The Recipe for Happiness

The ultimate question of how to find happiness has been on the lips of scientists and philosophers from the beginning of time. What elements add up to create this positive emotion and outlook on life? Why is it that some of us lead much happier lives than others? Well, obviously happiness varies from person to person. Some of us are just born with a sunny attitude. But in general, here are a few things that certainly form a big part of the recipe for happiness.

Love

Love is often connected with happiness. On a purely chemical level, falling in love generates hormones and neurotransmitters, many of which directly work to create feelings of ecstasy. This happens at the beginning of a romantic relationship, as well as later on in the attachment phase. The basic comforts of falling in love also contribute to happiness, including having someone by your side to support you and life-long companionship. Whether you’ve met through dating websites or through friends, love is certainly one ingredient in the all-important recipe for happiness.

Relationships

Love doesn’t have to stop with romantic relationships. Another immense part of personal happiness is cultivating a network of friendships and platonic relationships so there’s always a varied social group around to support you. Whether family or best friends, it’s best to have as many people as possible around to feel close to. Make sure you keep in contact with friends and put time aside to spend with family. It’s very important for your well-being and your happiness.

Money

Although many may wish to inherit a huge amount of money or win the lottery, it has been proved large windfalls of money actually only provide temporary happiness. A lot more happiness can be found in having fulfilling careers, spending money on memorable experiences, such as holidays, and giving large amounts of money away. So, although you may think money is the answer to everything, you’ll get more benefit out of a comfortable income and a charitable approach to your finances.

Health

Health is possibly the most overlooked provider of happiness. It can be so easy to forget how much exercise and healthy living can improve your attitude to life. Exercise generates endorphins, which directly create happiness and a sense of achievement. Feeling fit and healthy also improves simple things such as confidence and self-esteem, which both have a direct effect on happiness. And finally, eating a balanced diet and the right amount of vitamins has a profoundly positive effect on state of mind.

Experience

Keeping life exciting and making sure you’re embracing every opportunity is another big way to keep your happiness intact. Some people spend their happiest years travelling or trying new experiences. It’s important not to let your dreams and ambitions slip away from you, but to keep life unpredictable, whether that means starting French lessons or going on a life-changing trip.

So, there’s my recipe for happiness. Make sure you work on all of these elements to find all-round happiness, whether this means you’re suddenly in Glasgow dating, spending more time your family, or starting up an addiction to exercise.

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