How can I be happier? is a question that individuals frequently ask when they visit a therapist. They are trying to find a way to feel like themselves again since something in their lives is out of balance.

Psychologists are eager to remind out that in these situations, happiness is not like a light switch and cannot be turned on at will. To try to identify and resolve the issue, there are certain checklists we may go through.

Here are four “levels” of happiness to focus on while trying to find your joie de vivre again.

1. Sense of purpose

One recent study indicated that those who conscientiously strove to improve the lives of others were more likely to regard their own lives as purpose-driven and meaningful. The study was published in PLOS-ONE.

2. Psychological richness

Psychological richness refers to having a varied existence, which sets it apart from other types of enjoyment. According to a 2020 article in Philosophical Psychology, it is:

“A complicated existence is one in which individuals engage in a wide range of fascinating activities and, either directly or indirectly, feel and appreciate a wide range of intense emotions. A dull and monotonous existence, in which a person experiences just one feeling or thinks that their lives are dictated by mundane routines, can be contrasted with a psychologically rich life.”

3. Belongingness

Since it is impossible to envision someone being happy when they feel excluded, ignored, or undesired, belonging may be the key to happiness.

If you’re having trouble feeling like you belong anywhere—at work, home, or in your community—you could attempt to widen your social network to include others who share your preferences and passions. Additionally, therapy might lessen feelings of loneliness.

4. Hedonic happiness

Every once in a while, we all need to have some good, old-fashioned fun — the childlike type, where your focus is entirely on the here and now. This is what psychologists call hedonic happiness. There is a time and place for just allowing oneself to appreciate the pleasure of life, even though the experts do not advise leading a life of hedonism in its purest form.

Source: Forbes How can I be happier? is a question that individuals frequently ask when they visit a therapist. They are trying to find a way to feel like themselves again since something in their lives is out of balance.

Psychologists are eager to remind out that in these situations, happiness is not like a light switch and cannot be turned on at will. To try to identify and resolve the issue, there are certain checklists we may go through.

Here are four “levels” of happiness to focus on while trying to find your joie de vivre again.

1. Sense of purpose

One recent study indicated that those who conscientiously strove to improve the lives of others were more likely to regard their own lives as purpose-driven and meaningful. The study was published in PLOS-ONE.

2. Psychological richness

Psychological richness refers to having a varied existence, which sets it apart from other types of enjoyment. According to a 2020 article in Philosophical Psychology, it is:

“A complicated existence is one in which individuals engage in a wide range of fascinating activities and, either directly or indirectly, feel and appreciate a wide range of intense emotions. A dull and monotonous existence, in which a person experiences just one feeling or thinks that their lives are dictated by mundane routines, can be contrasted with a psychologically rich life.”

3. Belongingness

Since it is impossible to envision someone being happy when they feel excluded, ignored, or undesired, belonging may be the key to happiness.

If you’re having trouble feeling like you belong anywhere—at work, home, or in your community—you could attempt to widen your social network to include others who share your preferences and passions. Additionally, therapy might lessen feelings of loneliness.

4. Hedonic happiness

Every once in a while, we all need to have some good, old-fashioned fun — the childlike type, where your focus is entirely on the here and now. This is what psychologists call hedonic happiness. There is a time and place for just allowing oneself to appreciate the pleasure of life, even though the experts do not advise leading a life of hedonism in its purest form.

Source: Forbes

Also Read: Learn To Meditate To Increase Your Inner Peace, Well-Being, And Happiness