How to Practice Mindfulness Meditation | Psychology Today
The sitting practice of mindfulness meditation gives us exactly this opportunity to become more present with ourselves just as we are.
happiness
As we've seen in earlier blog postings, the man called the Buddha taught that the source of suffering is our attempt to escape from our direct experience. First, we cause ourselves suffering by trying to get away from pain and attempting to hang on to pleasure. Unfortunately, instead of quelling our suffering or perpetuating our <anchor>happiness</anchor>, this strategy has the opposite effect. Instead of making us happier, it causes us to suffer. Second, we cause suffering when we try to prop up a false identity usually known as ego. This, too, doesn't work and leads instead to suffering. (See earlier blog entries for more on these ideas.)
Happiness | Psychology Today
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# What Is Happiness?

[Reviewed by Psychology Today Staff](/us/docs/editorial-process)

Happiness is an electrifying and elusive state. Philosophers, theologians, psychologists, and even economists have long sought to define it. And since the 1990s, a whole branch of psychology— [positive psychology](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/happiness/positive-psychology)—has been dedicated to pinning it down. More than simply positive mood, happiness is a state of well-being that encompasses living a good life, one with a sense of meaning and deep contentment.

Feeling joyful has its health perks as well. A growing body of research also suggests that happiness can improve your physical health; feelings of positivity and fulfillment seem to benefit cardiovascular health, the immune system, inflammation levels, and blood pressure, among other things. Happiness has even been linked to a longer lifespan as well as a higher quality of life and well-being.

Attaining happiness is a global pursuit. Researchers find that people from every corner of the world rate happiness more important than other desirable personal outcomes, such as obtaining wealth, acquiring material goods, and getting into heaven.

How to Be Happy


![](https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_180x180/public/shutterstock_484650583.jpg?itok=1auk3oXf)

Happiness is not the result of bouncing from one joy to the next; researchers find that achieving happiness typically involves times of considerable _dis_ comfort. Genetic makeup, life circumstances, achievements, marital status, social relationships, even your neighbors—all influence how happy you are. Or can be. So do individual ways of thinking and expressing feelings. Research shows that much of happiness is under personal control.

Regularly indulging in small pleasures, getting absorbed in challenging activities, setting and meeting [goals](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/motivation "Psychology Today looks at goals"), maintaining close social ties, and finding purpose beyond oneself all increase life satisfaction. It isn't happiness per se that promotes well-being, it’s the actual pursuit that’s key.

_For more, see [How to Find Happiness.](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/happiness/how-find-happiness)_

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Signs of a Happy Person


![Shift Drive/Shutterstock](https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_180x180/public/2020-09/shutterstock_1115157008.jpg?itok=zm-cpRj1)

Happy people live with purpose. They find joy in lasting relationships, working toward their goals, and living according to their values. The happy person is not enamored with material goods or luxury vacations. This person is fine with the simple pleasures of life—petting a dog, sitting under a tree, enjoying a cup of tea. Here are a few of the outward signs that someone is content.

- Is open to learning new things
- Is high in humility and patience
- Smiles and laughs readily
- Goes with the flow
- Practices compassion
- Is often [grateful](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/gratitude "Psychology Today looks at grateful")
- Exercises self-care
- Enjoys healthy relationships
- Is happy for other people
- Gives and receives without torment
- Lives with meaning and purpose
- Does not feel entitled and has fewer expectations
- Is not spiteful or insulting
- Does not hold grudges
- Does not register small annoyances
- Does not angst over yesterday and tomorrow
- Does not play games
- Is not a martyr or victim
- Is not stingy with their happiness

_For more, see [How To Find Happiness.](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/happiness/how-find-happiness)_

Myths of Happiness


![eldar nurkovic/Shutterstock](https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_180x180/public/2020-07/shutterstock_796805779.jpg?itok=fr9cDJsX)

Misperceptions abound when it comes to what we think will make us happy. People often believe that happiness will be achieved once they reach a certain milestone, such as finding the perfect partner or landing a particular salary.

