How To Find True Happiness!
If you ever wondered how to find true Happiness, you are not alone! Statistics show that only 1 out 3 Americans are truly happy! So why do the rest of us struggle to find it? To understand how to become more joyful, we should first look at what it means to be happy. Although people find happiness in different things, the underlying feeling is the same for all of us. It is a euphoric sensation that is felt throughout our body when endorphins are released in our brain. When we have many moments of happiness in our lifetime, we are said to experience real Joy!
How Do We Get It?
It is a widely believed that once we achieve some goal in our life, then we would find true happiness. “If Only” seems to be a common thought! “Once I get that promotion… ” “When I have more money…” “As soon as I become ….” The problem is that all of these Extrinsic Goals (things related to external influences such as money, fame or status) don’t really make us happy. Studies like the Hedonic Treadmill show that even when someone’s financial status changes, they still report feeling the same level of happiness. This is because once our basic needs are met, having more money only causes us to desire more!
Consider this… in the last 50 years, the economic growth in America has doubled. People today are twice as wealthy as their parents, but their level of happiness has remained the same.
Another example is Japan, which ranked 22 out of the top 25 wealthiest nations. Despite that countries’ financial growth, their people rank among the lowest in level of happiness –according to the 2019 World Happiness Report. The rise in suicides, steaming from their toxic workplace, has increased so much that they actually coined a term for it- “Karoshi.”
How Do We Get It?
It is a widely believed that once we achieve some goal in our life, then we would find true happiness. “If Only” seems to be a common thought! “Once I get that promotion… ” “When I have more money…” “As soon as I become ….” The problem is that all of these Extrinsic Goals (things related to external influences such as money, fame or status) don’t really make us happy. Studies like the Hedonic Treadmill show that even when someone’s financial status changes, they still report feeling the same level of happiness. This is because once our basic needs are met, having more money only causes us to desire more!
Consider this… in the last 50 years, the economic growth in America has doubled. People today are twice as wealthy as their parents, but their level of happiness has remained the same.
Another example is Japan, which ranked 22 out of the top 25 wealthiest nations. Despite that countries’ financial growth, their people rank among the lowest in level of happiness – according to the 2019 World Happiness Report. The rise in suicides, steaming from their toxic workplace, has increased so much that they actually coined a term for it- “Karoshi.”
How Do We Get It?
It is a widely believed that once we achieve some goal in our life, then we would find true happiness. “If Only” seems to be a common thought! “Once I get that promotion… ” “When I have more money…” “As soon as I become ….” The problem is that all of these Extrinsic Goals (things related to external influences such as money, fame or status) don’t really make us happy. Studies like the Hedonic Treadmill show that even when someone’s financial status changes, they still report feeling the same level of happiness. This is because once our basic needs are met, having more money only causes us to desire more!
Consider this… in the last 50 years, the economic growth in America has doubled. People today are twice as wealthy as their parents, but their level of happiness has remained the same.
Another example is Japan, which ranked 22 out of the top 25 wealthiest nations. Despite that countries’ financial growth, their people rank among the lowest in level of happiness -according to the 2019 World Happiness Report. The rise in suicides, steaming from their toxic workplace, has increased so much that they actually coined a term for it- “Karoshi.”
Measuring Happiness
Measuring Happiness
When measuring happiness, studies show that 50% of how we feel comes from our genes and personality. External conditions or outside events only account for 10%! Thus, the remaining 40% is made up of our choices! So if we know that changing our current circumstances only affects 10% of our happiness, then our focus should go toward intentional activity. Make no mistake, finding true happiness is a CHOICE! What can you do to bring about more joy? Having Intrinsic Goals such as personal growth, meaningful relationships and the desire to help others have been proven to be a direct link in increasing one’s happiness.
Our lifestyle, attitude, and actions are the key ingredients to finding true happiness. When we shift our attention from desire to commitment, we begin to experience inner joy. Happy people around the world share certain qualities and characteristics that allow them to view life from an optimistic point of view. It is not to say that they don’t experience life’s ups and downs like the rest of us, but they seem to bounce back faster. By reading this, you are one step closer to creating a change in your life. So let’s take a look at what you can do to live a happier life. I have outlined the top activities that increase happiness.
