10 Factors that Contribute to Happiness, According to Psychology

Throughout history, humans have engaged in bloody wars, battling each other for control over valuable resources, land, or wealth. However, no matter which side they belonged to, everyone shared one dream: to find more power and therefore, more happiness. We spend our whole lives working tirelessly, hoping that someday we’ll be happy or maybe still a moment. People cross countries, travelling to one place or another in hopes of better opportunities.

Many study for years in pursuit of a good job. Others put every penny together despite the circumstances of their current life. This pursuit may seem like a meaningless pursuit of money, but deep down, it stems from the desire to one day achieve happiness and satisfaction before our inevitable death. All humans are unique beings with different aims and ambitions, yet the desire to be happy unites us all as one.

Read More: The Psychology of Money and Happiness

If our goals are the tree’s branches, then the longing for happiness serves as its roots. It is hard to define happiness, but it is usually defined as an emotion of joy, gladness, satisfaction, and well-being (American Psychological Association, 2018). Take a paper and list out your goals and ambitions for the next 20 years. Now reread them and dissect why you want to achieve these goals. It could range from finding a fulfilling job or spending time with your friends, among many others.

By now, you may have realized that most goals on your list are elaborate and detailed steps towards the pursuit of happiness. The world is constantly changing, what we consider important now may not be as important after a few centuries. However, some things withstand the test of time, such as factors that contribute to true happiness. 

Factors that Contribute To Happiness 

Everybody wants to be happy, but only a few know truly how. Here are some factors that contribute to happiness and overall well-being: 

1. Genetics: According to research, genetics can affect happiness. Approximately 30% of our happiness is the product of our genes (Røysamb et al., 2018). However, don’t be too discouraged as we still have 70% of our happiness in our hands. While we may all have a set starting point, we can still take control and live a fulfilling and happy life. 
2. Pursuing Intrinsic Goals: As much as we want to convince ourselves that a good salary is enough, We need to consider that it may help us live a better lifestyle, but it is not enough to live happily. If someone is continuously pushed to pursue a path that goes against their values and inner desires, they will eventually experience burnout. Studies show that intrinsically motivated people who consistently accomplish small goals that resonate with their inner passions are happier than those solely focused on acquiring material possessions (Lee & Kawachi, 2019). 
3. Mindfulness: Mindfulness is the art of being in the present. Our past is a roadmap that leads us to the present, and our future is the destination we chart, but it cannot be rewritten with a snap of our fingers. Focusing too much on the past or future can affect your happiness. Mindfulness involves focusing on your present thoughts and emotions without judging them. Negative emotions are inevitable. By acknowledging that you have them, some of the pain associated with them is lifted. 
4. Gratitude: Our lives are full of haves and have-nots. No matter how hard we work, we cannot have everything. Dwelling on such thoughts only makes us sadder. Instead of focusing on have-nots, try focusing on what you have and are grateful for. Practising gratitude daily is a great, quick, and, easy habit to improve happiness and life satisfaction. 
5. Having a Strong Social Network: Close friends and family provide support and stay with us, even during our darkest moments. They provide us with warmth and comfort after a hard and overwhelming day. As social beings, belongingness is an innate need necessary for our happiness. 
6. Healthy Diet and Exercise: As much as we struggle while exercising, it is essential to live a long and happy life. Those greens that make you grimace as soon as you hear their name are important predictors of happiness. Regular exercise is linked to not just lower risk of depression but also increased happiness (Zhang & Chen, 2018). 
7. Enjoy the Moment: We are often so focused on the end goal that we forget to enjoy the walk towards it. Recall the last time you took a quick break to enjoy the beautiful flowers on your way to work or school. The simple act of appreciating nature’s beauty before starting our busy schedule serves as a much-needed calm to our busy minds. Life is a journey, so try to savour every moment of it. 
8. Finding a Sense of Purpose: Research suggests that people who have set goals and ambitions are happier than those who do not have a clear sense of purpose (Ryff, 2013). When things get tough, our dreams and passion lend us a hand to get out of the water and keep going on. It involves finding and giving meaning to your life through finding a goal that you care deeply about. People who have a sense of purpose find it easier to stay productive and keep walking on their chosen path. 
9. Financial Security: According to Maslow (1943) humans cannot reach their self-actualization until their basic needs such as food, water housing are met. It is a hard pill to swallow, but money is necessary for happiness. While money cannot buy happiness, it can help you do things that make you happy, such as travelling or shopping. Financial security reduces stress and uncertainty about the future, contributing to happiness. 
10. Reframe Negative Thoughts: Challenges and obstacles are a part of life that you cannot avoid. Instead of dreading them, try to embrace challenges as opportunities to grow. Reframing negative thoughts does not mean that you have to ignore bad thoughts, events, or feelings. Completely ignoring negative thoughts can do more harm than good, so instead, try to look at events with a more balanced and realistic look to figure out how to grow from them. 

Happiness is not an endpoint, it is a journey. It is a constant pursuit that requires patience and sustenance. Actively looking for happiness can be self-defeating, instead try to cultivate hobbies and intrinsic goals that give you a sense of purpose and fulfilment. In today’s society, happiness may seem like a luxury but through small but impactful changes in our daily lives, it can be ours. 

FAQs

1. Does physical health affect happiness? 

Yes, physical health is a significant predictor of happiness. Research suggests that regular exercise, a healthy diet and a consistent sleep schedule contribute to increased energy levels, better mood and overall well-being. 

2. What role does money play in happiness? 

While money cannot buy happiness it is necessary to fulfil our basic needs and also wants. However, beyond a certain point, its impact diminishes. Financial security is important to live a comfortable and happy life but is not the sole determiner.

3. Are relationships important for happiness? 

Human beings are social creatures, we cannot thrive alone. A strong social network and supportive relationships are crucial for happiness. Close connections with family and friends provide a sense of belonging and are linked to a lower risk of depression.

4. How does mindset affect happiness? 

Setbacks are inevitable, but how you choose to view them is not. A positive mindset is linked to life satisfaction and happiness even when in a pinch. Practices like mindfulness, gratitude, and meditation can help bring focus back to the present and improve wellbeing.