Humans, however, are excellent at adapting to new circumstances, which means that people will habituate to their new relationship or wealth, return to a baseline level of happiness, and seek out the next milestone. Fortunately, the same principle applies to setbacks—we are [resilient](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/resilience "Psychology Today looks at resilient") and will most likely find happiness again.

Regarding finances specifically, research shows that the sweet spot for yearly income is between $60,000 and $95,000 a year, _not_ a million-dollar salary. Earnings above $95,000 do not equate to increased well-being; a person earning $150,000 a year will not necessarily be as happy as a person earning a lot less.

The type of thoughts below exemplify these misconceptions about happiness:

- "I’ll be happy when I’m rich and successful."
- "I’ll be happy when I’m married to the right person."
- "Landing my dream job will make me happy."
- "I can’t be happy when my relationship has fallen apart."
- "I will never recover from this diagnosis."
- "The best years of my life are over."

_For more, see [The Science of Happiness.](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/happiness/the-science-happiness)_

Positive Psychology


![](https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_180x180/public/2020-12/shutterstock_665619424.jpg?itok=EaIKGODr)

Positive psychology is the branch of psychology that explores human flourishing. It asks how individuals can experience positive emotions, develop authentic relationships, find flow, achieve their goals, and build a meaningful life.

Propelled by University of Pennsylvania psychologist [Martin Seligman](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/positive-psychology "Psychology Today looks at Martin Seligman"), the movement emerged from the desire for a fundamental shift in psychology—from revolving around disease and distress to providing the knowledge and skills to cultivate growth, meaning, and fulfillment.

_For more, see_[_Positive Psychology._](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/happiness/positive-psychology)

Happiness Over the Lifespan


![](https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_180x180/public/2020-12/shutterstock_1265269756.jpg?itok=muAWysMf)

Every person has unique life experiences, and therefore unique experiences of happiness. That being said, when scientists examine the _average_ trajectory of happiness over the lifespan, some patterns tend to emerge. Happiness and satisfaction begin relatively high, decrease from [adolescence](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/adolescence "Psychology Today looks at adolescence") to [midlife](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/mid-life "Psychology Today looks at midlife"), and rise throughout older adulthood.

What makes someone happy in their 20s may not spark joy in their 80s, and joy in someone’s 80s may have seemed irrelevant in their 20s. It’s valuable for people to continue observing and revising what makes them happy at a given time to continue striving for fulfillment throughout their lifetime.

_For more, see_[_Happiness Over the Lifespan._](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/happiness/happiness-over-the-lifespan)

Happiness and Health


![](https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_180x180/public/2020-12/shutterstock_359568020.jpg?itok=9CIO_ayt)

Health and happiness are completely intertwined. That’s not to say that people with illnesses can’t be happy, but that attending to one’s health is an important—and perhaps underappreciated—component of well-being.

Researchers have identified many links between health and happiness—including a longer lifespan—but it’s difficult to distinguish which factor causes the other. Making changes to [diet](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/diet "Psychology Today looks at diet"), exercise, sleep, and more can help everyone feel more content.

_For more, see_[_Happiness and Health_](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/happiness/happiness-and-health)_._

[Next: The Science of Happiness](/us/basics/happiness/the-science-of-happiness "The Science of Happiness")

Essential Reads

[![](https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_3_2_600x400/public/field_blog_entry_images/2024-09/shutterstock_403229875.jpg?itok=yuKtMrt8)](/us/blog/the-baby-scientist/202409/do-we-experience-less-joy-as-we-grow-older)

[Do We Experience Less Joy as We Grow Older?](/us/blog/the-baby-scientist/202409/do-we-experience-less-joy-as-we-grow-older "Do We Experience Less Joy as We Grow Older?")


Do we really experience less Joy as we get older? Here are some answers from researchers who study well-being.



[![](https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_3_2_600x400/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-09/shutterstock_201214013.jpg?h=04af94c4&itok=EJPeSrhJ)](/us/blog/the-athletes-way/202409/does-hopefulness-outshine-mindfulness-new-study-says-yes)

[Does Hopefulness Outshine Mindfulness? New Study Says Yes](/us/blog/the-athletes-way/202409/does-hopefulness-outshine-mindfulness-new-study-says-yes "Does Hopefulness Outshine Mindfulness? New Study Says Yes")


A new study finds that in difficult times future-oriented hopefulness can be more helpful than dwelling on the present moment via mindfulness.