1. Volunteer
The one activity that produces the highest level of happiness is engaging in Acts of Kindness! In an Amazon Prime Documentary called “Happy,” filmmaker Roko Belic traveled across the world searching for the secret to happiness. Surprisingly enough, most of the people he found lived in modest conditions, yet they were generous with their time and possessions. By engaging in altruistic behavior, their brains released high levels of endorphins, allowing them to feel constant joy.
Researchers also discovered that helping others not only makes us happy, but it can boost our self confidence. In addition, it can lower our levels of stress, anger and anxiety. Having a sense of purpose from lifting others causes us to feel joy, commonly known as “helper’s high.” Brain scans show that when people just think about altruistic behavior, their brain begins to light up those areas of pleasure.
The act of volunteering over a period of time has actually shown to create changes in the size of the brain. Studies also indicate that those who help others live longer lives, since they tend to be more active and engage in problem solving skills.
1. Volunteer
The one activity that produces the highest level of happiness is engaging in Acts of Kindness! In an Amazon Prime Documentary called “Happy,” filmmaker Roko Belic traveled across the world searching for the secret to happiness. Surprisingly enough, most of the people he found lived in modest conditions, yet they were generous with their time and possessions. By engaging in altruistic behavior, their brains released high levels of endorphins, allowing them to feel constant joy.
Researchers also discovered that helping others not only makes us happy, but it can boost our self confidence. In addition, it can lower our levels of stress, anger and anxiety. Having a sense of purpose from lifting others causes us to feel joy, commonly known as “helper’s high.” Brain scans show that when people just think about altruistic behavior, their brain begins to light up those areas of pleasure.
The act of volunteering over a period of time has actually shown to create changes in the size of the brain. Studies also indicate that those who help others live longer lives, since they tend to be more active and engage in problem solving skills.
1. Volunteer
The one activity that produces the highest level of happiness is engaging in Acts of Kindness! In an Amazon Prime Documentary called “Happy,” filmmaker Roko Belic traveled across the world searching for the secret to happiness. Surprisingly enough, most of the people he found lived in modest conditions, yet they were generous with their time and possessions. By engaging in altruistic behavior, their brains released high levels of endorphins, allowing them to feel constant joy.
Researchers also discovered that helping others not only makes us happy, but it can boost our self confidence. In addition, it can lower our levels of stress, anger and anxiety. Having a sense of purpose from lifting others causes us to feel joy, commonly known as “helper’s high.” Brain scans show that when people just think about altruistic behavior, their brain begins to light up those areas of pleasure.
The act of volunteering over a period of time has actually shown to create changes in the size of the brain. Studies also indicate that those who help others live longer lives, since they tend to be more active and engage in problem solving skills.
2. Gratitude
2. Gratitude
Another tool for finding true happiness is practicing Gratitude. Happy people tend to be grateful for what they currently have in life by appreciating the little things. In one exercise, a group of people were asked to count their blessings on a weekly basis. By taking the time to write down what they were thankful for allowed them to feel happier.
No matter where we are in life, we all have something to be thankful for. When we stop and think about it, we begin to shift our mind from feelings of lack to feelings of appreciation. Unhappiness often steams from us comparing ourselves and our lives to others. With Social Media showcasing people in their best light, we are often left feeling less worthy. By focusing on our own blessings, instead what others have, we are able to find true happiness.
2. Gratitude
Another tool for finding true happiness is practicing Gratitude. Happy people tend to be grateful for what they currently have in life by appreciating the little things. In one exercise, a group of people were asked to count their blessings on a weekly basis. By taking the time to write down what they were thankful for allowed them to feel happier.
No matter where we are in life, we all have something to be thankful for. When we stop and think about it, we begin to shift our mind from feelings of lack to feelings of appreciation. Unhappiness often steams from us comparing ourselves and our lives to others. With Social Media showcasing people in their best light, we are often left feeling less worthy. By focusing on our own blessings, instead what others have, we are able to find true happiness.
