For my wellbeing project I want my piece itself to improve your wellbeing. I want people to walk away smiling, feeling inspired, uplifted, positive, and ultimately happy.
To give me the best judgement and understanding, I conducted some research into happiness itself, and what factors cause people to be happy.
Happiness is defined as, "the state of being happy" [1], of which is "feeling or showing pleasure contentment". [2]
During the 2011 UN General Assembly, the importance of happiness was discussed. It was not highlighted just as a priority for global health, but it was also acknowledged as a 'fundamental human goal', in which even economic growth can benefit from [3].
The study of happiness has been a global focus for scientists, psychologists and Buddhists. The exact formula of which still hasn't been pin-pointed. However, there are a handful of things that we can surround ourselves with, and do, in order to make ourselves happier people:
1) Caring about other people
Within all of us we have something called the 'moral molecule', which is associated with love and pain relief. This molecule releases oxytocin when we think about the ones that we love and care for. Looking at photos of your friends and family can raise oxytocin levels - making people happier. Ultimately personal relationships are a vital component to happiness.
2) Old Age
Studies have shown that elderly people are happier in their later years, than they were when they were teenagers. This might be because they had more knowledge and life experience, so they can consequently enjoy life more.
3) Positive Thinking
Thinking positively vastly contributes to happiness. There are 5 ways of thinking that can help you to adopt a positive mindset:
- Be grateful
- Be optimistic
- Count your blessings
- Use your strengths
- Commit acts of kindness [4]
Being aware of your strengths and noting all of the positivity in your life will encourage better well-being and overall joy.
4) Exercise
When you exercise, endorphins are released. These are natural painkillers and create feelings of euphoria
5) Enjoying Culture
Immersing yourself in the outside world and the different aspects of culture has been proven to boost your happiness. Going to an art museum, a ballet show, seeing a play, or even attending church are a few ways this can be achieved.
6) Having Pets
Studies have found that some of the happiest people around are the ones that have a pet. Pets not only increase our self-esteem, but they also give us a sense of belonging and meaning to our lives. Being around animals can also reduce blood pressure, and reduces stress too.
Other things that can boost your happiness:
- Nature (being surrounded by plants)
- The outdoors
- Music
- Looking back on memories, reminiscing
- Doing a hobby, e.g gardening, dancing, drawing/painting
- Meditating
[1] https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/happiness
[2] https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/happy
[3] https://www.bustle.com/articles/70762-what-really-makes-a-person-happy-9-things-science-knows-about-what-really-keeps-us-content
[4] https://www.livescience.com/9824-5-happier.html
[5] http://changingminds.org/explanations/emotions/happiness/what_makes_people_happy.htm
[6] http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/2016/03/15/the-33-things-that-will-make-you-happyand-the-seven-that-definit/
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