Happiness, eight ways.
Happiness is like an orgasm: if you think about it too much, it goes away.
– Tim Minchin, Occasional Address
There’s a lot of truth in this quip. Spending your time obsessing over happiness is a sure way to never find it.
Happiness, for me, shows up when I’m out in nature, connecting with someone new, sharing a few beers with friends, meditating, etc.
Happiness cannot be pursued, it must ensue.
– Viktor Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning
If happiness is the result of the things we do, how can we ensure it ensues without being pursued?
One possible answer lies in eight, science-y lifestyle factors: exercise, diet and nutrition, time in nature, contribution and service, relationships, recreation and enjoyable activities, relaxation and stress management, and religious and spiritual involvement.
Rather than recount the mounds of research on why these factors make sense, here are eight ways happiness has ensued for me — try them for yourself:
1 — EXERCISE
Try a seven minute workout.
I do this at least three times a week, just before work. It’s a skeptically simple way to be active and get a quick boost of endorphins.
2 — DIET and NUTRITION
Track your nutritional intake for one month and adjust.
Back when I was 12% Hot Pockets®, a friend showed me this app. I tracked my food intake for one month, and realized I was eating too much food with not enough nutritional value. Small changes in your diet, like cutting out Hot Pockets, can make a big impact on your health.
3 — TIME IN NATURE
Visit your local National Park.
Imagine a therapy that had no known side effects, was readily available, and could improve your cognitive functioning at zero cost. Such a therapy has been known to philosophers, writers, and laypeople alike: interacting with nature. Couldn’t have said it better myself. Go, explore!
4 — CONTRIBUTION and SERVICE
Volunteer for a cause you admire.
Donating your time is one of the most valuable things you can offer another person. Just one hour a month can go a long way in improving your own happiness, with the ripple effect of making the lives of others’ richer.
5 — RELATIONSHIPS
Ask someone you want to know better these thirty-six questions.
In the spirit of honesty, I’ve never done this one myself, but am so curious to try. I do, however, enjoy asking questions of the people I love. Relationships are built from vulnerability; asking difficult questions is in many ways a path to stronger relationships.
6 — RECREATION and ENJOYABLE ACTIVITIES
Go on an artist date.
This could mean buying a disposable camera and exploring, tracking down hidden art in your own city, or spending $5 at a thrift store. The goal here is to explore something that interests you, stoke your imagination and creativity, and have an excuse to try something new.
7 — RELAXATION and STRESS MANAGEMENT
Take ten minutes to meditate.
Meditation is one of the most valuable practices I’ve started, next to foregoing Hot Pockets. By taking just ten minutes, I have a clearer mind, feel less anxious, and get better sleep. It’s magic.
8 — RELIGIOUS and SPIRITUAL INVOLVEMENT
Meditate again.
It’s so nice, I’ll mention it twice.
Reading: Red Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson
Listening: Missing Richard Simmons podcast
Watching: Abstract: The Art of Design on Netflix
