Explore the unexpected truths about happiness and how to lead a more joyful life on Meri Sehat.

The Counterintuitive Nature Of Happiness

The pursuit of happiness has become a common theme in modern society, but is it actually counterproductive?

Overview

The pursuit of happiness has become ubiquitous in modern society. From self-help books to wellness retreats, we are bombarded with the message that happiness is the ultimate goal of life. However, studies have shown that actively seeking happiness and being preoccupied with it can actually lead to feelings of discontentment and <a href="https://merisehat.pk/disease/depression">even depression</a>. In this article, we will explore the counterintuitive nature of happiness and how embracing the full range of human experiences can lead to a more fulfilling life. 
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Happiness as a Goal

Modern-day capitalism thrives off marketing happiness to consumers. Every product from lotion to shoes is advertised as having the potential to unlock our joy, as if all that stands between us and happiness is moisturised, blemish-free skin. The wellness community also stands on similar ground. Entire sections in bookstores are dedicated to self-help books claiming to carry the secret to a happy life. Meditation retreats promise to whisk us off to exotic locations and introduce us to practices that will help us cultivate happiness.

However, the truth is that this constant search for happiness is, in fact, counterintuitive. Happiness is an emotion just like anger, anxiety, and grief. And like any other emotion, happiness is a temporary state of being, more a result of ongoing circumstances than something we can create or obtain. 
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Downside of Pursuing Happiness

Studies have shown that actively thinking about happiness and ways to obtain it can lead us to being less content in our current situations. One survey conducted at the University of California, Berkeley, asked participants how much they tend to value things based on how much happiness they get out of them. They were also asked how much they tend to think about and be concerned about their happiness. Those who expressed a high degree of both traits were found to not be very content with their lives and more prone to depressive symptoms. A later study in the United Kingdom used the same questionnaire to assess and found that participants who possessed both traits to a higher degree felt less excitement for upcoming events. They also enjoyed the events to a lesser degree and did not look back at fun events with much fondness. 
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Similarly, a study at Berkeley divided participants into two groups. One group was made to read an article about the benefits of feeling good while the other was given an unrelated piece on the importance of rational judgement. Both groups then watched an inspirational, feel-good film. The first group ended up experiencing less joy in watching the film as compared to the latter. These findings have been duplicated in some form by several other studies, leading to the conclusion that actively thinking about happiness and ways to obtain it can lead to feelings of discontentment. 
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Tips and Practices

Happiness is something that we all desire, yet it can often seem elusive. We try to chase after it, thinking that once we have the perfect job, partner, or possessions, then we will be happy. But happiness is not something that can be obtained through external circumstances alone. Rather, it is a state of mind that can be cultivated through intentional practices. Here are some tips and practices for opening yourself up to joy: 
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<ul>
	<li>Differentiating Between Pleasure And Happiness: The first step in cultivating happiness is to differentiate between pleasure and happiness. Too often, we conflate the two and think that pleasure is the key to happiness. However, pleasure and happiness are not synonymous. Pleasure is a temporary experience that comes from external stimuli, such as eating a delicious meal or watching a funny movie. Happiness, on the other hand, is a long-lasting state of mind that comes from within. It is a sense of contentment and fulfillment that is not dependent on external circumstances. 
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	<li>Practicing Discernment In Pursuing Pleasure: While some pleasurable activities can cultivate happiness, such as helping others or taking care of ourselves, not all pleasures lead to happiness. Substance abuse is a prime example of this. Drugs may bring us pleasure, but they do not bring long-term happiness. When we practice discernment in the kinds of pleasure we choose to pursue, we can avoid those that lead to negative consequences and focus on those that contribute to our overall well-being. 
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	<li>Cultivating Gratitude: Another way to open ourselves up to joy is to cultivate gratitude. When we focus on what we have rather than what we lack, we create a positive mindset that allows us to experience happiness more easily. However, it&#39;s important to note that too much gratitude can have the opposite effect. Research has found that participants who practiced gratitude once a week reported more contentment, while those who practiced it three times a week reported feeling less content. So, rather than seeing gratitude as a means to pursue happiness, it&#39;s best to practice it for its own sake. 
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	<li>Practicing Meditation And Movement: Meditation and movement practices are also effective ways to cultivate happiness. However, when we begin to see them as a means to an end, rather than a practice to be enjoyed for its own sake, we can fall into the trap of thinking that our happiness is conditional on them. Instead, we should approach these practices with a sense of curiosity and openness, allowing them to be a source of joy in themselves. 
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	<li>Being Open To The Full Range Of Emotions: Lastly, to open ourselves up to joy, we must be willing to experience the full range of emotions, both positive and negative. When we try to avoid or suppress unpleasant emotions such as anger, grief, and anxiety, we only make them stronger. By accepting and embracing all of life&#39;s experiences, we create a sense of openness that allows us to receive joy when it arises. 
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Conclusion

Happiness is not something that can be pursued directly. Rather, it is a state of mind that can be cultivated through intentional practices. By differentiating between pleasure and happiness, practicing discernment in pursuing pleasure, cultivating gratitude, practicing meditation and movement for their own sake, and being open to the full range of emotions, we can open ourselves up to joy and experience happiness more easily. 
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