver medalist who is worried about not achieving first place. Another useful character trait: the ability to believe in the best option, the outcome of the state of affairs.
Thanks
Perhaps gratitude is a consequence of positive thinking, but it is still worth taking it out as an independent aspect. Grateful people are happy people. Expressing gratitude is especially powerful in written or oral forms. Keeping a gratitude journal or saying a prayer before bed is a way to increase your happiness.
Forgiveness
We all have someone to forgive. People for whom forgiveness is an impossible task eventually become irritated, depressive, worsening their health. It is important to be able to let go of “toxic” thoughts that poison lives and hinder happiness.
The ability to give
Many people agree that what helped them cope with stress and depression was… helping others. Whether it’s volunteering in orphanages or animal shelters, raising funds for charity, helping the seriously ill – any form of help helps to step aside from your problems and “return to yourself” happy and full of desire to live.