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You can't be happy forever because life will always be like a roller coaster with ups and downs. That's why people have so many emotions. Without sadness people wouldn't know the feeling of being happy. Being happy forever is impossible because people go through different emotions every day

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Money doesn't bring happiness to life. It just a way of getting materialistic things. Things that you buy from a store are something people use. People try to use those things to try to feel happy, but after a while they're not going to have that satisfied feeling. True happiness isn't an object. Its a feeling that people get from love, accomplishing something, and having fun. True happiness comes from the moment of life experiences around people we love.

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How does happiness affect the brain? | Happiness

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Researchers now agree that there is a biomolecular aspect to all experience, including happiness, and that the brain is command central for the chemic

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Pharrell Williams - Happy (Official Music Video)

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"To change one's life, start immediately, do it flamboyantly,no exceptions."
- William James

Why are some people happier than others? What are the benefits (and costs) of happiness? And is it possible to become permanently happier?

These are some of the questions that I hope to address in my new blog - the very questions that I tackled in my recent book, The How of Happiness: A Scientific Approach to Getting the Life You Want. My other goal is to comment on how research on emotions and well-being can inform our understanding of current events, as well as our own behavior.

I am an experimental social psychologist who has been doing research on happiness for almost 20 years. Along with my students and my collaborator Ken Sheldon, I have conducted the first experiments (called "randomized controlled experimental intervention studies") that try to increase and maintain people's happiness. In broadest terms, my research suggests that lasting happiness is attainable, if you are prepared to do the work. Much like with permanent weight loss and fitness, becoming lastingly happier demands making some permanent changes, requiring effort and commitment every day of your life.

In later blogs, I will discuss how and why this is so and identify for you the major determinants of happiness. Today, I hope to stir your interest in the topic by describing some of the happiness-increasing strategies that researchers have studied and concluded to be most successful. This list won't make any of you spill your evening tea, but take note that all the strategies have been supported by empirical research. (They are discussed in a lot more detail in The How of Happiness.) Also, as I argue in the book, you do not need to attempt the entire list of happiness activities, but should choose to focus only on the 1 to 4 strategies that "fit" you best - the ones that seem most natural and enjoyable to you

Counting Your Blessings

One way to practice this strategy is with a " gratitude journal" in which you write down the 3 to 5 things for which you are currently thankful - from the mundane (your flowers are finally in bloom) to the magnificent (your child's first steps). Do this once a week, say, on Sunday night. Keep the strategy fresh by varying your entries and how you express them as much as possible. And if there's a particular person who has been kind or influential in your life, don't wait to express your appreciation. Write them a letter now, or, if possible, visit and thank them in person.

Practicing Acts of Kindness

These should be both random (let the dad with the crying baby go ahead of you at the check-out counter) and systematic (read a newspaper to an elderly neighbor). Being kind to others, whether friends or strangers, triggers a cascade of positive effects - it makes you feel compassionate and capable, gives you a greater sense of connection with others and earns you smiles, approval and reciprocated kindness. These are all happiness boosters.

Nurturing Optimism

This strategy involves such practices as looking at the bright side, finding the silver lining in a negative event, noticing what's right (rather than what's wrong), feeling good about one's future and the future of the world, or simply feeling that you can get through the day. One way to practice this strategy is to sit in a quiet place and take 20 to 30 minutes to think about and write down what you expect your life to be 10 years from now. Imagine that everything has gone as well as it possibly could. You have worked hard and succeeded at accomplishing all of your life goals. Think of this as the realization of all of your life dreams. Then, write about what you imagined.

Learning to Forgive

Let go of anger, resentment, and feelings of vengeance by writing - but, not sending - a letter of forgiveness to a person who has hurt or wronged you. The inability to forgive is associated with persistent rumination or dwelling on revenge, while forgiving allows you to move on.

Increasing "Flow" Experiences

When you're so absorbed in what you're doing that you don't notice the passage of time, you are in a state called "flow," a term coined by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. So, become fully engaged at work, at home, and at play. Try to increase the number of flow experiences in your life, whether it's completing a project at the office, playing with your children, or enjoying a hobby. Seek work and leisure activities that engage your skills and expertise.

Investing in Relationships

One of the biggest factors in happiness appears to be strong personal relationships. Indeed, having the support of someone who deeply cares about you is one of the best remedies for unhappiness. Thus, this strategy involves putting effort into healing, cultivating, and enjoying your relationships with family and friends. Act with love, be as kind to the people close to you as you are to strangers, affirm them, share with them, and play together.

