How Unexpected Positive Events Influence Happiness and Mental Health

There is a strong relationship between happiness and mental health. It is well-accepted that unexpected positive events are important indicators of healthy well-being. Such events may be trivial day-to-day activities to something out of the ordinary, but one’s feelings can greatly be altered and affected because of these events. This article explores how such events influence happiness and mental health, drawing on psychological theories, empirical research, and practical implications. 

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The Nature of Happiness 

Happiness is usually viewed as a state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy. Though there is no universal definition to describe happiness,  it is very subjective to an individual. Aristotle gave the concept of ‘eudaimonia,’ which isn’t the typical happy feeling you get from eating your favourite ice cream or watching a funny movie named as hedonic happiness.

Instead, eudaimonia is something deeper. It is not just a lack of unpleasant feelings or the presence of immediate pleasures but a more complicated state comprised of many good feelings including satisfaction with one’s life and having meaning in it. According to the broaden-and-build theory proposed by Barbara Fredrickson, positive emotions broaden our awareness and encourage novel, varied, and exploratory thoughts and actions, which can build personal resources over time. 

Read More: 10 Factors that Contribute to Happiness, According to Psychology

The Role of Unexpected Positive Events 

The major cause of dissatisfaction or unhappiness in one’s life is having expectations and when not fulfilled leads to disappointment. Significant increases in happiness due to unexpected positive events can be explained because surprising positive events break the monotony of daily life that, in turn, makes everything very thrilling and new. These unexpected events may transform a person’s normal monotonous routine into something more interesting and fulfilling. These events can be spontaneous acts of kindness, unexpected compliments, or unanticipated encounters that brighten our day. Research indicates that such experiences can lead to immediate boosts in mood and longer-term improvements in mental health.

Read More: Expectations and their Impact on Life

The Short-Term Effects  of Positive Events

In the short run, any unexpected positive event is capable of inducing a release of the pleasure and reward-related neurotransmitter known as dopamine. This biochemistry-fueled response can dampen negative feelings and enhance positive ones. For example, according to research, people who participate in altruistic actions or people who receive altruism from other people are more satisfied in their life and overall happiness and satisfaction are higher than the average.

Additionally, they can provide balancing factors when one is overly focused on the negative aspects. The impact of positive events can be particularly pronounced in individuals who may be struggling with mental health issues, as these moments can provide a reprieve from negative thought patterns and emotional distress. 

The Long-Term Benefits  of Positive Events

While the immediate effects of positive events are significant, their long-term benefits are equally noteworthy. Engaging in positive experiences can lead to the development of resilience, which is crucial for mental health. Resilience means the ability to bounce back, when faced with stress and even difficult situations, one’s performance is relatively intact, fostering a greater sense of well-being over time.

Studies have confirmed that frequent experiences of positive emotions will boost people’s motivation toward goal-directed actions and well-being-enhancing behaviours. For instance, happy individuals tend to maintain healthy relationships, pursue fulfilling careers, and engage in community activities, all of which contribute to a sustained sense of happiness. 

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The Impact of Major Life Events 

Major life events, such as starting a new job, getting married, or having a child, can also serve as unexpected positive events that significantly influence happiness. Usually, these events change the external environment and circumstances of life of the individual to a high degree and improve the life satisfaction scale so much more. For example, there have been studies that show people are happier after major changes in their lives like getting married or having kids than their happiness level was before.

Nevertheless, it should also be pointed out that the effects of events and changes may also differ according to the imagination and the situation of the person concerned. These changes may evoke happiness in some people, while others may feel stress and unease due to pending changes, especially when they regard the change as too much and uninvited or when it does not meet their standards. 

Adaptation and the Pursuit of Happiness 

Achieving happiness is only possible by understanding the element of change, which has been pointed out as a vital aspect in the context of being happy. It has been researched that after important events in their lives, people tend to go back to the same level of happiness, this is called the ‘hedonic treadmill’. This means that while positive events can cause some short-lived happiness, this short-lived happiness would, for instance, dim after some time as those individuals may have come to accept their new conditions and resume their dissatisfaction with life.

This adaptation process underscores the importance of continually seeking out new positive experiences to maintain happiness. Engaging in activities that promote joy, such as exploring new hobbies, travelling, or building social connections, can help counteract the effects of adaptation and sustain long-term well-being. 

Read More: 10 Characteristics of Highly Satisfied People, According to Psychology

Practical Implications 

Understanding the influence of unexpected positive events on happiness and mental health has several practical implications. Individuals can actively seek out opportunities for positive experiences in their daily lives. This includes Performing Acts of Kindness, it has been shown that even small-scale acts of kindness can have a ripple effect such that not only does the giver become happy, but the receiver of the act experiences happiness as well.

Cultivating  Gratitude, people should try to regularly think about the good experiences that they have faced as well as the good outcomes that they received to help them look for the good things in life. Building Social Connections, improving relationships as well as finding new ones may bring surprises that would otherwise be unattainable which may increase happiness. Mindfulness Practices, mindfulness and meditation can help individuals become more aware of positive events as they occur. 

Read More: How Meditation Changes Your Brain

Conclusion 

Surprise events or unexpected positive occurrences are essential determinants of happiness and mental health. They bring about both quick and slow changes in wellbeing as positive feelings are developed, resilience is built and individuals are motivated to interact with the world. Understanding the dynamics of happiness and actively seeking out positive experiences can empower individuals to enhance their mental health and lead more fulfilling lives. As research continues to uncover the complexities of happiness, it becomes increasingly clear that embracing the unexpected can be a powerful catalyst for joy and satisfaction. 

Further Readings  

• “Well-being is more than happiness and life satisfaction: a multidimensional analysis of 21 countries” – Health and Quality of Life Outcomes. 
• “Happiness and mental health of older adults: multiple mediation analysis” – International Journal of Aging and Human Development. 
• “The Benefits of Frequent Positive Affect: Does Happiness Lead to Success?” – American Psychological Association.