Chances are, you’ve come across a print piece with the words “happy thoughts only” or “positive emotions only” in it at some point in your life. Although these proverbs are well-intentioned, they imply that we have complete control over our happiness. As much as I would want it to be true, it isn’t.
Happiness is a complex brew of internal and external influences. For most of us, happiness is attainable, but for others, it may be quite difficult to achieve.
Happiness is not a simple thing to achieve. Misery may be caused by external factors such as socioeconomic status, genetics, and mental illness. However, just because you can’t choose happiness right now doesn’t mean you won’t be able to in the future. Happiness might be within reach if you have the proper attitude, resources, and assistance.
In this post, I’ll look at the various elements that prevent some people from being happy and the solutions to help you cope with them.
Can happiness be hereditary?
Happiness, on the other hand, is a choice for the most part. Some humans, however, are naturally inclined to be happier.
Despite popular belief, your DNA does not guarantee happiness. Some people are born with personalities that can develop an “affective reserve,” according to a research on personality genetics. These folks have a greater capacity to deal with life’s problems because to this reservoir of happiness.
Factors beyond our control that deter happiness
For the most people, happiness is within their grasp; for others, it’s more difficult. Some are disadvantaged while others are simply unevolved. Some don’t believe that happiness is a choice.
Those with greater access to resources have a far easier time selecting happiness. According to one research, there is a link between quality of life and happiness. People who are unemployed, financially insecure, and lacking in spiritual harmony are less satisfied with their lives.
According to another study, people who have access to financial resources and social support are happier. Those who are better off financially have greater levels of life satisfaction. It is simpler to recognize and overcome the factors in your happiness’s path when you have access to assistance such as therapy.
While therapy aids in the healing process, it is far more difficult for those with mental illness to be happy. According to one research, mental health is the most reliable predictor of happiness. People who have a mental illness are less likely to be happy than those who don’t.
Tips on how to deal with it
It’s not always feasible to wake up and choose happiness, as much as we’d want it. Regardless of whatever issue in your life is keeping you from being happy, follow these 5 suggestions to get through it.
1. Practice gratitude daily
Gratitude is a common theme in self-help books. Gratitude is linked with greater happiness, and it’s never been more important to be grateful. Those who are more grateful tend to have more pleasant feelings and ecstatic experiences. Individuals who practice gratitude report feeling better able to deal with distressing events and negative emotions.
Gratitude teaches you to recognize the benefits that come your way. It develops a habit of noticing goodness in unexpected places. Gratitude allows you to appreciate what you normally overlook, from the kind stranger who held the door open for you at the coffee shop to how beautiful it is at sunset.
Taking the time to be grateful for something at least once a day can significantly change your life view. Before bed, take a few moments to think about what happened during the day. Make an effort to name at least one thing you are thankful for. The more you can remember, the better. Inspirational quotes can also go along with it.
2. Create a self-care routine
When you’re feeling down, your self-care may sometimes suffer. Ironically, when you need it the most, self-care is the first thing to go. This is why developing a self-care regimen into a habit is so important.
You may not be able to pick happiness, but you can make a decision to look after yourself. A self-care plan is an effective remedy for life’s most stressors. Self-care that extends beyond baths and ice cream isn’t always simple. It entails continuing to show up for yourself even when you don’t feel like it.
3. Assess your relationships
The quality of your relationships has been shown to impact your happiness. According to the longest study on happiness ever conducted, people who feel happy in their relationships live longer and happier lives. As a result, it’s critical to put in effort and time into the connections that matter most to you.
On the other side, if you’re in a stress, depressive episode of an unhappy relationship, it’s also possible that it’s contributing to your unhappiness. Your relationships should boost and uplift you, not drain your energy, make you feel little or even lead to suicidal thoughts.
4. Embrace yin and yang
The ancient Chinese idea of yin and yang, known as yin-yang, has been in practice for over a thousand years. It’s a lovely concept with roots in Taoism that describes the balance that exists throughout all areas of life. According to this theory, seemingly opposed forces like light and darkness are actually intimately linked. For a deeper understanding of how these concepts can influence your well-being, you might find Happiness Habits insightful.
We are not capable of experiencing pleasure or choosing happiness without the experience of pain and suffering. We wouldn’t be able to fully enjoy happiness without it. The worst times in your life will make your finest moments more significant. Yin-yang holds that unpleasant experiences such as pain and sorrow are necessary human experiences that allow for joy to exist. To explore how travel can contribute to your happiness, check out How Travel Can Expand Your Happiness Horizons.
Happiness is a rare occurrence for those with chronic illness or diagnosed with clinical depression. If anxiety or sadness prevents you from feeling joyful, seek professional assistance. Your mental illness is not your fault, and you are certainly not alone. For support on maintaining a positive outlook, Tips to Foster a Positive Mood offers valuable advice. Additionally, understanding that true happiness often comes from within can be enlightening; explore this concept further with Why Does Happiness Come from Within?
For inspiration on spreading positivity and compassion, explore compassionate living.