Happiness

We all want to be happy, but we don’t always know what’s good for us, and we often seek happiness where it can’t be found. We try to earn more money to buy more things, and we seek ever new experiences and relationships. But psychologists have learnt that this is often a poor way to be happy, especially in the long term, and that we are happiest when we orient our lives in other directions.

It turns out that the simple things of life – good relationships, caring for others, being ‘easy’ on others and believing in a ’cause’ that is ‘bigger’ than we are – generally lead to greater happiness and life satisfaction than do money and possessions. Of course advertising and our culture often push more materialistic values on us, so we need to know what ‘works’ and what doesn’t, and be willing to swim against the tide.

If we learn these lessons, we will be happier people, and we will also be changed people, better friends to others and leave the world a better place – so everybody’s happy!

These pages outline the results of studies by psychologists, and give us enough information on happiness and wellbeing ot make a significant difference to our lives.

The information

• What makes people happy? – a summary of what really makes us happy, and what doesn’t (you may be surprised!).
• What makes people happy (2) – a detailed explanation of all the factors that affect our happiness.
• Materialism and happiness – the Beatles sang money can’t buy me love and it turns out that it doesn’t buy much happiness either.
• Pleasure and happiness – do sex and drugs and rock ‘n’ roll make us happier?
• Love, relationships and happiness – an important part of being happy.
• Meaning, beliefs and happiness – some of the most important things for a fulfilled life.
• Happiness references – check it out for yourself.
• Positive psychology – what this branch of psychology can do to help you live a happier and more fulfilled life.