Avoiding Overthinking

Remember the book, Don't Sweat the Small Stuff? There's a time to think about the bad stuff in your life, but dwelling on your problems excessively is unhealthy. Very happy people have the capacity - even during trying times like a parent's chronic illness - to absorb themselves in an engaging activity, stay busy, and have fun. To practice this strategy, pick a distracting, attention-grabbing activity that has compelled you in the past and do it when you notice yourself dwelling.

Savoring Life's Joys

Pay close attention and take delight in momentary pleasures, wonders, and magical moments. Focus on the sweetness of a ripe mango, the aroma of a bakery, or the warmth of the sun when you step out from the shade. Some psychologists suggest taking "mental photographs" of pleasurable moments to review in less happy times

Taking Care of Your Soul

Studies show that religious and spiritual people are happier and healthier than others, though researchers don't yet know why. Perhaps the social support of belonging to a close-knit religious group is valuable, as is the sense of meaning and purpose that comes from believing in something greater than yourself. If you are so inclined, join a church, temple, or mosque; read a spiritually-themed book; or volunteer for a faith-based charity.

Committing to Your Goals

People who strive for something significant, whether it's learning a new craft or raising moral children, are far happier than those who don't have strong dreams or aspirations. Find a happy person and you will find a project. However, being dedicated to any pursuit won't make you happy if you're just doing it for superficial reasons such as making money, boosting your ego, or succumbing to peer pressure.

Using Your Body: Exercise, Meditation, Smiling, and Rest

Getting plenty of sleep, exercising, stretching, meditating, smiling and laughing can all enhance your mood in the short term and promote energy and strong mental health. Practiced regularly, they can help make your daily life more satisfying and increase long-term happiness.

Conclusion for today: The secrets to happiness are simple to learn, but not simple to carry out. However, with determined effort and commitment, anyone can learn practices and habits that will help them achieve higher levels of happiness and - even more important - to maintain those levels. You shouldn't just "pursue" happiness - you should "construct" or "create" it yourself.

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Is It Possible To Become Lastingly Happier?

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"To change one's life, start immediately, do it flamboyantly,no exceptions."- William James Why are some people happier than others? What are the benefits (and costs) of happiness? And is it possible to become permanently happier?

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I think people who can never be satisfied with themselves are always thinking of ways to change up their lives to make things "better". But in the end of the changing they still aren't going to be happy.

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17 Things That Make a Person Truly Happy

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17 Things That Make a Person Truly Happy

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Most people want to be happy, but they often set themselves up for discontent. It's not that they wake up and decide to do things that will make them unhappy. They simply don't have the right practices in place to gain the most joy from their daily life.

Truly happy people understand that happiness doesn't come from a single event. It comes from a positive outlook and specific daily actions, which reinforce a happy perspective. Try the activities below and see if you can become truly happy as well.

It's difficult to be positive when you are constantly overtired. Truly happy people make their sleep habits a top priority. They make sure that a night's rest is truly restful so they can attack the day refreshed.
2. They resolve conflict.
Conflict is a regular part of life and can actually be productive in business if properly approached. But too much conflict can wear a person down. Truly happy people know how to use conflict constructively and always look to resolve a combative situation for everyone's betterment so all can move on with a positive outlook.
3. They look for opportunity.
Challenges are abundant in business and life. Truly happy people look at these obstacles as genuine opportunities that can be overcome. They can find the silver lining in any dark cloud and make it shine.
4. They find the laughter.
Dark times are often less about trauma and more about lack of joy. Truly happy people believe that smiles and giggles can easily bring lightheartedness. They exploit the humorous part of life to brighten the day.
5. They love their bodies.
It's frustrating to have a body that doesn't fit your own best self-image. Truly happy people love themselves enough to take care of their body. They don't desire a perfect body, just one that is perfect for their lifestyle. They pay attention to weight and vices because they want to enjoy their body for a long time to come.
6. They engage closely with people.
People are naturally social and thrive on close interaction. Truly happy people know how to foster deep relationships with family and good friends. They know how to trust and earn the trust of others. They work on their relationships to keep them rich and healthy.
7. They resolve grudges.
Lingering negative feelings can eat away at happiness over time. Truly happy people are assertive about closing open sores and are open to forgiveness in nearly any situation.
8. They notice the good in people.
People can be challenging, frustrating, and annoying, but they are inevitable if you want to live in this world. Truly happy people aren't all saints, but they look for the good in people and are empathetic to another's perspective. They know they will find small everyday miracles when keeping their ears and heart open.
9. They are grateful for everything.
Although many people feel entitled or anxious about acquisition, truly happy people consider everything in their position a true blessing. They have great appreciation for opportunities, health, wealth and recognition, but mostly they are grateful for the people who enrich their lives.
10. They control only what they can control.
There is much in the world that is beyond control. Trying to manage the unmanageable can be futile and frustrating. Truly happy people set routines for what they know is in their purview so they are ready to flow with the unimaginable.
11. They gain joy from learning.
Some people find learning something new to be tedious and frustrating. Some even find it intimidating. Truly happy people love to learn. They are exuberant about gaining new skills and better understanding, and relish the challenge along the way.
12. They strive for their best.
Half-hearted efforts drag down confidence and self worth. Truly happy people won't engage unless they know they can give it their all. They make sure they can look back on all their efforts with the good feeling of having done their best.
13. They give selflessly.
Many people give from a place of guilt or obligation. Truly happy people love the feeling they get when they make someone else's life better. In their mind, their own needs pale in comparison to the needs of others and they are more than willing to bring on some balance.
14. They listen to people.
Many people are so focused on what they have to say they never get to hear the world around them. Truly happy people love to listen to what's being said around them. They like to take in knowledge including the perspectives of people. The more they listen the more then can contribute real value.
15. They value time.
People who can't manage their time are generally rushed and tense. Truly happy people make time management a priority so they can get the most from every minute. That way they can be at their most productive when they work and at their most relaxed state when they play.
16. They treat themselves.
In general people don't need mansions and yachts to be happy, but everyone is entitled to a little reward now and then. Truly happy people know it's important to celebrate little wins and milestones.
17. They do for others.
The world is largely a self-interested place these days, which can make it seem harsh and cold. Truly happy people know that warmth in the heart can come from the slightest gesture of effort for someone else's benefit. Doing a good deed each day is enough to make anyone happy.