3. Relationships
The third activity that leads to finding true happiness is having Meaningful Relationships. Most studies outline the importance of being surrounded by close family and friends. When we invest time in those around us, it not only creates lasting memories but it helps us cope with life’s constant change. It is not to say that we will always get along with everyone around us, but having a strong support system is key to living a happy life.
We often choose to spend our free time on our technology instead of engaging and interacting. In 2019, the average person was online close to 4 hours a day and that number continues to grow! Finding true happiness means making a shift toward quality time with those close to us. Studies show a direct link between having deep and strong relationships and our level of happiness. Moments of bonding and laughter not only release endorphins allowing us to feel happy, but they can also reduce our level of stress.
3. Relationships
The third activity that leads to finding true happiness is having Meaningful Relationships. Most studies outline the importance of being surrounded by close family and friends. When we invest time in those around us, it not only creates lasting memories but it helps us cope with life’s constant change. It is not to say that we will always get along with everyone around us, but having a strong support system is key to living a happy life.
We often choose to spend our free time on our technology instead of engaging and interacting. In 2019, the average person was online close to 4 hours a day and that number continues to grow! Finding true happiness means making a shift toward quality time with those close to us. Studies show a direct link between having deep and strong relationships and our level of happiness. Moments of bonding and laughter not only release endorphins allowing us to feel happy, but they can also reduce our level of stress.
3. Relationships
The third activity that leads to finding true happiness is having Meaningful Relationships. Most studies outline the importance of being surrounded by close family and friends. When we invest time in those around us, it not only creates lasting memories but it helps us cope with life’s constant change. It is not to say that we will always get along with everyone around us, but having a strong support system is key to living a happy life.
We often choose to spend our free time on our technology instead of engaging and interacting. In 2019, the average person was online close to 4 hours a day and that number continues to grow! Finding true happiness means making a shift toward quality time with those close to us. Studies show a direct link between having deep and strong relationships and our level of happiness. Moments of bonding and laughter not only release endorphins allowing us to feel happy, but they can also reduce our level of stress.
4. Physical Activity
There is another key ingredient to finding true happiness… It’s Exercise! The mind and the body have a strong connection to our happiness. By exercising regularly we not only release those feel good endorphins in our brain but it also helps in lifting our mood.
We all know that physical activity is good for us, but it can also serve as an outlet to reduce stress. Exercising for as little as 20 minutes a day can leave us feeling uplifted for up to 12 hours. Specifically cardiovascular and aerobic workouts that cause our heart rate to rise are directly linked to making us feel happy. Creating a lifestyle that includes regular fitness activities is necessary in finding happiness.
Similarly, exercising outdoors with exposure to sunlight has also shown to release endorphins. The natural Vitamin D that our bodies produce when exposed to UVB Rays has been proven in reducing depression, fighting disease and boosting weight loss.
4. Physical Activity
There is another key ingredient to finding true happiness… It’s Exercise! The mind and the body have a strong connection to our happiness. By exercising regularly we not only release those feel good endorphins in our brain but it also helps in lifting our mood.
We all know that physical activity is good for us, but it can also serve as an outlet to reduce stress. Exercising for as little as 20 minutes a day can leave us feeling uplifted for up to 12 hours. Specifically cardiovascular and aerobic workouts that cause our heart rate to rise are directly linked to making us feel happy. Creating a lifestyle that includes regular fitness activities is necessary in finding happiness.
Similarly, exercising outdoors with exposure to sunlight has also shown to release endorphins. The natural Vitamin D that our bodies produce when exposed to UVB Rays has been proven in reducing depression, fighting disease and boosting weight loss.
4. Physical Activity
There is another key ingredient to finding true happiness… It’s Exercise! The mind and the body have a strong connection to our happiness. By exercising regularly we not only release those feel good endorphins in our brain but it also helps in lifting our mood.
