In Search of ´appiness
Happiness. It's the pinnacle of human existence. For some, it is a lifelong quest, while others seem to bask in waves of joy effortlessly. We enjoy it in abundance at times, and as circumstances shift, it may feel elusive or unobtainable.
Yearning to be happier and live fulfilling lives is a deep-seated desire intrinsic to human existence. But do we have agency in this domain? Is it luck, or may it be consciously cultivated? According to the research, it is both.
Genetics dictate 50%, while environmental factors shape the rest.
Striving for happiness is a universal pursuit; with some knowledge, you may stack the odds in your favor. There are science-backed strategies to cultivate joy and fulfillment. As with most things in life today, there are user-friendly apps that may pave the way to a brighter, more fulfilling existence.
What is "Happiness?"
Courtney E. Ackerman, author and writer for PositivePhyschology.com, defines happiness as "a state characterized by contentment and general satisfaction with one's current situation."
Many assume that success, wealth, beauty, or power inevitably yield happiness. But it happens to be the reverse; happiness breeds the behaviors that lend themselves to those outcomes. Happy people tend to be healthier, more productive, creative, and prosperous due to cultivating habits that produce happiness, such as gratitude, finding meaningful social support, and self-care.
As we've established, both nature and nurture shape happiness. According to the research, our genes account for 50%, but environmental factors influence the other half. This is excellent news, as we can employ tactics to cultivate more joy in our lives.
Happy people also enjoy better physical health. These fortunate individuals fall ill less and employ nutrition and fitness habits to promote longevity. In addition, their productivity and creativity flourish. A satisfied outlook breeds professional accomplishments and personal expressions that elevate others and attract like-minded peers.
Consciously fostering habits and connections that spark meaning, pleasure, and growth lights up those neural pathways of positivity. Through neuroplasticity, we may rewire our brains' sensitivity to life's wonders, small and large. Then, achieving conventional success milestones can become a natural manifestation of wellbeing, not a prerequisite.
Building healthy habits is the cornerstone to leading happier and more productive lives. Focusing on the basics like diet, exercise, and sleep can go a long way to expanding our Happiness Quotient (HQ).
One of the simplest ways to improve your overall well-being is to focus on getting 8 hours of good-quality sleep each night. That is why one of the most essential apps we could recommend is BetterSleep. BetterSleep is a remarkable app that lives up to its name, offering an exceptional sleep-enhancing experience. The app goes beyond conventional sleep aids, providing a rich array of options and a user-friendly interface, making it a standout companion for anyone seeking better sleep and a holistic approach to relaxation and wellbeing.
Still, with countless responsibilities and stressors, happiness can prove elusive. Unsurprisingly, other science-backed apps like Misu and Happify promise mood-tracking and happiness skills at our fingertips today. These apps are excellent tools so long as they utilize the research from these proven happiness-boosting methodologies.
Here Are 7 Techniques to Spark Happiness in Daily Life With Apps to Support Them
1. Practice Gratitude
Life has ups and downs, but pausing to appreciate your blessings daily will help to cultivate joy. Acknowledging simple things such as a supportive friend, your health, or a stranger's kindness can be all you need to begin this life-changing practice. When I get stuck, I list all the things I have today that I still want to have tomorrow. Research confirms activities like keeping a gratitude journal cultivate happiness.
A few apps that may help you fulfill this simple task include the Gratitude Journal App and Happier App.
2. Do What You Love Today!
When we get lost in simple pleasures, it helps us cultivate waves of joy. It may be as simple as reading outside or strolling through nature. It may be challenging to carve out time for your passions despite life's demands. We implore you to take some time and commit to spending it doing something you love every day.
A few apps that may help you fulfill this meaningful task include Eventbrite App (discover local events/activities) and Meetup App (join groups for hobbies/interests).
3. Nurture Quality Relationships
Work to build boundaries with people who do not lift your spirit. Cherish family ties and choose friends who genuinely care. Always remember quality over quantity. Work hard to build a solid social support system that you can trust through thick and thin.
A few apps that may help you build your social support include MeetMe App (meet new people) and Paired: Couples & Relationship app (strengthen relationships).
4. Embrace Change
When we change, there is an opportunity to grow. Though destabilizing initially, conquering challenges associated with change and achieving small goals boosts purpose and self-confidence. Incremental progress compounds and stagnation breeds discontent.
A few apps that may help you embark on a journey to cultivate growth include Fabulous App (set/track health goals) and Finch App (build new habits).
5. Less Is More
More stuff isn't the answer to lasting happiness. Material goods bought easily are soon forgotten, providing a fleeting dopamine rush and no sustained pleasure. For meaningful joy, spend on experiences you'll savor, such as a family vacation or a gift to someone less fortunate. Forgoing the hefty expenses of designer goods and fancy cars for something experiential will pay off.
A few apps that may help you find joyful experiences are Roadtripper and Viator: Tours & Attractions.
6. Help Others
Selfless service to other human beings can be a source of great joy. Volunteering assistance to strangers in need or a listening ear to a loved one uplifts everyone involved. Being of service to others can do double duty by shining a light of gratitude on what may be fortunate about your current situation.
A few apps that may help you find opportunities to be of service are Golden Volunteer Opportunities and Bonterra.
7. Cut Out Negativity
When anger or hurt arises, be sure to take a moment (or a few days) and reflect before responding. You have time to seek the root and respond thoughtfully by giving yourself pause. Learning from emotions prevents festering and provides us with the opportunity to grow. When we allow ourselves to look at the situation as an outsider, we can see the problem through a new lens, perhaps one where we have rosier-colored glasses.
A few apps that may help you reframe negative emotions and cultivate mindfulness are the Happify App and Headspace App (meditation & mindfulness).
A 50% Happier Life
With knowledge comes great responsibility. We may not be able to change the genetic hand we have been dealt. Fortunately, building solid habits that cultivate holistic wellbeing, not one-dimensional pursuits of pleasure, help to build sustainable human happiness. Employing these tactics meaningfully over time can result in a 50% happier life. Empowered with this knowledge, we can create more fulfilling lives.
By incorporating these insights, we transmute even the most mundane moment into one where we may amplify our joy.
As a seasoned author and speaker at the intersection of technology and wellness, Shannon Hayner brings a wealth of insights to help readers navigate the evolving digital landscape with a focus on personal well-being. In her book Surviving Creative Evolution, she tackles automation anxiety, championing human gifts like creativity and critical thinking.