This story was co-written with Hailee McCraw
With exams quickly approaching, students are feeling the pressure. During stressful times we often question our happiness and our state of mind is put to the test.
What is happiness? That answer is different for everyone, but scientifically, it is proven that there are three main things that make us happy: setpoint, circumstances, and voluntary activities.
Genetics (setpoint) makeup for 50% of our happiness. That’s right, some of us are genetically predetermined to be miserable. Don’t let that discourage you though if you feel unhappy. Our conditions have a large impact on our happiness, but not the ones you may think. External circumstances that are typically pursued such as money, cars, houses, and clothes statistically do not make us happier. The wealthiest Americans compared to the average ones were found to be 37% less happy. The voluntary activities we partake in have quite the impact as well. These include: our thoughts, what we do on a daily basis, how much exercise we get, things we do for others, etc. The list goes on and on and there are endless ways to make ourselves happier. Ultimately, ‘an attitude of gratitude’ can go a long way. The way we think of others greatly affects the way we feel about ourselves. Remember, self-love is healthy and necessary in order truly make oneself happy.
The Entrepreneur writer Jonathon Long offers some tips on happiness:
- Envision the very best.
- Understand there is no such thing as perfection.
- Learn to listen to your gut and heart.
- Find your purpose.
- Make the time for the things and people you love.
- Realize you are indefinable.
If someone wishes to become happier they must first ask themselves, “What does happiness mean to me?”
Once this becomes clear, improving one’s happiness is much easier. An important concept when it comes to happiness, is that placing it in the hands of others will almost always disappoint. Become happy with yourself first. Do not rely on others perceptions to define your happiness.
At WCU, we interviewed students what happiness means to them. See the photo story below.
