Happiness is a powerful and elusive emotion. It has long been a goal of philosophers, theologians, psychologists, and even economists to define it. Happiness is a state of well-being that includes leading a good life with a sense of meaning and deep contentment. It goes beyond simply being in a good mood.

Health benefits can also come from experiencing joy. Research also indicates that being happy can enhance your physical health; positive emotions and fulfillment appear to benefit, among other things, the immune system, blood pressure, inflammation levels, and cardiovascular health. Even a longer lifespan as well as a higher quality of life and overall wellbeing have been associated with happiness.

The pursuit of happiness is universal. According to research, happiness is ranked higher by people from all walks of life than other desirable personal outcomes like wealth, material possessions, and entrance into heaven.

How to Be Happy?

Happiness typically involves significant periods of discomfort, according to researchers. Bouncing from one joy to the next does not lead to happiness. Your happiness is influenced by a variety of factors, including your genes, life circumstances, accomplishments, marital status, social connections, and even your neighbors.  Individual modes of thought and emotional expression also exist. According to research, happiness is largely a matter of choice.

Life satisfaction is boosted by regularly indulging in small pleasures, becoming absorbed in difficult pursuits, setting and achieving goals, upholding close social ties, and discovering a purpose bigger than oneself. Not happiness itself, but the pursuit of happiness is what makes people happy.

Indicators of Happiness

Happy people lead purposeful lives. They enjoy having enduring relationships, making progress toward their objectives, and living their values. The contented person is not obsessed with material possessions or extravagant trips. This person is content to enjoy life’s small pleasures, such as petting dogs, reading in the shade, and drinking coffee. Listed below are a few telltale signs of contentment.

• Open to picking up new skills
• High in patience and humility
• Readily laughs and smiles
• Embraces change
• Demonstrates compassion
• Is grateful a lot
• Exercise self-care
• loves having good relationships
• Is happy for others
• Receives and gives without suffering
• Lives with purpose and meaning
• Has fewer expectations and no sense of entitlement
• Not spiteful or derogatory
• Does not  harbor resentments
• Does not keep track of small problems
• Avoids playing games
• Neither a hero nor a victim.

The Happiness Myth

There are many myths about what we think will bring us happiness. People frequently think that they will be happy once they have accomplished a particular goal, like finding the ideal partner or getting a particular job.

Humans are very good at adjusting to new situations, so people will grow accustomed to their new relationships or wealth, return to a baseline level of happiness, and look for the next achievement.

Happiness throughout Life

Every person has different life experiences. Having said that, certain patterns frequently show up when researchers look at the average trajectory of happiness over the course of a lifetime. Beginning relatively high, happiness and satisfaction decline from adolescence to midlife and then increase throughout older adulthood.

In order to continue seeking fulfillment throughout their lifetime, it is beneficial for people to keep track of and revise what makes them happy at any given time.

Joy and Good Health

Happiness and good health go hand in hand. That is not to say that those who are ill cannot be happy, but that taking care of one’s health is a crucial—and perhaps undervalued—part of happiness.

There are numerous correlations between health and happiness, including a longer lifespan, but it can be challenging to determine which causes the other. Everyone can feel happier by making adjustments to their diet, exercise, sleep, and other factors.