The Art of Happiness

Ah, happiness, that elusive state. Philosophers, theologians, psychologists, even economists, have long sought to define it, and since the 1990s, a whole branch of psychology—positive psychology—has been dedicated to pinning it down and propagating it. More than simply positive mood, happiness is a state of well-being that encompasses living a good life—that is, with a sense of meaning and deep satisfaction.

Research shows that happiness is not the result of bouncing from one joy to the next; achieving happiness typically involves times of considerable discomfort.  Money is important to happiness, but only to a certain point. Money buys freedom from worry about the basics in life—housing, food, clothing. Genetic makeup, life circumstances, achievements, marital status, social relationships, even your neighbors—all influence how happy you are. Or can be.

So do individual ways of thinking and expressing feeling. Researchers estimate that much of happiness is under personal control. Regularly indulging in small pleasures (such as warm baths!), getting absorbed in challenging activities, setting and meeting goals, maintaining close social ties, and finding purpose beyond oneself are all actions that increase life satisfaction.

Recent posts on Happiness

Be Mine? Six Steps to Self-Love

By Shainna Ali Ph.D. on January 30, 2018 in A Modern Mentality
It's that time of the year, hearts and cupids in every corner. A key to avoid being swept up by the Valentine's Dat whirlwind is not to avoid love, it's simply to shift the focus.

3 Obstacles to Reaching Your Goals and How to Conquer Each

You might think that setting high goals for yourself is a way to keep motivated but new research on depression suggests it’s better to aim a bit lower.
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Searching for Meaning Beyond the “Midlife Crisis”

Are the midlife crisis years the only time we search for meaning?
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An Instruction Manual for Happiness

The world around us will actually pull us away from tapping into our happiness.

Why Well-Being Programs Fail

Despite your best intentions and efforts, are your well-being programs falling short of the long-term outcomes you hoped to achieve? What might your program be missing?

Be Amazed

By Rick Hanson Ph.D. on January 29, 2018 in Your Wise Brain
Try to see the world as if you are seeing it for the first time. If we are filled with wonder and surprise, we would treat ourselves, others, and our fragile world more gently.

When Anger Management Requires Going Deeper

Still having trouble letting go of anger? Doing so may require you to go deeper.

This Uncommon Practice Will Support You in Tough Times

By Elaine Shpungin Ph.D. on January 27, 2018 in Peacemeal
Is feeling stressed impacting your wellness? Giving yourself a self-compassion break may help.

The Secret Agenda of the Self-Critic

By Barbara Markway Ph.D. on January 27, 2018 in Shyness Is Nice
Understanding the underlying source of self-criticism can set us free.

Four Ways to Feel Happier and Enjoy Your Happiness

We think of happiness as a desirable state unless you fear that your happiness will be fleeting. The latest research shows 4 ways to become, and stay, happy and enjoy the moment.

Things To Consider About New Relationships

By Barton Goldsmith Ph.D. on January 27, 2018 in Emotional Fitness
The most interesting thing about all these desires is that they usually change with time, and the wants of someone in his or her twenties are different from those at middle-age.

Building Self-Esteem and Improving Relationships

By Dianne Grande Ph.D. on January 26, 2018 in In It Together
Are you often feeling criticized by someone? Communication affects self-esteem.
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It’s Just Not That Important

Five ways you can do all of the things you need to do—and step out of the mad rush.

3 Steps to Building Happiness

Do you wish your brain would just quit being so darn negative and get happy already? These three steps can help you get there.

Midlife Women Need a Map

By Cecilia Dintino PsyD on January 25, 2018 in Midlife Matters
The road ahead is full of twists and turns.

How Building Resilience Could Save Your Relationship

By Michael F. Kay on January 25, 2018 in Financial Life Focus
How do we build this important characteristic not only in ourselves individually, but in our relationships to grow as a unit?
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Onward and Upward!

Isn't it time to drop the phrase "over the hill"?

Can You Create a New Reality by Reinterpreting the Old One?

The saying “keep an open mind” suggests the value of not clinging to old assumptions and beliefs. If your life lacks adventure, satisfaction, or fulfillment, here’s what to do.

Better to Have Loved and Lost Than Never Have Loved at All?

By Bella DePaulo Ph.D. on January 24, 2018 in Living Single
A narrow version of Tennyson’s lines about love and loss has been tested in increasingly sophisticated ways. Here’s what the research shows.

Why a Smart Man Makes Such a Good Partner

In long-term relationships, the better partner is the one less likely to end things. New research shows the advantages to women of having a smart man for a partner.

Changing the Narrative (Part 1)

By John Sean Doyle on January 23, 2018 in Luminous Things
Often the stories we tell ourselves, ignore how brave we’ve been. Too often they neglect the healing and growth that is possible. We are more than the stories we tell.

5 Steps to Rediscovering You

By Leslie Becker-Phelps Ph.D. on January 23, 2018 in Making Change
Rather than being a victim to the forces in your life, rediscover your “true self” and gain a sense of well-being and fulfillment.

Volunteering: The Most Humbling Selfish Act of Kindness

“Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more.” ― H. Jackson Brown Jr.

Get Outside

Move on from New Year's resolutions by doing what you will stick to. Change your life. Go outside. Here are simple outdoor activities that will improve your life satisfaction.

How Emotions Guide Our Lives

By Lisa Firestone Ph.D. on January 22, 2018 in Compassion Matters
Exploring our emotions is a worthy endeavor for anyone hoping to know and develop themselves, build healthy relationships, and pursue what they want in life.
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When Is It “Time To Fold ‘Em?”

By Rick Hanson Ph.D. on January 22, 2018 in Your Wise Brain
Self-critical thoughts, obsessions, defensive about your issues, or drinking too much. These things are relatively straightforward to deal with, even though it could be difficult.

Coloring Your World—With Light

Want to feel calmer? More alert? Get along better with others? Think more creatively? Change your light bulb.
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Our Quest to Feel Significant

By Mel Schwartz L.C.S.W. on January 21, 2018 in A Shift of Mind
Do you long for more meaning and purpose in your life?

Should You Look Forward to Being Useless?

By David Niose on January 21, 2018 in Our Humanity, Naturally
Technology is disrupting the workforce and creating an entire class of individuals who are productively "useless." Is this not a problem, but an opportunity?
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Embracing our Dark Sides

The key to self-acceptance is embracing both the light and the dark sides of ourselves. We can do this through self-compassion.