Ways to greater happiness?
From an article by the Journal of Happiness
All humans want a satisfying life for themselves and their children. This is seen in the high ranking given to happiness in the preferences of ordinary people in western nations. Individually, people seek ways to achieve a more satisfying life and this quest is manifested in the soaring sales of ‘self-development’ books and in the ongoing development of life-coaching businesses.
Citizens in western societies call on their governments to improve the social conditions for happiness; for example, 85% of the British agree with the statement that "A governments prime aim should be achieving the greatest happiness of the people, not the greatest wealth"
In an article in the Journal of Happiness, 14 experts suggested strategies for improving life-satisfaction and rated them on feasibility and effectiveness. Some were for policy makers but then there were 68 suggestions in which individuals can raise their own happiness. What were the highest rated ideas?
1. Connect
Experts advise in the first place to focus on social bonds, such as by (a) investing in friends and family, (b) joining a club, (c) acting nicely (d) marrying and (e) socialize with colleagues. They see more gain in social contact when the focus is on the happiness of others.
2. Seek meaning
Experts think that living a meaningful life will make that life more satisfying. They recommend the following ways to seek meaning: (a) live up to your values, and if you are religious, practice your religion, (b) be generous and (c) volunteer, and (d) do not focus on your own happiness in the first place and (e) seek a purpose in life, which you may clarify by writing a personal mission statement.
3. Be active
Experts agree that an active way of life is the most satisfying. They recommend in particular (a) getting regular physical exercise, (b) to keep learning and (c) to set goals and (d) to seek challenges. This advice goes counter to common notions of an easy happy life.
4. Mind your health
Alongside their advice to live an active life, experts also recommend (a) to get regular and ample sleep and some of them even endorse the recommendation (b) to optimize one’s bedroom for good sleep. With respect to physical health experts advise (c) to check your health regularly and (d) to invest in a good health insurance. With respect to mental health, there is modest support for (f) use of professional advice. Some trainings for positive mental health are mentioned, such as cultivating a positive outlook on life.
5. Cultivate a positive outlook
Several strategies are mentioned in this context. (a) Fostering self-acceptance is rated effective, but not easily feasible and experts disagree on the effectiveness of (b) to laugh often, (c) follow trainings that promote a positive outlook, (d) to keep a gratitude journal or (e) to write about positive experiences.
6. Save
Economic issues are again not very prominent in the rankings. The highest scores are for the advice to (a) enrol in automatic saving plans, (b) to avoid getting into debt and (c) to invest in durables and savings. Experts are less supportive of the advice (d) to minimize credit cards.
7. Find a way of life that fits you
Not very prominent either, is the more abstract advice to (a) find a lifestyle that fits you and in particular, (b) a job that fits you. This strategy requires you (c) to know your strengths and (d) to monitor your happiness, neither of which are seen as very effective or feasible.
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From an article by the Journal of Happiness, 08/01/2025