Where Does Happiness Come From?

Being happy seems like such a simple and normal thing. Everybody wants to be happy, but where does happiness really come from? Does it come from the situations we’re in? The things we have? Or does it come from within ourselves?

Happiness is defined as the positive emotions and pleasure we get from activities in our daily life. Emotions such as positivity, hope, gratitude, warmth, and pleasure are all examples of happiness we may feel and allows us to flourish (1). Happiness can also be referred to as hedonia, the presence of positivity and the absence of negativity (1). There is even such a thing as the “Science of Happiness”, which is the study of positive psychology. It’s the science behind what happiness is and how to experience it. Simply put, it’s the study of the little things that make life worth living (2).

Of course, just like any other emotion, happiness is produced in our brains by a hormone; Serotonin. Serotonin is the hormone that’s responsible for regulating our mood, well-being and feelings like happiness (3). When your serotonin levels are stable, you feel more focused, emotionally stable, happier, and calmer (3). Likewise, if your serotonin levels are lowered, you’re more likely to feel low moods such as depression.

So, happiness is produced by a hormone, but where does true happiness really come from? And how do we get it? It’s said that happiness comes from within us, and we do have control over it. But, when we don’t understand happiness, we can often turn to bad places and make the wrong choices that we think will help us when they actually won’t. Happiness starts with choosing to make wise choices. It’s an internal decision. Even if your life is falling apart, you can still be happy. It all depends on what you choose to think about, talk about, and act upon (4). It’s your outlook on life, and there are many steps you can start practicing to welcome those positive and happy emotions. The first and most important step that pretty much encompasses everything is to stop behavior that’s harmful towards your health (4). Now, I know this can be a difficult thing to do, but these behaviors are preventing you from happiness and life, and it’s really not helping you or anyone else. Another thing you could do is to think happy thoughts (4). I know this sounds childish and silly, but think about it. If you think happier, you’ll feel happier and lighter. Block out those negative emotions that are dragging you down. That negative voice inside your head is not a friend. Lastly, it’s important to seek help when you need it. Talking to a professional may be able to help you better. They’re there to help you face your obstacles and overcome them (4). If you’re looking to talk to someone, check out BetterHelp. Remember, there are so many people who can help you, you just need to want it.

And of course, I can’t leave you without some fun facts about happiness!

• Happiness is linked to better health such as lower blood pressure and heart rate.

• Happier people are less likely to get sick.

• The people who live the longest tend to be the happiest people.

• Happy people tend to make others happy as well.

• A portion of our happiness levels can be determined by genetics.

• Smelling floral scents can make you happier.

• Being outdoors can make you happier.

• Happiness is contagious.

(1)

Happy Holidays to everyone! The holidays can be a happy yet stressful time, so make sure to take care of yourselves. Stay safe. ❤️

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Works Cited

(1) Nelson-Coffey, Katherine. "The Science of Happiness in Positive Psychology 101."

PositivePsychology, 9 Jan. 2020, positivepsychology.com/happiness/.

Accessed 12 Dec. 2020.

(2) Keener, Meghan. "What Is the Science of Happiness?" HuffPost, Verizon Media, 9

Jan. 2020, www.huffpost.com/entry/positive-psychology_b_2410890. Accessed

12 Dec. 2020.

(3) Bancos, Irina. "What is Serotonin?" Hormone Health Network, Endocrine Society,

Dec. 2018, www.hormone.org/your-health-and-hormones/

glands-and-hormones-a-to-z/hormones/serotonin. Accessed 12 Dec. 2020.

(4) Brown, Amy. "Where Does Authentic Happiness Come From And How To Get It."

BetterHelp, 13 Nov. 2019, www.betterhelp.com/advice/happiness/

where-does-authentic-happiness-come-from-and-how-to-get-it/. Accessed 12

Dec. 2020.