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The opinions expressed here by Inc.com columnists are their own, not those of Inc.com.

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Most people want to be happy, but they often set themselves up for discontent. It's not that they wake up and decide to do things that will make them unhappy. They simply don't have the right practices in place to gain the most joy from their daily life.

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Whether you're trying to get healthier through a revamped diet or a strict workout plan (or a combination of both) you're probably doing it to get your physical body in shape. Physical fitness is something we all know about, whether we partake or not in improving ours, and how a healthy lifestyle is the first step towards a healthier you.

But what does a healthy lifestyle do for our happiness? Is it just so we can feel good about ourselves or is it something more?

Here are a few reasons why a healthy lifestyle is more than just a physical change, but can actually make you happier in general.

1. Fruits and veggies make you happy

So, you've probably heard of the term "superfood" and know that some foods have different effects on your brain. Antioxidants in blueberries will extend your memory, salmon keeps you focused, etc.

But did you know that most fruits and veggies are actually proven to make you happier? An Australian study followed a group of test subjects and examined what consistent consumption of fruits and veggies would do for them. What they found was after subjects continued to have more fruits and veggies in their diet every day was that they reported higher levels of "life satisfaction".

So, your mum didn't force carrots on you just for the good eyesight, she just wanted you to be happier in the long run too.

2. Working out eliminates stress

We all have those moments when going to the gym feels more like a chore than something fun to do. So, doesn't that just add to the stress? Well, even though it might be hard to get to the gym, once you've completed a workout you might get that kind of "high" feeling with the adrenaline pumping through your veins. That's what I'm talking about here.

Cardio and intense workouts have been proven to be great conductors of chemicals in the brain that promote a healthy mind. Not only can cardio improve cognitive function and understanding - great ways to combat stress - it also produces endorphins and adrenaline.

All these things together make you less likely to feel stressed and keep you energized and feeling good for the rest of the day.

3. Sleeping is good for the soul

So you may have heard that sleeping the recommended 6-8 hours a night can do a myriad of things, from helping you lose weight to clearing your skin. The reason for this is that lack of proper sleep - or too much sleep - has several affects on our brain.

First and foremost, when someone doesn't sleep enough their body will release more cortisol, or in other words, "the stress hormone". On top of that, the less you sleep the more prone you also are to become stressed later in the day as your brain doesn't have the rest it needed to reboot.

Sleep is so important that you should keep a close eye on how much you sleep each night. Everyone works differently, so find the time that works best for you within the recommended range.

4. Meditation for a healthy mind

This may very well be the most obvious one on the list, but it's an important part of a healthy lifestyle and a happy one. But it doesn't make you happy just because you get to shut your brain off for a bit, it actually has a lot of science backing it that explains exactly why meditation is so good for us.

