Ingredients For Happiness

I decided to write on this topic after spending a few days studying and writing a few case studies on the correlation between subjective well being and positive psychology.

Don’t panic (laugh!!!!). Subjective Well Being is a polished term coined by psychologists for the word happiness.

What is happiness?

Happiness is a state of well-being and contentment. It could also be a pleasurable, fulfilling or satisfying experience.

Why use the word ingredients?

An ingredient is a substance that forms part of a mixture (in this case happiness). The post in context attempts to list a few ways of deriving happiness from the simple things we do.

The benefits of happiness are as follows:

• Greater energy
• Longevity
• Better health
• Sociability
• Increased creativity
• Flexible thinking
• Greater sense of self worth.

The aim of this post is to list a few ways (ingredients) of deriving happiness from the simple things we do in our daily lives.

Here are a few suggestions:

• Recognize that you are solely responsible for your own happiness.
• Build and establish positive relationships with people. (I.e. friends, family, colleagues)
• Improve your physical and mental health by exercising and stimulating your mind.
• Appreciate nature, the environment and your surroundings
• Learn something new each day.
• Develop a lifestyle of  loving people for who they are.
• Celebrate your faith/beliefs. (In this case it will be my Christian faith)
• Develop a high level of self worth.
• Show various acts of kindness to different people.
• Avoid resisting constructive and positive change.
• This is controversial; but you must understand that there are times you will go through bouts of sadness, worry, anxiety… and you’ve got to work your way back up the happiness ladder.
• Take a day one step at a time and live for each moment.
• Be passionate about things that could add value to your life.
• Get involved in various projects, communities, tasks… For heavens sake just do something constructive!!!!
• Live within your means. Be content with what you have.
• Build a home; raise your kids properly remembering they are our future
• Be moderately optimistic about life and the events which constantly unfold each day.
• Show gratitude and live a life of thanksgiving.

There are other examples or ways of deriving happiness from the simple things you do.

I look forward to your comments and suggestions.

Ayo Olaniyan is a certified Unitive Life Coach, an Accredited Professional Counsellor with the Counselling Society and the editor of The Life Skills Magazine. For further information, please complete this form.

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