The science of happiness and positive psychology

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Welcome to Innovayogameditation.com, your ultimate destination for exploring the profound depths of Yoga, Meditation, Pilates, Welleness, Welle-being and more. Today, we’re going to explore an immensely impactful part of wellness—well-being and happiness—through the lens of positive psychology.

What is Positive Psychology?

Let’s kick things off by understanding what positive psychology is. In simple terms, positive psychology is the scientific study of what makes life most worth living. It zeroes in on positive human functioning, aiming to discover and promote the factors that allow individuals, communities, and societies to thrive.

Is Happiness a Science?

Many people wonder if happiness can really be a scientific study. Well..surprise surprise, it is! The science of happiness, also known as hedonic psychology, usually focuses on the pursuit and perception of pleasure and contentment, and how this contributes to overall well-being.

Key Concepts in Positive Psychology and the Science of Happiness

The Hedonic Treadmill

First up is the concept of the ‘Hedonic Treadmill’. It’s a term that refers to people’s general tendency to return to a set level of happiness, regardless of life’s ups and downs. This underscores the importance of learning to find joy in the moment, rather than constantly chasing after what’s next.

Flow

The term ‘flow’ refers to a state of high focus and engagement in activities, resulting in the loss of self-consciousness and time distortion. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, a prominent figure in positive psychology, mentions it prominently as one of the keys to happiness.

Perma Model

The PERMA Model, developed by Martin Seligman, another giant in the field, encompasses five critical elements of well-being:

• Positive emotion (P)
• Engagement (E)
• Relationships (R)
• Meaning (M)
• Accomplishment (A)

This model focuses more on long-term happiness and fulfillment than on moment-to-moment enjoyment.

Key Ways to Boost Happiness According to Science

Now that we have looked at key concepts in positive psychology, let’s delve into practical ways to foster happiness and well-being. Here are four proven strategies:

1. Practice Gratitude: Keeping a daily gratitude journal where you write down things you feel thankful for every day can greatly enhance your joy.
2. Mindfulness Meditation: Regularly practising mindfulness can help manage stress and enhance overall well-being.
3. Physical Activity: Regular exercise releases endorphins, commonly termed ‘feel-good hormones,’ that foster feelings of happiness.
4. Positive Social Relationships: Spending time with loved ones and friends who make you feel good about yourself can greatly boost your happiness levels.

Positive psychology and the science of happiness aren’t about ignoring life’s problems. Instead, they aim to equip us with the necessary skills and capacities to cope with life’s challenges resiliently and optimistically. Remember, happiness is much more than a positive mood—it’s about living a meaningful life that brings joy and contentment.