First is meditation's affect on the amygdala, where anxiety and fear reside in the brain. During meditation, the amygdala actually shrinks and therefore reduces stress and anxiety. It can also reduce cortisol - that thing we mentioned earlier that comes when you don't sleep properly - and even activate the left side of your brain more, which holds more of your happy and calm zones.

Overall, even a 30-minute meditation session can do wonders for your physical and mental health, so make time for it and see those happy hormones in action!

5. Massages make you relax

A lot of athletes use massage or chiropractic care as a way to eliminate pain or injury in their body. And though it's great for that, it also has many mental benefits as well, primarily reducing stress and anxiety. We've talked a lot about cortisol so far, and guess what, massage reduces it as well.

When your body is producing too much cortisol it can cause a lot of things, like weight gain or a lower immune system. These are usually what we consider symptoms of the stress it produces. When you get a massage, it's said to reduce cortisol levels by 31% and increase levels of both serotonin and dopamine, chemicals that we associate with happiness and love.

If you're seeking massage for mental benefits, let your massage therapist know beforehand so they can ensure to give you the massage technique that works best.

So, do you guys feel happier when you're healthier? Let us know in the comments!

If you enjoyed this post, feel free to share it with your friends and family. After all, sharing is caring!

Main image credit: unsplash.com

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Why A Healthy Lifestyle Makes You Happier - Bon Vita

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What does a healthy lifestyle do for our happiness? Is it just so we can feel good about ourselves or is it something more? Here are a few reasons why a healthy lifestyle is more than just a physical change, but can actually make you happier in general...

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1. Hedonic happiness/well-being is happiness conceptualized as experiencing more pleasure and less pain; it is composed of an affective component (high positive affect and low negative affect) and a cognitive component (satisfaction with one’s life).

2. Eudaimonic happiness/well-being conceptualizes happiness as the result of the pursuit and attainment of life purpose, meaning, challenge, and personal growth; happiness is based on reaching one’s full potential and operating at full functioning (AIPC, 2011).

https://positivepsychologyprogram.com/what-is-happiness/

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Accepting the reality of your life sounds like it should be easy enough. But many, many people hold to a different version. It may be based in regret, disappointment, denial, or just waiting for something better--a promotion, for the kids to be grown, retirement, whatever. Failing to connect with reality is why some of us have pants in the closet that haven't fit in years. More significantly, it keeps people in unfulfilling jobs or even in the wrong profession entirely.

There are few better things you can do for yourself than giving up the fictional version of your life and learning to accept yourself, your life, and your reality. Even if your situation is terrible, the first step in improving it is acknowledging it for what it is.

Here are 11 ways to cope with reality--especially the parts of reality you don't like--and here's how you can change it into a reality you do want.

1. Accept yourself.

Acceptance is the ability to unconditionally value all parts of who you are. That means you acknowledge all of yourself--the good and the things that need improvement. For most of us, self-acceptance can be hard. We tend to be critical of ourselves, but there are a number of ways to learn to accept yourself and your life. It all begins with your state of mind.

2. Acknowledge your reality.

Sometimes facing reality isn't the easiest thing to do, but accepting your current situation can make you happier in the present and lead to a better future. Understanding, accepting, and working with reality is both practical and purposeful. Acknowledging your reality will help you choose your dreams wisely and then help you achieve them.

3. Practice radical honesty.

When you can admit your own pretense you can begin to powerfully create a new future. Denying your current reality--especially if it's a bad one--will not make it make it go away. Dealing with the bad stuff is a way to get to the good stuff--but it takes practice, practice, practice.

4. Identify your part.

To fully accept your reality, it's important to acknowledge any role you may have played, good or bad, in getting where you are. Ask yourself questions related to your current situation to help work toward solutions. To fully accept your reality, it is important to identify what you may have done to foster success or failure. Once you know what you're dealing with, you can work toward the best next steps.

5. Admit your mistakes.

Remember that you can't fix anything until you admit there's a problem. Try to view your mistakes not as failures but as learning opportunities, and have the strength within to realize you control your reality and you're the only one who can change it. Decide what's important to you and set your mind to it.

6. Own your outcomes.

Work toward owning every part of your realities--not just the things that need work but also your strengths and successes. Owning all your outcomes can help teach you to do better next time, to see failure as a learning moment.

7. Don't let fear get in your way.

Don't let fears--especially fears of what others think of you--stand in your way. You must be willing to do things in the unique ways you think are best, and to reflect on any feedback you receive.

8. Count on your competencies.

It's easy to look in the mirror and point out all your insecurities. But to face your reality, it's best to start counting all positives. Make a list of your strengths, the things you are good at, the values that you hold, and the accomplishments you've achieved. Counting on your competencies helps you realize your strengths, which in turn will help you improve your attitude toward yourself.

