The Science of Happiness: What Makes Us Truly Happy

We all want to be happy, but sometimes it’s difficult to define what really makes us content. Is it achieving our goals? Having meaningful relationships? Or something else entirely? The science of happiness is still relatively new, but there are some findings that can help us understand what brings us true joy.

What is happiness?

The definition of happiness is subjective, as it means different things to different people. Generally speaking, however, happiness is a feeling or emotion that comes from having a sense of contentment and satisfaction with life. It’s the opposite of sadness or distress.

What makes us happy?

There are several factors that can contribute to our overall level of happiness. Research suggests that having strong social relationships with family and friends is one key factor in feeling fulfilled. Of course, achieving goals and having more money can also bring a sense of joy and accomplishment. But it’s important to remember that material possessions are not the only path to contentment; having meaningful relationships with others is just as important for leading a happy life.

Another factor in feeling fulfilled is engaging in activities we enjoy - whether it’s reading a book, taking up a hobby or going for a walk in nature - these activities can help us feel connected to the world around us and make us appreciate life more fully. There’s also evidence to suggest that incorporating mindfulness practices into our daily lives - such as meditation or yoga - can have positive effects on our overall wellbeing.

Finally, maintaining gratitude has been linked with increased levels of wellbeing and satisfaction with life in general; when we focus on what we have rather than what we don’t have, we tend to feel happier overall.

Conclusion

While the science of happiness is still relatively new and constantly evolving, there are some clear findings about what brings people true joy: having strong social bonds with family and friends; engaging in activities we enjoy; incorporating mindfulness practices into our daily lives; and maintaining gratitude for all the good things in life can all contribute to increased levels of wellbeing and overall satisfaction with life itself.