What Does It Mean To Be Happy?
The word happiness is commonly used in the contexts of emotional or mental states, which include pleasant or happy feelings ranging from contentment to extreme happiness, ranging from one person to the next. It is also sometimes used in the context of longevity, life satisfaction, flourishing, well-being and eudaimonic awareness. When we talk about happiness we talk about our inner state or condition of being. When I am happy I smile and I am filled with positive energy. I am not tense nor do I worry about anything. I am extremely happy.
When it comes to defining the meaning of happiness many psychologists and academics are faced with a very perplexing question. On one hand the question can be asked - What is happiness? On the other hand, what are the experiences of others that can measure the quality of happiness? Some answers to both of these questions may sound good but they are not satisfactory. In order to have a satisfying answer to this question psychologists and academics need to dig deeper into the subject matter, particularly psychology.
If happiness refers to our own state then we may already be in trouble. According to the standard psychological description of happiness, it is a pleasurable, positive, stable and enduring experience. Happiness according to current views should also involve pleasure, interpersonal relationships and time management. Pleasure is the good that comes with having a good relationship and fulfilling work and other tasks. Positive emotional experiences such as laughter and humor, along with positive social events and activities are necessary for well-being and happiness. Time management is important as it helps us to take advantage of the opportunities that come our way.
The meaning of being happy will vary from individual to individual. One person's definition of happiness will be different from the next person's. Therefore, the term "happiness" will have a wide range of meaning for different people. Many researchers now agree that there is a strong genetic component to a person's sense of happiness. There is a strong connection between how we think and feel.
Psychologists who study human needs agree that happiness refers to the satisfaction of two basic human needs: a need for security and a need for stimulation. They further believe that these two basic human needs are interdependent and that the security and stimulation offered by things like money and food are likely to cause happiness (as well as negative experiences). But does this mean that happiness is merely a matter of degree or intensity? The happiness scientists seek to explain is not subjective; it is a clear, objective, measurable quality. It is a specific, measurable quality that is the opposite of sadness.
The debate about the meaning of the word happiness has been going on for some time now. Although many people have a sense of what happiness means to them, many others cannot seem to agree on what it means. For this reason, the field of psychology has developed several different definitions of happiness, most of which seem to be either moderately happy or extremely happy.
According to Positive Psychology, happiness is a state of well-being involving pleasure, achievement, accomplishment, and control over one's life. In contrast, according to the dark side of this school of thought, happiness is an unstable state of emotions that may be characterized by over-the-top celebration, grandiose expectations, and unrealistic demands. In addition to the difference in definition of happiness, there is also a great deal of difference in what people see as happiness. Some people believe that true happiness lies in experiencing and spreading positive emotions and feelings and then others believe that real happiness is material gain or power.
One thing that all three schools of thought share is that happiness is linked to emotion. Emotions are both good and bad. When we are happy, we are filled with feelings of love, joy, and satisfaction. This leads to stronger connections between ourselves and others, a happier outlook on life, and a more successful future. When we are sad, we are drained of energy, emotions, and even energy itself. We lose our will to live, our sense of accomplishment, our ability to enjoy things that are simply for us, and we may even begin to actively seek means to get what we want even when we don't really need them.