[![](https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_3_2_600x400/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-09/Happiness%20pexels-simplyogo-2788815.jpg?itok=urnPbje0)](/us/blog/fulfillment-at-any-age/202409/when-it-comes-to-happiness-can-you-try-too-hard)

[When It Comes to Happiness, Can You Try Too Hard?](/us/blog/fulfillment-at-any-age/202409/when-it-comes-to-happiness-can-you-try-too-hard "When It Comes to Happiness, Can You Try Too Hard?")


No one would argue that there’s anything wrong with being happy, but a comprehensive new study shows that there's an important difference between being and pursuing.



[![](https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_3_2_600x400/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-09/Image%20by%20vined%20mind%20from%20Pixabay%20%20.jpg?itok=MLnpccCM)](/us/blog/meditation-for-modern-life/202409/pain-is-inevitable-suffering-is-optional)

[Pain Is Inevitable, Suffering Is Optional](/us/blog/meditation-for-modern-life/202409/pain-is-inevitable-suffering-is-optional "Pain Is Inevitable, Suffering Is Optional")


Embrace acceptance, mindfulness, resilience, perspective, and self-compassion to navigate life's challenges with grace.



Recent Posts

[![](https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-09/pexels-uriel-mont-6315203.jpg?itok=prjTWy-Q)](/us/blog/sexual-futurist/202409/are-you-obsessed-with-finding-a-partner)

[Are You Obsessed With Finding a Partner?](/us/blog/sexual-futurist/202409/are-you-obsessed-with-finding-a-partner)

When we say goodbye to obsession, stop relying on another person to “save us,” and create a life worth living, we free ourselves from the neediness that destroys good relationships.


When we say goodbye to obsession, stop relying on another person to “save us,” and create a life worth living, we free ourselves from the neediness that destroys good relationships.


[![](https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-08/pexels-kamaji-ogino-5066854.jpg?itok=lU8-A91a)](/us/blog/the-venn-diagram-life/202408/why-the-best-day-of-your-life-is-followed-by-the-worst-day)

[Why the Best Day of Your Life Is Followed by the Worst Day](/us/blog/the-venn-diagram-life/202408/why-the-best-day-of-your-life-is-followed-by-the-worst-day)

For every accomplishment, there is an equal and opposite emotional reaction that is likely to leave you feeling awful.


For every accomplishment, there is an equal and opposite emotional reaction that is likely to leave you feeling awful.


[![](https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-09/pexels-lazaro-revoledo-1169948-2230119.jpg?itok=rQhMVXy-)](/us/blog/meet-catch-and-keep/202409/still-unhappily-single-this-may-be-why)

[Still Unhappily Single? This May Be Why](/us/blog/meet-catch-and-keep/202409/still-unhappily-single-this-may-be-why)

Singlehood is a desired state for some people, but not for other single people. What differentiates people who are single by choice from people who are involuntarily single?


Singlehood is a desired state for some people, but not for other single people. What differentiates people who are single by choice from people who are involuntarily single?


[![](https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-09/pexels-koolshooters-9757022.jpg?itok=L0bw_USX)](/us/blog/in-the-name-of-love/202409/calmness-is-the-most-exciting-romantic-experience)

[Calmness Is the Most Exciting Romantic Experience](/us/blog/in-the-name-of-love/202409/calmness-is-the-most-exciting-romantic-experience)

Romantic excitement is often stormy, but in our speedy society, dynamic calmness is the new romantic excitement.


Romantic excitement is often stormy, but in our speedy society, dynamic calmness is the new romantic excitement.


[![](https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-09/josh%20college.jpg?itok=nEzGVmdI)](/us/blog/becoming-happier/202409/the-new-empty-nester)

[The New Empty Nester](/us/blog/becoming-happier/202409/the-new-empty-nester)

If you are a recent empty nester struggling to find your new identity or a new mom wanting to create balance in your life, these suggestions can help.


