The Keys to Happiness, According to the World Happiness Report

Happiness can never be a “destination.” It is a state of being, not a place you get to. When you begin to tie “happiness” to the accumulation of objective measures, you will never be “happy” enough. Happiness is a subjective state of being, not an objective goal to reach.

There is a “happiness difference” between a static state of ownership and the ongoing process of experience. There’s also a “happiness difference” between valuing tangible wealth over sharing the wealth you accumulate. Happiness is not something that can be bought or sold, but the American dream is often filled with possessions to acquire. Unfortunately, just as the value of a new car rapidly depreciates once it’s driven off the lot, the happiness attached to most objects is fleeting.

So if the American dream becomes a nightmare of trying to afford things you really can’t, what does bring a sense of happiness and satisfaction? Spending time with the people you care about and spending time engaging in the activities you enjoy. Travel, afternoons spent with friends, enjoying a good book, playing games with your kids, pillow talk with your lover, driving nowhere in particular with the person you love — these are the experiences that affect us on multiple levels and increase the personal value of the time, money, or resources invested in them. When you are moved by something, that is when you attach value to it.

A lot of research on happiness and subjective well-being has been done over the last fifty years or so. It seems like everyone wants to determine the exact formula for joy. While there is never going to be a specific prescription for attaining happiness, there are some important findings that can be guidelines for us. Here are five prerequisites for experiencing happiness in life:

1. Human beings need relationships to enjoy optimum well-being and happiness. This is a simple truth: We are born with a strong drive to establish connections with others. While many of us think that we will be happy when we find “true love,” or whatever we feel approximates that, it is not generlly romantic relationships that provide what we require for happiness. Simply having good friends who encourage and support you will contribute just as much to your overall feelings of happiness and contentment.
2. Being kind to others is essential to finding a sense of personal happiness. Our human brains are wired so that we feel joy when we behave in altruistic ways. Just making plans to do something nice for others – whether it's throwing a party for a friend, volunteering for a worthy cause, or planning a monetary donation – will give you a boost and generate a sense of satisfaction and well-being.
3. Acknowledging the abundance of your own life, no matter how austere or extravagant it might be, and experiencing gratitude for people, experiences, and things also positively contribute to a sense of well-being. When people focus on scarcity or what is lacking, negative emotions bubble up, like envy, discontent, and resentment.
4. Finding a sense of meaning and purpose in your pursuits in life is necessary for contentment and happiness. Believing that you are contributing to something beyond yourself and being a part of something larger than your individual existence are also necessary to experience a feeling of peace that is a part of happiness.
5. Making healthy lifestyle choices in terms of your basic needs – sleep, nutrition, and exercise – also contributes to your happiness in life. Studies show that regular exercise – even just a daily walk – is highly effective in reducing depression. Contemplative activities, such as yoga, meditation, and reflection, have also been proven to reduce stress and promote well-being. And while many people think a good night’s sleep is “optional,” research shows that poor sleeping habits lead to greater stress, increased risk for cardiovascular illness, and even weight gain.

Misconceptions About Happiness

Perhaps the biggest misconception we have is a belief that happiness is a “destination” or that it can be bought. It may sound trite or a bit corny, but it is our journeys through life and our experiences along the way that will truly yield feelings of contentment and satisfaction.

The World Happiness Report provided some surprising findings, including the fact that living in a wealthy nation doesn’t guarantee a happy life. Some countries with far fewer resources than the US scored higher on the Happiness Index. In places where life is simpler (or harder) than in the US, people may be less likely to actively seek happiness in the same way we do. It turns out that a basic safety net of support and the company of others are the things that are core to most folks’ happiness.

The World Happiness Report identified these five factors as pivotal to happiness:

1. Caring about others and sharing resources.
2. Breaking bread with others; shared meals are a building block of happiness.
3. Sharing your home in lieu of solo living; loneliness and isolation are big threats to physical and mental health.
4. Engaging in prosocial behaviors that reflect altruism and community commitment.
5. Connecting with others, especially for young adults.

Anything that truly brings lasting contentment or authentic gratitude is more than likely not a “thing,” but an experience, and the presence of social support and social engagement are the most significant factors.