Happiness

This Happiness page is intended to provide definitions, articles and items to find and maintain Happiness in our lives. Also our other sections such as Quotes can help to provide you with motivation, inspiration and humour. None of the content is intended to be of a religious nature.

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What is Happiness?

Happiness is an electrifying and elusive state, according to a report by “Psychology Today Australia“. Philosophers, theologians, psychologists, and even economists have long sought to define it. And since the 1990’s, a whole branch of psychology — positive psychology — has been dedicated to pinning it down. More than simply positive mood, happiness is a state of well-being that encompasses living a good life, one with a sense of meaning and deep contentment.

Feeling joyful has its health perks, as well. A growing body of research also suggests that happiness can improve your physical health; feelings of positivity and fulfillment seem to benefit cardiovascular health, the immune system, inflammation levels, and blood pressure, among other things. Happiness has even been linked to a longer lifespan as well as a higher quality of life and well-being.

Attaining happiness is a global pursuit. Researchers find that people from every corner of the world rate happiness more important than other desirable personal outcomes, such as obtaining wealth, acquiring material goods, and getting into heaven.

Reference: Psychology Today Australia. http://www.psychologytoday.com/au

How to be Happy

Happiness is not the result of bouncing from one joy to the next; researchers find that achieving happiness typically involves times of considerable discomfort. Genetic makeup, life circumstances, achievements, marital status, social relationships, even your neighbours — all influence how happy you are. Or can be. So do individual ways of thinking and expressing feelings. Research shows that much of happiness is under personal control.

Regularly indulging in small pleasures, getting absorbed in challenging activities,
setting and meeting goals, maintaining close social ties, and finding purpose
beyond oneself all increase life satisfaction. It isn’t happiness per se that promotes
well-being, it’s the actual pursuit that’s key.

Reference: Psychology Today Australia. http://www.psychologytoday.com/au

Signs of the Happy Person

The happy person is not enamoured with fancy material goods or luxury vacations. This person is fine with the simple pleasures of life — petting a dog, sitting under a tree, enjoying a cup of tea. Here are the signs of the happiest.

• Does not feel entitled and has fewer expectations
• Is not spiteful or insulting
• Doesn’t hold grudges
• Is open to learning new things
• Is high in humility and patience
• Doesn’t register small annoyances
• Does not angst over yesterday and tomorrow
• Exercises self-care
• Smiles and laughs readily
• Goes with the flow
• Practices compassion
• Gives and receives without torment
• Is not a martyr or victim
• Is always grateful
• Is not stingy with their happiness
• Enjoys healthy relationships
• Is happy for other people
• Has a healthy support network
• Lives with meaning and purpose

Reference: Psychology Today Australia. http://www.psychologytoday.com/au

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Scientific Research

Ongoing scientific research into causes and effects of human happiness, with the goal to improve the overall quality of life for people around the world, is available from independent research organisations such as the “The Happiness Institute” at http://www.happinessresearchinstitute.com . Their research includes what makes a happy home life, the well being of populations of businesses, regions and countries, along with ways to measure it. This type of independent group can be expected to continue to help improve everyone’s well being, as they interact with people, businesses and governments around the world.

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Laughter

Laughter can help to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, boost the immune system, improve brain functioning and event protect the heart, according to medical researchers.

When we think about humour and health, it’s no wonder that we have a “funny bone”, that humour is contagious and that laughter is “infectious”.

Humour can also be considered an “antidote” to everyday problems, such as trying to make sense of a computer error. You can get angry about a problem, or you can respond with a joke or a funny remark. Perhaps if you are afraid or worried about something, a few laughs may help make you way through it.

Remember a quote by a famous funny man, Groucho Marks: “A laugh is like an aspirin, only it works twice as fast”.

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Help with Big Decisions.

Sometimes when needing to make big decisions in our life, it can be difficult to do. Research by reputable organisations has provided several options to help you with making that important choice or path in life.

The old advice of sleeping overnight on it is a very good option. Research has shown that when asleep our brains have time to process all the various inputs and put them into context for you, plus it may also provide other options or ideas which you may not have thought of while awake and feeling under pressure to make that important decision.

Taking a long walk has also been shown to be very beneficial for giving your brain time to process all the information, including your emotions, about what you are trying to decide.

Also, just having a break from the decision making area and possibly have a refreshing drink and a snack, will once again give you time to contemplate the options for the decision to be made.

The essence of the research indicates that you need to provide your brain with time away from other distractions, including the pressure of the situation, to let your brain time to process all the information. Remember that the bigger the decision, also the longer time frame of the result of the decision, and the less you are familiar with the subject to be decided, the more time you should give yourself time to develop the decision.

Once the decision has been made, be happy with the decision.

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Try some of our Jokes, Quotes or other items to help keep you happy.

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