Happiness: The Pursuit

Most of us know that prioritising our mental health and happiness is vital. Though we also know that life can be pretty hectic. You may be struggling to keep your head above water financially or with your health, maybe you are overwhelmed with anxiety, stress, or depression. While juggling all of what life throws at us, it's easy to overlook the little moments of joy that are sprinkled into our lives. Yet, it's these simple pleasures that often hold the key to sustained well-being.

Happiness is more than just a fleeting emotion; it's a state of being—a profound sense of contentment that permeates our lives. .

While external factors certainly play a role, true happiness often arises from within, rooted in our attitudes, perceptions, and daily practices. Cultivating happiness is akin to tending to a garden; it requires nurturing, patience, and a keen eye for the beauty that surrounds us.

The Foundation of Happiness

Central to our quest for happiness is our mental health. Just as we care for our physical well-being through exercise and nourishment, tending to our mental health is equally crucial. Yet, the stigma and narrative we have around mental health often prevents us from seeking the support and resources we need.

• "I'll be fine."
• "I just need to get over/through/on with this."
• "I feel silly for being so upset/stressed/sad/overwhelmed over this."
• "What will people think of me if I seek help/set boundaries/change my habits/admit I’m struggling?"
• "I'm not that bad/depressed/suicidal so I don't want to waste the time of a therapist/helpline/GP."
• “Other people have it so much harder than I do.”
• “I will focus on my happiness/health/wellbeing next month/year/when I get this new job/when my children grow up.”

It's time to break down these barriers, encouraging open conversations, championing reaching out for help and start realising that self-care practices really can benefit our mental well-being, protecting us from poor mental health or wellbeing. 

We have the power to shape our wellbeing and ultimately our happiness too. Whether that's setting better boundaries, practising mindfulness, or reaching out for help. If you feel you do need help or support for your mental health please reach out for help from one of our many members, you can find the help you need, near you on our Find Help Near Me directory.

The Ingredients of Happiness

The pursuit of happiness is not a one-size-fits-all endeavour; rather, it's a dynamic, complex and individual journey shaped by a myriad of factors:

1. Relationships and Social Connections: Human beings are inherently social creatures, and meaningful relationships play a pivotal role in our happiness. Strong social connections, whether with family, friends, or community, provide a sense of belonging, support, and companionship that can really enrich our lives. "Happiness held is the seed. Happiness shared is the flower." – John Harrigan

2. Personal Growth and Fulfilment: Happiness often emerges from a sense of personal growth and fulfilment. Engaging in activities that align with our passions, values, and strengths allows us to tap into the joy within us, fostering a deep sense of satisfaction and purpose. "Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it." - Greg Anderson

3. Gratitude and Mindfulness: Cultivating an attitude of gratitude and mindfulness can profoundly impact our happiness levels. By savouring the present moment, acknowledging our blessings, and finding beauty in the ordinary, we cultivate a sense of abundance and appreciation for life's simple joys. "We tend to forget that happiness doesn’t come as a result of getting something we don’t have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have." - Anthony J D'Angelo

4. Physical and Mental Well-being: Our physical and mental health are intricately linked to our happiness. Prioritising exercise, nutrition, sleep, and stress management, lays the foundation for a thriving and resilient mind-body connection. "Happiness depends upon ourselves." - Aristotle

As we navigate the ebbs and flows of life, let us remember that happiness resides within each of us, waiting to be discovered, no matter how small or fleeting. Of course external factors have an impact but allowing ourselves to notice, appreciate and give attention to moments of joy or happiness helps builds our resilience.

If you feel you need a little more happiness and gratitude in your daily life, we've a great exercise that can have a big impact.

Introducing the Happiness Jar

One simple, yet impactful way that we can nurture happiness is the Happiness Jar activity.

• Each day, take a moment to reflect on something that made you feel happy, no matter how small.
  • It could be a reminder of a heartfelt moment with a loved one
  • A moment of peace or contentment
  • A simple act of kindness 
  • A memory of an achievement or moment you felt proud
  • A moment of gratitude
  • A moment of fun, flow or laughter
  • Any souvenirs like tickets, receipts, or other mementos that evoke fond memories 
• Jot it down on a piece of paper, roll it up and place it in your Jar.
• Place the jar, along with paper and a pen, in a space where you can be reminded of this practice (beside the kettle for example). 

As your jar fills with these precious tokens of joy, you'll find yourself building a treasure trove of positivity and gratitude —something you can draw upon during challenging times.

At its core, the Happiness Jar activity is a practice of gratitude—a daily ritual that invites us to shift our focus from scarcity to abundance. By consciously acknowledging and celebrating the positive moments in our lives, we cultivate a mindset of appreciation. Even on the darkest days, the Happiness Jar can be a reminder that joy can be found in the most unexpected places.

Let us remember that happiness is not a destination but a journey. The journey to happiness is a deeply personal and introspective voyage—one that invites us to explore our values, beliefs, and aspirations with curiosity and compassion. Encouraging us to move forward feeling more empowered to take on life, regardless of what it may throw at us. 

So grab a jar, a pen, and a handful of paper, and start today!