Where do you look for happiness

Happiness can be found everywhere by simply paying attention. Whether it be the warmth of the sun, the chirping of the birds, or the laughter of our loved ones, these all bring us joy.Paying attention allows us to appreciate the simple joys that surround us. Happiness is often found in the details, the nuances of life that might be missed in the rush. By paying attention to these moments, we can cultivate a deeper sense of contentment and fulfilment. Happiness is a journey in which we appreciate the small victories, find joy in everyday moments, and maintain a positive outlook even in adversity.

 

Decoding Unhappiness

However what makes its attainment difficult is our lives, replete with stresss, depression, anxiety, our propensity to make comparisons and a lack of social support.These impact our lives by affecting our sleeping habits, appetite, causing fatigue, body aches and overthinking. Comparing ourselves with others without thinking that we all have unique skills and talents and that we all progress at different speeds. Associating with pessimists and lack of gratitude are other important reasons behind our unhappiness. Self isolation when we face any setbacks in life distances us from us attributing to our unhappiness.

 

Challenges in our quest for happiness

As humans we are constantly caught between our ability to find happiness within ourselves and our tendency to crave for attention from others. However, depending solely on external validation for our happiness is like walking on thin ice. In today’s world, our attention is constantly divided. We find ourselves tethered to screens, bombarded with notifications, and caught up in a never-ending cycle of multitasking. In doing so, we relinquish our ability to be truly present, sacrificing our happiness in the process.

 

Outcome of happiness

As happy individuals, we become positive thinkers and hopeful about the future because it gives us healthy minds, bodies and relationships. We become more mindful of our thoughts, emotions and actions, leading to self awareness and inner peace.In fact, as we prioritize our happiness, we unlock a myriad of benefits such as improved health, a stronger immune system and lowered stress levels. Psychologically, it enhances our cognitive function, creativity, and resilience in the face of challenges. On a social level, happy individuals tend to build stronger and more meaningful connections. Their positivity is contagious, creating a ripple effect that can elevate the collective mood of communities and organizations.

Getting inspired to be happy

To be happy, we need to evolve ourselves by inculcating some everyday practices. . Exercising, getting the required sleep, eating healthy, self- complimenting, practicing a life of gratitude, forgiveness, appreciation, having an amiable nature, spending good time with family and good friends, helping others can work wonders for us. Seeking happiness solely from external sources often leads to disappointment, as we strive to match up to their expectations. However here it is important to identify one’s own way to be happy, which is unique for each individual.

The process starts with a conscious effort to prioritize the present moment, by being mindful of our emotions, surroundings, and thoughts. We learn to adapt, learn, and grow, ultimately contributing to our overall well-being and happiness.

 

About the authors

The article has been contributed by the following students from Mahavir Senior Model School, New Delhi: Kavya Khanna, Kritika Jain, Aarna Jain, Pranav Nagarwal, Nitya Jain and Sana Mahour.