Happiness or Contentment
Are you chasing after happiness?
When you think about your life, are you thinking, ‘I wish I was happier’?
Google tells me:
Happy = Feeling or showing pleasure or contentment
Happiness = The state of feeling happy
Contentment = The state of happiness and satisfaction
But, what is happiness?
Happiness is an emotional state characterised by feelings of joy, satisfaction, contentment, and fulfilment. While happiness has many different definitions, it is often described as involving positive emotions and life satisfaction.
So being happy combines positive emotional experiences with a more profound sense of meaning and purpose.
Where is happiness created?
We think happiness comes from what happens to us; however, science suggests that happiness primarily comes from our brains.
So if we can change how we think, we can increase our happiness even if we make no changes to our lives.
What are some words that create positive thoughts for you?
- Holidays
- Adventure
- Children
- Animals
Create yourself a positive words flash card set to use regularly.
Reviewing these words feels good at the moment and can make it easier to generate these emotions and thoughts in the future. That’s because when any brain region is activated, it gets stronger, like a muscle.
So memorising or focusing on positive words can make positive concepts, memories, and feelings easier to access in your brain.
Start activating these positive regions in your brain today!
What is your definition of happiness?
For most of us, happiness is a bit more about the actions we take in our daily lives. Here are some of the most common examples of what happiness is:
- Family, friends, and relationships
- Sun, nature, and being outdoors
- Doing things you enjoy
- Thought processes like gratitude and self-compassion
- Exercise
- Financial security and safety
- Purposeful work
- Accomplishing, creating, or achieving something
Ways to create happiness
- Practice gratitude regularly
- Practise mindfulness
- Be aware of savouring the moment
- Practice kindness and empathy
- Conscientiousness
- Improve your social relationships
- Cultivate resilience
- Positive thinking
- Imagine your best self
Be compassionate with yourself
Many of us are incredible at helping others but are incredibly self-critical. We speak to ourselves in a way we would never talk to another person.
Just take one step at a time to increase your happiness or contentment and treat yourself with the same kindness we offer to others.
What are some of the ways you create happiness?
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Kelly
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