We might all have different ideas about what makes us happy, but it’s essential to define it before truly understanding it. According to various definitions, happiness is a subjective state of wellbeing and life satisfaction. Therefore, the science of happiness focuses on achieving both through multiple practices.
The science of happiness is an essential field of study because it helps us identify what practices and habits create wellbeing and satisfaction. Through various studies, researchers have defined multiple concepts that can help us check our assumptions about our happiness and debunk myths about what satisfies us on a deeper level.
We live in a world of instant gratification, so it can be easy to confuse what brings us short-term contentment with what will ultimately provide long-term fulfilment. In this post, we’ll discuss the various factors that make up the science of happiness, including psychological, biological, and social aspects. We’ll also discuss what you can do to live a more meaningful and purpose-driven life.
What is happiness?
To better understand this concept, we’ll discuss it from three perspectives: psychological, biological, and social. These three factors can provide comprehensive insight.
The psychology of happiness
Philosophers have been studying concepts like hedonism and eudaimonia for millennia. Hedonism is the pursuit of pleasure, whereas eudaimonia is the pursuit of fulfilment and a well-lived life. Ultimately, achieving overall life satisfaction is a combination of both.
The PERMA model provides a framework for achieving life satisfaction in positive psychology, the practical study of what we can do to achieve it. PERMA stands for positive emotion, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment. By focusing on these five areas, we can build a satisfying life and integrate helpful habits into our routine.
Examples of helpful habits include gratitude journalling, which research proves increases wellbeing, mindfulness, and positive thinking. Mindset also plays a pivotal role in achieving long-term satisfaction. Examining our cognitive biases can also help us realise what is holding us back from living a fulfilling life by challenging our preconceived notions about what will bring us fulfilment.
The biology of happiness
Understanding the psychological aspects of wellbeing is beneficial, but it’s also important to note the impact of our physiology on our state of mind. For example, our neurobiology influences our emotional state, including the interplay of neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins.
These biological factors can influence our wellbeing, and many people might be genetically predisposed to certain physiological conditions that affect how these neurotransmitters interact. Interestingly, research by Sonja Lyubomirsky, Kennon M. Sheldon, and David Schkade showed that genetics make up 50% of our predisposition toward happiness, which is a lot! But this also means there is equally a lot of room for us to influence our happiness levels.
Understanding our biology is critical, but it’s also important to note the importance of physical health in pursuing long-term wellbeing. Exercise, sleep, and diet are crucial to feeling good daily, achieving lasting fulfilment and preventing disease.
Social aspects of happiness
Healthy habits and a strong mindset can help us achieve a strong sense of meaning and purpose. However, we cannot ignore the social and cultural aspects that influence us. Research shows that social connections and relationships are a core driver of fulfilment. As Harvard’s Study of Adult Development suggests, social support may be one of the most crucial factors in achieving long-term life satisfaction.
Of course, we also want material fulfilment in our lives, but societal and cultural values can distort what will make us happy in the long term. For this reason, it’s essential to be aware of what social and cultural milestones or achievements genuinely resonate with us. For example, can money buy long-term contentment?
Research by Eric Galbraith indicated that Indigenous communities were generally happier than people in industrialised nations. This study shows that while money is necessary for survival in many contexts, it isn’t the only factor in achieving wellbeing. Galbraith’s research suggests that other factors, such as relationships, community, and connection to nature, can bring us deeper meaning and fulfilment.
How can we achieve long-term fulfilment?
Numerous studies have shown proven ways to increase your life satisfaction, thanks to the ongoing efforts of researchers in the positive psychology field. It’s also important to be clear about your values and what is important to you before you set goals and work to achieve them.
Building resilience and emotional intelligence can also help you develop an increased capacity for dealing with life’s ups and downs. These capacities can also help you create a more positive mindset and confidence in getting what you want out of life.
To help you develop these skills, SACAP Global offers a short online course called Positive Psychology: The Science of Happiness. This course gives you practical tools to enhance your wellbeing and that of those around you by implementing various practical psychology practices. Who doesn’t want to be happier?
We also offer other courses to help develop different aspects of yourself and enhance your overall wellbeing. These courses include:
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