In todays society we are more depressed than ever before. Despite increased life-standards (increased food availability, increased age etc) more percentage of any population commit suicide or suffer from depression. Why is this? How do we get happier? What causes happines? I am very fond of evolution and how similar we are to animals in reaction patterns, and you will probably see this when you read my thoughts on happiness. I like to get ideas which are tested scientifically, that is, you measure the rate of happiness before and after something and then create an hypothesis.
So first and foremost. What´s the general perception of happiness? If I asked one of you guys at this forum what makes you happy your logic (and my logic) would tell you more money, better house, increased attraction from opposite sex etc. All this is misguided although true to an extent. Let me explain why. When your mom and dad had sex in your grandmothers car that rainy night in 1984 (hope I didn't give you the picture), they made a human 9 months later that consisted (and still consists) of genes from either both of the parents. So you are stuck with a set of genes for life. Other aspects that can affect you and your life is your life circumstances such as living place, your health, marital status and what you think and do in your everyday life. Enough of the basics… "can you please just tell me some stuff that causes happiness???"
SOCIAL NETWORK: Imagine being alone 10000 years ago. If some criminal minded creature came to steal your lunch one day no one would be there to help you, because you didn't have a relationship or friends. At the end of the day, you would die if the creature was stronger than you. For that very reason we have a brain system that rewards us with happiness if we make a new friend or have an interesting conversation on the train to work. Do you recognize this? Have you felt more happy when you really hit on with that person on that party and made a new friend? Have you felt happy when you talked to that girl on the bus to work about how good the starbucks coffee is compared to half-sleeping listening to eminem? I have!
HAVING SEX: If people didn't have sex and made kids the world would stop eventually. That´s why the brain rewards us with happiness when we ejaculate. If you don't have a girlfriend / fuck-friend, get one. You should have sex regularly. That´s why people who get little sex/bad sex from their partner are more unhappy than people who fucks like rabbits.
HAVING GOALS: Many theories leads to the fact that happiness is a system built into our brains to help us reach our goals. When we progress to our goals, we become happier, when we´re lagging behind, we get less happy. Let´s suppose you have read on this forum a way to pick up a girl on a night out. You have really understood the materials and have a goal you want to make. When you go out that night and feel very close to get her home you feel happy. If she left you halfway into the conversation you would feel less happy. That´s why humans like challenges! Your brain will reward in the form of happiness if you succeed. Although, happiness from a goal being reached won´t necessarily last, so setting new ones are equally important.
GRATITUDE: This is basically thankfulness and appreciation towards something. For example if you broke your arm, you´re grateful that you "just" broke your arm and didn't die in the car accident you just was involved in. People who say thank you are generally happier people. So are those who frequently discuss and write about what they're thankful for(like a blog). And if you can cherish the small things in life, scientists say you'll be even happier(for example take pictures and post on facebook from everyday happenings such as good food, a smile etc).
BREAK A BAD HABIT: If you try to quit something that is bad for you this is enough to boost your mood. Imagine you know you get fat from eating so much sugar-products. Imagine you one day would decide to stop eating all the shit. You WOULD feel better on THE DAY you quit!
RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS: Performing acts of kindness makes the giver as well as the receiver happier.
MEANING OF LIFE: Religious people are more commonly happy because their life has a definite meaning. Sadly im not religious
CHAT