I’ve spent years studying happiness – here’s what actually makes for a happier life
It’s one thing to know what makes people happy, but quite another to live a happy life oneself. Below are some of the important things I learned on a journey for happiness.
Christopher Boyce is affiliated with BiGGAR Economics, an independent economics consultancy, and Health in Mind, a mental health charity.
For sustained happiness, go deep
Happiness can be found in the everyday
Difficult emotions are a natural part of life
The kind of happiness that Bhutan aspires to is grounded in connection, purpose and hope, yet has room for sadness and anxiety.
Allow others to give
Warm and loving relationships are essential for living a happy life.
We’re not taught that way and often think people will only love us when we meet certain criteria, rather than unconditionally for who we are.
Enjoy your time with others and let them be there for you.
You can get through a crisis
We will all face a crisis at some point. We might lick our wounds, get back on the saddle, and move forward purposefully.
To do this, we need support from others, time to make sense of what has happened, and to ensure we continue moving forward purposefully
Have goals but prepare to let them go
It’s easy to get wrapped up in attaining an outcome, believing our happiness depends on it.
If we’re not happy along the way, then we ought to question whether it’s worth going at all.
Don’t be misled by stories
Having more money (beyond the point of meeting basic needs) is inconsequential when compared with having good quality relationships, looking after our mental and physical health, and living meaningfully in line with our beliefs and values.
Sadly, these things often get sacrificed in pursuit of more.