Joy and happiness are experienced by many but understood by only a few. Happiness comes from within. We have all heard this phrase and have been told that our happiness is an emotion only we are responsible for. The moment we hold someone else accountable for us to feel happiness, that moment we fail to realize that being happy is a very personal issue.

Happiness is in different scenarios for different people. For some, it might be writing a book; for some, it might be watching a movie. For a few people, happiness may be simply lazing around at home; for some, they need loud music and people around them. For some people, satisfaction is spending time with their family; for some, it is spending time with their pets. Happiness can be experienced in food, music, books, movies, art, laughter, sharing stories, recollecting memories, talking to a friend, cuddling with an animal, walking in nature, swimming, or even cooking!

Happiness is an emotion. It can be emoted towards small things – momentary things when something specific happens. In a broader context, happiness can be a recollection of memories and life accomplishments of a person. Happiness is subjective well-being. One person’s “happy meal” may not be another’s. It is a personal and private emotion, like sadness and grief.

Happiness is primarily a result of contentment. When people are content and grateful for whatever they have in their lives, they tend to see the brighter side and be satisfied. That contentment leads to happiness. Only when we value who we are as an individual and are morally sound in society can we fully immerse ourselves in the bliss of happiness?

Along with being an emotion that encourages us to feel good, happiness enhances our idea of truth, relationships, and emotional and physical health, as well as increased contribution and social connection with others around us. There are several things you could practice to experience joy and happiness. Simple steps taken in our daily lives can enable us to reach the epitome of joy and glee.

Managing our stress is critical. If we get stressed about the simplest things in our day-to-day lives, we will never feel happiness and contentment. We tend to feel resentful all the time, and that feeling is not suitable for our physical and emotional state of mind.

Prioritizing ourselves and enjoying our company can be another step towards finding happiness. Self-care and self-love come in handy when finding joy in life. Only when we love ourselves and are happy with ourselves can we love others and be comfortable around others. Self-love reflects a lot of energy and aura that highlights our characteristics in this world. Only when we are happy from within can we speak wisdom and enlighten the world with our truth. Boosting our self-esteem and ensuring we get this is key to finding happiness.

A healthy lifestyle is critical to maintaining a healthy mind and body. A wholesome reason and body release hormones responsible for happiness – dopamine that creates the feeling of joy and bliss in us. Indulging in an unhealthy lifestyle can kill our dopamine levels, and we may never experience that eternal feeling of glory again.

Happiness is a choice. It is in the good and the bad we do in life. It is in our decisions and the subjects we are interested in. The more we indulge in things, people, and situations that enhance happiness, the merrier we are. It is a personal choice that we make in life. Therefore, moving towards a life filled with happiness is up to us. Also, just being happy and experiencing happy moments and glee is not life – life is an amalgam of every emotion – happiness, sadness, sound, and the bad. It is up to us how we perceive it.

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