"The Science of Happiness" is a door opened by Dasher Keltner and Emiliana Simon Thomas, professors of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley.
As a fundamental discovery from positive psychology, it states that “happiness is closely related to strong social relationships, and to contribute to something common for the benefit of others.”
As for the exact definition of happiness, they say that "there is no consensus on a perfect definition of happiness, as most people have an intuitive sense of it when they find it";
But it remains that "the definition of happiness depends on the strength and authenticity of the individual's social bonds, his willingness to human kindness, and his constructive role in society."
Experts say to Cnet, "Happiness means accepting negative experiences, having the skills to manage and deal with them, and use them to make better decisions later."
But is happiness hereditary genetic?
Is it related to wealth?
Can happiness be practiced in practice?
Happiness is not hereditary
Laurie Santos, Professor of Psychology at Yale University, who teaches a free online class called The Science of Well-Being, for more than 4 million trainees;
"There is a misconception that our luck of happiness is an inherent genetic issue, and we can't change it," she says.
One popular theory included in a 2005 research paper, “The Happiness Pie Scheme,” indicated how much we can achieve our happiness, through a graph in which researchers explained that “while 50% of your happiness is determined by your genes that you got from your parents and grandparents And 10% according to the circumstances of your life, 40% is determined by your actions.
One study author says, for example, "You may have a genetic gene for leadership, but you won't turn into a skilled leader, without support from your daily activities."
Although this division has faced criticism, especially after the release of research in 2016, indicating that the rate of heritability of happiness ranges between 70% and 80%.” Then a research paper in 2019, in which researchers from the University of Leipzig indicated, “Maybe You have a genetically anxious tendency, due to stressful circumstances in your childhood, that limit your happiness.” But the happiness pie scheme tells us that “at least we have a fair amount of happiness under our control,” says Santos.
Happiness is not an automatic result of getting rich
Although research tends to suggest that the rich are often happier than the poor, Santos says that "science shows that being rich, or having a good job and valuable possessions, are not as important to happiness as we think."
As Emiliana Simone Thomas describes, linking happiness to wealth is a "big misconception";
She explained that "happiness is not a continuous positive emotional state, and being happy does not mean feeling pure joy all the time."
It is normal to "face setbacks, problems, and loss of loved ones." These negative feelings are an essential part of your emotional life, and overcoming them is an important thing in the path to your happiness.
So, those who believe that happiness is what is portrayed on Facebook, for example, may be less happy than those who see it in a more comprehensive way of quality of life,” says Simone Thomas.
Close relationships with family, friends and colleagues, a key factor in keeping people happy (Getty Images)
Happiness can be practiced
In 2014, researchers Dasher and Emiliana launched a free online course;
It was watched by students from 208 countries around the world, and more than 550,000 students registered;
To practice "How to be happy in just 8 weeks".
By interacting with research on happiness, more motivating lessons, watching videos about the science of communication, empathy, gratitude and mindfulness, and doing some happiness-enhancing activities.
The results were incredibly surprising. Those who participated fully saw their positive feelings increase each week, and they also reported lower feelings of sadness, stress, loneliness, anger, and fear (on a scale of 1 to 10, their weekly ratings shifted to only one score). ;
In return for enhancing their sense of fun, enthusiasm and affection, and their attention to the importance of society.
The researchers monitored how the participants' subjective happiness, life satisfaction and prosperity increased by about 5% during the course, and this effect continued for 4 months afterwards.
Which is an indication of "the possibility of practical training to increase the area of happiness in our lives during a specific period, even in difficult times."
Intentionally engaging in simple compliments can make you happier, less depressed and less anxious (pixels)
be happier
In addition to the three skills that Benny Lucasso (who aspires to teach happiness to 10 million people around the world by 2025) as essential to greater happiness - focus, courage and curiosity - you can be happier at home or anywhere, with these four steps:
Strengthen your social connections, many studies have found that “social connection has the greatest role in happiness.” The Harvard Study of Adult Development comes at the forefront of these studies, as it lasted for more than 80 years following hundreds of participants, and found that close relationships with family, friends, and colleagues are a factor. essential to keeping people happy;
Other factors include not smoking, exercising, and work-life balance.
Spread nice compliments. “Performing intentionally simple compliments can make you happier, less depressed and less anxious,” University of California professor Sonia Lyubomirsky has found.
Simon Thomas adds, "It makes you feel good, because you make the other person feel good."
Count gratitude. Counting everything that made you feel grateful at the end of your day “promotes happiness and reduces symptoms of depression,” according to a 2005 study. It also “trains your brain to pay attention to the good, instead of thinking about the bad.” and stressful," according to Simon Thomas.
Have mercy on yourself, because “excessive self-criticism toward setbacks detracts from your happiness and hinders the achievement of your goals; it is better to maintain a warm and supportive inner voice, than to be critical of hostility”;
As Simon says.