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How of Happiness

The scientific pursuit of happiness

Happiness
How to Hold on to Happiness When Your World Collapses

Sonja Lyubomirsky Ph.D. on March 26, 2020

Is self-isolating getting you down? Are the uncertainties and disruptions overwhelming? Try to hold on to happiness by boosting your daily positive emotions with these 12 steps.

Is self-isolating getting you down? Are the uncertainties and disruptions overwhelming? Try to hold on to happiness by boosting your daily positive emotions with these 12 steps.

Gratitude
There Is No “Interest” Placed On Gratitude

Sonja Lyubomirsky Ph.D. on November 11, 2018

The lack of interest on gratitude or kindness is one of the reasons that these practices are so powerful in creating positive emotions and making people happier with their lives.

The lack of interest on gratitude or kindness is one of the reasons that these practices are so powerful in creating positive emotions and making people happier with their lives.

Pessimism
Obama, Positive Psychologist-in-Chief

Sonja Lyubomirsky Ph.D. on December 28, 2016

I submit that President Obama is our positive psychologist-in-chief, one who focuses on what is honorable and good in human nature rather than ruminating on our lesser instincts.

I submit that President Obama is our positive psychologist-in-chief, one who focuses on what is honorable and good in human nature rather than ruminating on our lesser instincts.

Optimism
To Be Elected President, It Helps to Be an Optimist

Sonja Lyubomirsky Ph.D. on November 24, 2015

What if psychological scientists could analyze the positivity of presidential candidates and relate it to the outcomes of actual elections? Two U Penn researchers already have.

What if psychological scientists could analyze the positivity of presidential candidates and relate it to the outcomes of actual elections? Two U Penn researchers already have.

Happiness
Be Happy, But Don't Worry So Much About It

Sonja Lyubomirsky Ph.D. on July 16, 2015

Avoiding extremes—both surfeit and deficiency—is a wisdom preached by Aristotle, Confucius, Aquinas, and many other thinkers and writers. The prescription applies to working too hard versus too little, parenting by decree versus neglect, and pursuing happiness too earnestly versus not at all.

Avoiding extremes—both surfeit and deficiency—is a wisdom preached by Aristotle, Confucius, Aquinas, and many other thinkers and writers. The prescription applies to working too hard versus too little, parenting by decree versus neglect, and pursuing happiness too earnestly versus not at all.

Child Development
Finding Meaning Through Mental Time Travel

Sonja Lyubomirsky Ph.D. on May 1, 2015

Imagine returning to the home where you grew up, opening the door, and walking right back into your childhood or youth? What would you learn about yourself and your life story? How would you live your life differently today?

Imagine returning to the home where you grew up, opening the door, and walking right back into your childhood or youth? What would you learn about yourself and your life story? How would you live your life differently today?

Happiness
What's So Great About Flow?

Sonja Lyubomirsky Ph.D. on June 11, 2014

One of my favorite definitions of happiness is that you are happy when you want to keep doing what you’re doing. This is the essence of flow.

One of my favorite definitions of happiness is that you are happy when you want to keep doing what you’re doing. This is the essence of flow.

Parenting
Are Parents Happier or More Miserable?

Sonja Lyubomirsky Ph.D. on March 2, 2014

I have four kids, so I can attest to the truism that children are the source of our greatest joy and our greatest sorrow. Kids give our lives purpose, infuse us with fun and pride, and enrich our identities. At the same time, they are also vectors for worry, anger, and disappointment; they deprive us of sleep; and they strain our finances and marriages.

I have four kids, so I can attest to the truism that children are the source of our greatest joy and our greatest sorrow. Kids give our lives purpose, infuse us with fun and pride, and enrich our identities. At the same time, they are also vectors for worry, anger, and disappointment; they deprive us of sleep; and they strain our finances and marriages.

Happiness
Why Aren't We Happier During the Holidays?

Sonja Lyubomirsky Ph.D. on December 1, 2013

The holidays are rife with Pollyannaish expectations. We look forward to them all year long, cutting out holiday recipes, writing to-do lists, researching gifts, and making travel plans. Science shows, however, that such high expectations are frequently both erroneous and toxic.

The holidays are rife with Pollyannaish expectations. We look forward to them all year long, cutting out holiday recipes, writing to-do lists, researching gifts, and making travel plans. Science shows, however, that such high expectations are frequently both erroneous and toxic.

Happiness
How To Buy Happiness

Sonja Lyubomirsky Ph.D. on September 2, 2013

Studies reveal that although there is a significant relationship between income and well being, it isn’t as straightforward, or as strong, as we might think. Research shows that as long as our basic needs are met, it's how we spend our money—not how much we possess—that has the greater influence on our happiness.

Studies reveal that although there is a significant relationship between income and well being, it isn’t as straightforward, or as strong, as we might think. Research shows that as long as our basic needs are met, it's how we spend our money—not how much we possess—that has the greater influence on our happiness.

Motivation
Are You Unhappy With Your Job?

Sonja Lyubomirsky Ph.D. on June 6, 2013

Recent surveys show that more Americans than ever are dissatisfied with their jobs. But will a new job really make us happier?

Recent surveys show that more Americans than ever are dissatisfied with their jobs. But will a new job really make us happier?

Happiness
Redemption, Happiness, and the Olympics

Sonja Lyubomirsky Ph.D. on August 13, 2012

The most compelling stories heard about Olympians are stories of redemption—of overcoming adversity to reach new heights, of suffering being redeemed. Oscar Pistorius had both his legs amputated, yet grew up to sprint in the 2012 Olympics. Bryshon Nellum endured agonizing years of recovery after being shot in the legs, yet carries the U.S. flag at the Closing Ceremonies.

The most compelling stories heard about Olympians are stories of redemption—of overcoming adversity to reach new heights, of suffering being redeemed. Oscar Pistorius had both his legs amputated, yet grew up to sprint in the 2012 Olympics. Bryshon Nellum endured agonizing years of recovery after being shot in the legs, yet carries the U.S. flag at the Closing Ceremonies.