If you are a recent empty nester struggling to find your new identity or a new mom wanting to create balance in your life, these suggestions can help.


[![](https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-09/a-woman-singing-and-playing-keyboard-4x3.jpg?itok=mXEwD_RG)](/us/blog/social-instincts/202409/5-ways-to-fall-in-love-with-your-life)

[5 Ways to Fall in Love With Your Life](/us/blog/social-instincts/202409/5-ways-to-fall-in-love-with-your-life)

Feeling stuck in a rut? Here's how to turn every day into a good day.


Feeling stuck in a rut? Here's how to turn every day into a good day.


[![](https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-09/smile-5128742_1920.jpg?itok=6cicyfuO)](/us/blog/sober-curiosity/202409/where-joy-hides-how-to-cultivate-happiness-in-recovery)

[Where Joy Hides: How to Cultivate Happiness in Recovery](/us/blog/sober-curiosity/202409/where-joy-hides-how-to-cultivate-happiness-in-recovery)

Struggling to find joy in sobriety? Uncover the powerful tool that can bring happiness back into your life.


Struggling to find joy in sobriety? Uncover the powerful tool that can bring happiness back into your life.


[![](https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/field_blog_entry_images/2024-09/woman-570883_1280.jpg?itok=bhc6DA8Y)](/us/blog/the-universe-within/202409/cultivating-good-mental-health)

[Cultivating Good Mental Health](/us/blog/the-universe-within/202409/cultivating-good-mental-health)

Mental health has come to the forefront of societal issues in recent years. While there are various resources available in society to help us, this journey must start within.


Mental health has come to the forefront of societal issues in recent years. While there are various resources available in society to help us, this journey must start within.


[![](https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-09/DSC09039.jpeg.jpg?itok=HyXVly-u)](/us/blog/unlocking-shame/202405/we-dont-have-to-be-ashamed-of-aging)

[We Don't Have to Be Ashamed of Aging](/us/blog/unlocking-shame/202405/we-dont-have-to-be-ashamed-of-aging)

Personal Perspective: We all go through it, no one is immune, and nothing produces more universal shame in our society than aging.


Personal Perspective: We all go through it, no one is immune, and nothing produces more universal shame in our society than aging.


[![](https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-09/bruce-mars-nx_l5qUzxUU-unsplash.jpg?itok=Z4bLXAgB)](/us/blog/in-practice/202409/how-to-stay-focused-on-the-big-picture)

[How to Stay Focused on the Big Picture](/us/blog/in-practice/202409/how-to-stay-focused-on-the-big-picture)

Avoid getting caught up in minutiae and make smarter decisions.


Avoid getting caught up in minutiae and make smarter decisions.


- 1
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- [Next](/us/basics/happiness?page=2 "Go to next page")

Happiness Center

![Subbotina Anna/Shutterstock](https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/max_800/public/center/2020-07/shutterstock_653372512.jpg?itok=MZqfXFgd)

- [What Is Happiness?](/us/basics/happiness)
- [The Science of Happiness](/us/basics/happiness/the-science-of-happiness)
- [How to Find Happiness](/us/basics/happiness/how-to-find-happiness)
- [Positive Psychology](/us/basics/happiness/positive-psychology)
- [Happiness Over the Lifespan](/us/basics/happiness/happiness-over-the-lifespan)
- [Happiness and Health](/us/basics/happiness/happiness-and-health)

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Connected Topics

- [Optimism](/us/basics/optimism "Psychology Today looks at optimism")
- [Positive Psychology](/us/therapy-types/positive-psychology "Psychology Today looks at positive psychology")
- [Gratitude](/us/basics/gratitude "Psychology Today looks at gratitude")
- [Affective Forecasting](/us/basics/affective-forecasting "Psychology Today looks at affective forecasting")
- [Habit Formation](/us/basics/habit-formation "Psychology Today looks at habit formation")
- [Depression](/us/basics/depression "Psychology Today looks at depression")
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