We all know that physical activity is good for us, but it can also serve as an outlet to reduce stress. Exercising for as little as 20 minutes a day can leave us feeling uplifted for up to 12 hours. Specifically cardiovascular and aerobic workouts that cause our heart rate to rise are directly linked to making us feel happy. Creating a lifestyle that includes regular fitness activities is necessary in finding happiness.
Similarly, exercising outdoors with exposure to sunlight has also shown to release endorphins. The natural Vitamin D that our bodies produce when exposed to UVB Rays has been proven in reducing depression, fighting disease and boosting weight loss.
5. Attitude
Another tip to finding true happiness is your Attitude! Understanding that it’s our actions NOT circumstances that affect our joy is the secret to being truly happy. Walking through life with a smile on our face is one of those small adjustments we can all make. Looking at situations with an optimistic outlook can help us cope when things are not working for us. The great thing about having a positive mindset is that with practice it does get easier!
One of the ways I have been able to stay consistently happy is understanding that no matter what challenges I may be facing, things CAN always be worse. It is definitely looking at life through the glass half full rather than half empty. When I approach situations with a positive attitude, I am able to find more solutions in coping with circumstances that are out of my control.
5. Attitude
Another tip to finding true happiness is your Attitude! Understanding that it’s our actions NOT circumstances that affect our joy is the secret to being truly happy. Walking through life with a smile on our face is one of those small adjustments we can all make. Looking at situations with an optimistic outlook can help us cope when things are not working for us. The great thing about having a positive mindset is that with practice it does get easier!
One of the ways I have been able to stay consistently happy is understanding that no matter what challenges I may be facing, things CAN always be worse. It is definitely looking at life through the glass half full rather than half empty. When I approach situations with a positive attitude, I am able to find more solutions in coping with circumstances that are out of my control.
5. Attitude
Another tip to finding true happiness is your Attitude! Understanding that it’s our actions NOT circumstances that affect our joy is the secret to being truly happy. Walking through life with a smile on our face is one of those small adjustments we can all make. Looking at situations with an optimistic outlook can help us cope when things are not working for us. The great thing about having a positive mindset is that with practice it does get easier!
One of the ways I have been able to stay consistently happy is understanding that no matter what challenges I may be facing, things CAN always be worse. It is definitely looking at life through the glass half full rather than half empty. When I approach situations with a positive attitude, I am able to find more solutions in coping with circumstances that are out of my control.
6. Inner Peace
The final tool to finding true happiness is the ability to achieve Inner Peace. Spending time with our self not only provides us with a sense of calmness but also allows us to live a more joyful life. Happy people often engage in activities that enable them to be still and calm.
Knowing oneself is a key to finding true happiness. When we learn to pause our hectic lives, we are able to get a clearer picture and find ways to feel more at peace. Practicing Daily Meditation and controlled breathing, such as yoga, are great ways to release endorphins that in turn make up feel happy.
Want to learn how… check out our meditation menu.
6. Inner Peace
The final tool to finding true happiness is the ability to achieve Inner Peace. Spending time with our self not only provides us with a sense of calmness but also allows us to live a more joyful life. Happy people often engage in activities that enable them to be still and calm.
Knowing oneself is a key to finding true happiness. When we learn to pause our hectic lives, we are able to get a clearer picture and find ways to feel more at peace. Practicing Daily Meditation and controlled breathing, such as yoga, are great ways to release endorphins that in turn make up feel happy.
Want to learn how…check out our meditation menu.
6. Inner Peace
The final tool to finding true happiness is the ability to achieve Inner Peace. Spending time with our self not only provides us with a sense of calmness but also allows us to live a more joyful life. Happy people often engage in activities that enable them to be still and calm.
Knowing oneself is a key to finding true happiness. When we learn to pause our hectic lives, we are able to get a clearer picture and find ways to feel more at peace. Practicing Daily Meditation and controlled breathing, such as yoga, are great ways to release endorphins that in turn make up feel happy.
Want to learn how…check out our meditation menu.
In Conclusion
In Conclusion
Happiness is a choice we all have! Our lifestyle, attitude and actions all have a profound affect on how we feel. Implementing these methods on a regular basis has been proven in leading a life full of inner joy.
