Description
We all want to be happy. But is becoming happier even possible?
Happiness is a state of mind that everyone strives for. It is a feeling of contentment, joy, and satisfaction. While happiness is often thought of as a fleeting emotion, it is possible to increase your happiness over time. There are things that you can do to contribute to your happiness. Find out in this special audiobook and ebook selection in the CFTEA Global Workplace Library.
Happiness is a journey, not a destination. It is important to be patient and kind to yourself as you work to increase your happiness. By making small changes in your life, you can create a more positive and fulfilling future for yourself.
Myths and facts about happiness |
| There are a lot of myths out there about what will make you happy. So, before we embark on a tour of the strategies that do work for boosting happiness, let’s dispense with the things that don’t. |
| Myth: Money will make you happy.Fact: It’s stressful when you’re worried about money. In order to be happy, you do need enough of it to cover your basic needs: things like food, shelter, and clothing. But once you have enough money to be comfortable, getting more money isn’t going to make much of a difference in how happy you are. For example, studies of lottery winners show that after a relatively short period of time, they are no happier than they were before their win. |
| Myth: You need a relationship in order to be happy.Fact: Being in a healthy, supportive love relationship does contribute to happiness, but it’s not true that you can’t be happy and fulfilled if you’re single. Indeed, singles who have meaningful friendships and pursuits are happier than people in mismatched romantic relationships. It’s also important to note that even a good marriage or romantic partnership doesn’t lead to a permanent, intense happiness boost. Expecting your partner to deliver your happily-ever-after may actually harm the relationship in the long-run. You—not your partner or your family members—are responsible for your own happiness. |
| Myth: Happiness declines with age.Fact: Contrary to popular belief, people tend to get happier with age. Study after study confirms that seniors experience more positive emotions and fewer (and less intense) negative emotions than young people and middle-aged adults. Generally, older adults are also more satisfied with their lives, less sensitive to stress, and more emotionally stable. Even with the losses that come with age, it is the happiest time of life for many people. |
| Myth: Some people are just happier than others and there’s nothing you can do to change that.Fact: Genetics do play a role in happiness. Current research suggests that people are born with a certain happiness “set point.” But that only accounts for about half of our happiness level. Another 10% is due to life circumstances. That leaves 40% that is determined by your actions and choices. That’s a lot of control! |