THE SECRETS OF TRUE HAPPINESS

We all know someone who is always cheerful and in a good mood, someone who sees
the good in everything and is not easily put off when things go wrong. This person
seems to live a happier life as a result. But how can we achieve happiness?
Happiness is defined as a feeling of well-being and contentment towards the things
you have, not only materially, but also emotionally and professionally. To have this,
you shouldn’t compare yourself to others because there is always someone who is
going to have more than you and this can lead to depression.
Professor Lykken studies with twins have led him to believe that happiness is more
than 50% genetically determined. He also says that we all have a fixed happiness point,
meaning that even if something makes us really happy, we will always return to this
fixed point.
This is not necessarily accurate, although the temperament of a person can’t easily
change, the character can. The temperament is the things that make a person happy
but not how much happiness this will bring. The character is the response a person has
to the things that happen in their life. To sum up, you can’t change the things, or
events that will make you happy but you can change how happy or sad this will make
you.
Dr Isaac believes we need to study happy people and try to be like them. For example,
people seem to be happier caring for others less fortunate because this gives them a
feeling of achievement.
Being part of a social group is also essential because happy people tend to be able to
give or receive affection.
Another factor is physical activity. Sports and exercise can improve you mood. Anyway,
you shouldn’t overdo it because that can cause stress. You should pick a sport you
enjoy and do it when you want.
Mental activity is also as important, if not more important. You have to learn to be
aware of your feelings, notice when you are happy and embrace it. If you can
recognize de benefits of happiness it will be easier for you to choose to be happy.