9. Let go of your biases.

Don't get caught up in the life you think you are supposed to have, but work on creating the reality you are meant to live. Your biases can blind you to almost any reality. You can try to ignore them, but closing your eyes won't make them disappear. Instead, learn to understand them and let them go.

10. Accept that struggle will always be part of our reality.

Don't shy away from challenges but wade into the struggle and get comfortable with operating and living there. Struggles are a way of life, and we have to learn to confront them. And you never know: something the most challenging things can hold the greatest opportunity for success.

11. Make a plan for reaching your goal.

Include steps you will take to take to create a new reality. Break your goal into small steps that you can accomplish one at a time to build your confidence and self-worth as you go. Your new reality can begin to happen once you have a plan with specific goals.

Remember, you will never be able to create the right reality if you aren't willing to let the wrong reality go.

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How to Accept Yourself, Your Life, And Your Reality

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Accepting the reality of your life sounds like it should be easy enough. But many, many people hold to a different version. It may be based in regret, disappointment, denial, or just waiting for something better--a promotion, for the kids to be grown, retirement, whatever.

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Staying healthy makes you feel good physically and mentally.

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What Makes People Happy?

Think about a time when you felt particularly happy. What was it that made you happy? Was it because you had loved ones near? Because you were surrounded by a beautiful landscape? Because you had just accomplished something important? Or were you happy because you had lots of money?

'What makes you happy?' That seems like a simple question, but the truth is that many people don't know. Or, as psychologists have discovered, they think they know the answer, but really don't. Psychological research on happiness has identified several things people have in common: the types of things that make them happy, the things they think will make them happy, and the differences between the two.

Let's start by looking at what actually makes people happy. As you might expect, research shows that the best indicator of a person's happiness is the quality of his or her close relationships. Whether you're talking about romantic relationships, family dynamics, or simply close friendships, the happier you are in your social engagements, the happier you are in general.

Besides close relationships, there are two other things that predict happiness in people: having a job or hobby that they love and that challenges them and helping others through volunteer work, random acts of kindness or another type of prosocial behavior.

All three of these things make sense. I'll bet you weren't very surprised that solid relationships, engaging ways to spend your time and prosocial behavior all contribute to happiness.

But what about money? After all, if you don't have any money, it's very easy to believe that lots of money will make you happy. But that's not what psychologists have found.

Once your basic necessities are met, research has shown that additional money does not have a lot to do with happiness. So, while billionaires may fly on private jets to luxurious spas all over the world, it doesn't mean that they are any happier than people who drive 10-year-old cars and fly coach.

However, focusing on money and material things can make you profoundly unhappy. Research has shown that people who put a lot of emphasis on money and things are not as happy as non-materialistic people.

Affective Forecasting

The things that make people happy and unhappy seem pretty intuitive. But do people really understand what makes them happy?

Affective forecasting is the process of guessing how you will feel under specific future circumstances. Affect is just another word for emotion or mood. If I said that tomorrow you were going to lose your job, break up with your partner and fail a test, I'll bet you could pretty accurately predict what your emotional state would be.

But how effective are people at affective forecasting when it comes to happiness? Not very; research has shown that most people make consistent errors when guessing what will make them happy in the future.

Think about this: if you could either be a powerful CEO of a large company, making tons of money, or work part-time at a small company, barely making enough to cover your bills, which would you choose? Which do you think would make you happier?

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research on happiness: what makes people happy? - video & lesson transcript | study.com

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Research on Happiness: What Makes People Happy? - Video & Lesson Transcript | Study.com

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Think about a time when you felt particularly happy. What was it that made you happy? Was it because you had loved ones near? Because you were surrounded by a beautiful landscape? Because you had just accomplished something important? Or were you happy because you had lots of money?

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Having food, water, clothing, and shelter are the key to happiness. Materialistic things like money don't make people happy. People who have those things and are grateful for them and happy in life.

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Relationships with friends and family are what brings joy to our life. People like to be with each other, because they attain that happiness from one another by laughing and just having a good time.

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"Neurologists suggest that our brains are wired to derive pleasure from giving: numerous studies have shown that giving, rather than taking, makes us far happier. The paradox of generosity suggests that regardless of income, individuals who spend both time and money on others are significantly happier than the ones who spend on themselves," says Quora user Viktorija Veltmane.

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Discovering your own purpose like finding something you're good at, and seeking meaning for greater fulfillment is a way to make yourself feel happy and feel like you belong in the world.