By Jodi Stuckless, PsD Candidate, Mental Health and Wellness Coach
What is your definition of happiness? Research in the field of positive psychology and happiness often define a happy person as someone who experiences frequent positive emotions, such as joy, interest, and pride, and infrequent (though not absent) negative emotions, such as sadness, anxiety and anger. Happiness has also been said to relate to life satisfaction, appreciation of life, moments of pleasure, but overall it has to do with the positive experience of emotions.
The research also suggests that happiness is a combination of how satisfied you are with your life (for example, finding meaning in your work) and how good you feel on a day-to-day basis. However, it is important to understand that happiness is different for everyone. Happiness comes when YOU feel satisfied and fulfilled. And when you feel satisfied and fulfilled, you’ll be at your best for a productive work and home life.So, it’s important to ask yourself, what brings you joy? When you’re at work and when you’re at home, what brings you the most happiness? Maybe it's a night in watching TV. Maybe it's a night out at a new restaurant in town. Maybe it's staying up late watching a movie with your significant other. Maybe it depends on your mood. Wherever your happiness resides, go enjoy it.
If you’re interested in learning more about stress, anxiety, self-care and general happiness, join the Horizon Mental Health Challenge!
So many of us see our family physicians at least once or twice a year in regards to matters that concern our physical health, but what are we doing to maintain and attend our mental health? The goal of the Mental Health Challenge is to draw your attention towards matters affecting your mental health, and to provide you with some tools and tricks to help alleviate stress and anxiety, allow for proper self-care, and increase overall levels of happiness at work and at home.
To learn more or to register for the Mental Health challenge, click here.
