“ “To be kind to all, to like many and love a few, to be needed and wanted by those we love, is certainly the nearest we can come to happiness.” ”
- Mary Stuart

In the pursuit of happiness, humanity has embarked on an age-old quest to unravel the mysteries of what truly brings us joy. Welcome to the captivating realm of the science of happiness, where empirical research meets the intangible realms of human emotion and well-being.

At its core, the science of happiness delves into understanding the intricate mechanisms that underpin our emotional experiences and the factors that contribute to our overall sense of well-being. From the pioneering works of psychologists such as Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers to contemporary studies in positive psychology spearheaded by luminaries like Martin Seligman, the field has burgeoned into a multifaceted exploration of human flourishing.

Central to this inquiry is the recognition that happiness is not merely a fleeting emotion but a multifaceted construct encompassing various dimensions of life satisfaction, positive emotions, and a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Through rigorous empirical investigation, researchers have unearthed a plethora of fascinating insights into the determinants of happiness, ranging from genetic predispositions and personality traits to social relationships, lifestyle choices, and even cultural influences.

Moreover, the science of happiness offers invaluable insights into practical strategies and interventions aimed at enhancing well-being and fostering resilience in the face of adversity. From gratitude practices and mindfulness meditation to the cultivation of strong social connections and acts of kindness, these evidence-based approaches empower individuals to cultivate a deeper sense of joy and fulfillment in their lives.

In general, happiness is understood as the positive emotions we have in regards to the pleasurable activities we take part in through our daily lives.

Pleasure, comfort, gratitude, hope, and inspiration are examples of positive emotions that increase our happiness and move us to flourish. In scientific literature, happiness is referred to as hedonia (Ryan & Deci, 2001), the presence of positive emotions and the absence of negative emotions.

In a more broad understanding, human wellbeing is made up of both hedonic and Eudaimonic principles, the literature on which is vast and describes our personal meaning and purpose in life (Ryan & Deci, 2001)

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What Then Is the "Happiness Science"?

This is one of those instances where everything that seems true actually is true: the topic is the science of happiness, including what makes happy people happy and how to achieve it, as well as actions we can take to feel happier.

This emphasis on happiness is new to psychology; for many years, really since psychology's establishment as a science in the middle to late 1800s, the emphasis has been on life's less enjoyable aspects. The field concentrated on pathology, the worst-case scenarios, and the potential for misfortune in human existence.

The scientific term for happiness and life satisfaction—believing and sensing that things are going well in your life rather than negatively—is subjective well-being, or SWB. To measure people's happiness, scientists mostly use self-report surveys, but they have validated these scales using other kinds of measurements. Both internal elements, like personality and outlook, and external factors, like the society in which they live, have an impact on people's subjective well-being levels. A person's innate temperament, the caliber of their social connections, the societies they inhabit, and their capacity to meet their basic needs are some of the key factors that determine their subjective well-being.

People adjust to their surroundings to some extent, so over time, our circumstances might not have the same impact on our happiness as one might have thought. Significantly, studies on the effects of subjective well-being have also revealed that those who are "happy" tend to be healthier, live longer, form stronger social bonds, and perform better at work. Stated differently, individuals with high subjective well-being appear to be healthier and perform better than those who experience chronic stress, depression, or anger. Happiness is therefore beneficial for individuals as well as those around them, not just because it feels nice.

After a demanding workday, are you feeling anxious? Indulge in a bubble bath for yourself.

After a disagreement with a friend, are you feeling frustrated? Take a scoop of ice cream extra and forego your workout.

The message is clear: Put your own wishes and desires first if you want to feel happy. But many people did not grow up hearing this advice. In fact, the majority of world religions—as well as grandmothers everywhere—have long advocated for people to put others before themselves.

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Psychologists refer to such behavior as prosocial behavior and many recent studies have shown that when people have a prosocial focus, doing kind acts for others, their own happiness increases.

It is crucial to always remember that excessive materialism appears to reduce life satisfaction; we may become unhappy if we prioritize money over other things, like relationships. People appear to struggle with happiness when they believe that money is the most important thing in the world. Additionally, they are not generally as happy as others unless they are extremely wealthy. Maybe they give up too much on other important things in their pursuit of wealth, like relationships, spirituality, or pursuing their interests. Alternatively, materialists might simply never be able to save up enough money to live the lives they want.

Happiness always depends greatly on one's resilience and outlook. Everyone will experience setbacks, failures, and issues throughout their lives. Happiness, then, belongs to those who can overcome setbacks and grow from disappointments rather than to those who are problem-free—as there are no such people. Because of this, happiness is never solely a result of our circumstances; rather, it also depends on how we view life.

If you seek professional help or knows someone who needs it, reach out to our services at Heart It Out.