Happiness is a complex and multi-faceted concept, and it means different things to different people. Some people might define happiness as a constant state of euphoria, while others might see it as a more general sense of contentment or well-being. Depending on what kind of happiness you are after, the strategies and techniques you use to achieve it may vary.
One of the most common types of happiness is what is often called "hedonic" happiness. This type of happiness is characterized by a feeling of pleasure or enjoyment. People who are focused on hedonic happiness might seek out experiences and activities that give them a sense of pleasure, such as eating good food, watching a movie, or going on vacation. They might also enjoy the feeling of pleasure associated with buying new things or getting a promotion. Hedonic happiness can be a source of instant gratifications, it may be more difficult to maintain in the long-term and might also be associated with materialism.
Another type of happiness is "eudaimonic" happiness, which is characterized by a sense of meaning and purpose. People who are focused on eudaimonic happiness might seek out experiences and activities that give them a sense of fulfillment or purpose, such as volunteering, pursuing a passion, or raising a family. They might also value qualities like personal growth, self-actualization, and making a positive impact on the world. Eudaimonic happiness is said to be more sustainable and long-term oriented.
A third type of happiness is called "flow" happiness. Flow is a state of mind in which a person is completely absorbed in an activity, to the point that they lose sense of time and self-awareness. The activity can be anything that engages the person fully and it is challenging enough to be fulfilling, but also allows them to perform well. Athletes, artists, and scientists often describe the feeling of flow as one of the most enjoyable and meaningful experiences in life.
There are also people who might consider "interpersonal happiness" as their main type of happiness. This type of happiness is characterized by feeling connected and loved by others. People who are focused on interpersonal happiness might seek out experiences and activities that foster strong relationships and a sense of belonging, such as joining a club or group, spending time with friends, or volunteering.
All these types of happiness can coexist and can also change over time. What makes you happy at one stage of your life may not have the same impact at another stage. One of the keys to achieving happiness is understanding what type of happiness is important to you. Once you have a clear understanding of what you are looking for, you can develop strategies and techniques to achieve it.
Some tips to achieve happiness:
Be mindful of what you are looking for. Take the time to reflect on what is important to you and what type of happiness you are after.
Experiment and try new things. Don't be afraid to try different activities and experiences to see what brings you happiness.
Focus on the present moment. Pay attention to what is happening right now, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
Prioritize self-care. Make sure to take care of your physical, emotional, and mental health by eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep.
Cultivate gratitude. Take the time to appreciate what you have, rather than focusing on what you lack.
Invest in meaningful relationships. Spend time with people you care about, and make an effort to build strong, supportive relationships.
Ultimately, happiness is different for everyone. The key is to understand what type of happiness is important to you and develop strategies and techniques to achieve it. It is also important to remember that happiness is not a destination but rather a journey. It is something that we can strive for and work towards, but it may not be something that we ever fully attain. That doesn't mean we should give up the pursuit, but rather to be mindful that it is a dynamic and ongoing process.
It's important to also remember that happiness is not always going to be a constant state, it is a natural thing to have ups and downs. Sometimes, external factors such as loss, trauma or changes in life will affect our mood and affect our happiness. It is important to have a healthy perspective and to understand that it is normal to feel sad, unhappy or even lost at some points in life. That's where self-compassion comes in, being kind and gentle to ourselves during hard times and not being too hard on ourselves for not always feeling happy.