Happiness | Psychology Today

<!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en-US" dir="ltr" prefix="og: https://ogp.me/ns#" itemscope="" itemtype="https://schema.org/FAQPage"> <head> <title>Happiness | Psychology Today</title> <meta charset="utf-8" http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html" /> <script>window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; window.dataLayer.push({"":"Psychology Today","entityLangcode":"en","page_type":"node","drupal_node_type":"reference","drupal_node_nid":"53757","drupal_node_title":"Happiness","userUid":0,"event":"drupal_node_view","ContentWeb":"Basics"});</script> <meta name="description" content="Happiness is an electrifying and elusive state. Philosophers, theologians, psychologists, and even economists have long sought to define it. And since the 1990s, a whole branch of psychology鈥攑ositive psychology鈥攈as been dedicated to pinning it down. More than simply positive mood, happiness is a state of well-being that encompasses living a good life, one with a sense of meaning and deep contentment." /> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/happiness" /> <meta property="og:site_name" content="Psychology Today" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/happiness" /> <meta property="og:title" content="Happiness" /> <meta property="og:description" content="Happiness is an electrifying and elusive state. Philosophers, theologians, psychologists, and even economists have long sought to define it. And since the 1990s, a whole branch of psychology鈥攑ositive psychology鈥攈as been dedicated to pinning it down. More than simply positive mood, happiness is a state of well-being that encompasses living a good life, one with a sense of meaning and deep contentment." /> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/magazine_384x504/public/magazine/2024-10/2024-11.png.jpg?itok=MK2t-Nce" /> <meta property="fb:app_id" content="220580041311284" /> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0, maximum-scale=1.0, user-scalable=0" /> <meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=edge,chrome=1" /> <meta http-equiv="x-dns-prefetch-control" content="on" /> <meta name="theme-color" content="#191C1F" media="(prefers-color-scheme: dark)" /> <meta name="theme-color" content="#F2F2F2" media="(prefers-color-scheme: light)" /> <meta name="alexaVerifyID" content="ruuD3Gzrr-EaY185APFbxF69Va4" /> <meta name="google-site-verification" content="G-wasBQCXXJoehIaVW5BsO9VYKt4oqmWGo155wSSakQ" /> <meta name="y_key" content="0f29d521db0a2863" /> <meta name="msvalidate.01" content="9AD6650A37790044983CFB6B27D77607" /> <meta name="apple-mobile-web-app-capable" content="yes" /> <meta name="apple-mobile-web-app-title" content="Psych Today" /> <meta name="robots" content="index,follow" /> <script type="application/ld+json">{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "WebPage", "dateCreated": "2009-03-17T15:36:35-0400", "dateModified": "2024-06-25T16:38:06-0400", "mainEntityOfPage": "https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/happiness", "url": "https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/happiness", "name": "Happiness", "alternateName": [ "Happiness" ], "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Happiness" }, "mainEntity": { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "inDefinedTermSet": "https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics", "name": "Happiness", "url": "https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/happiness" }, "mainContentOfPage": { "@type": "WebPageElement", "name": "What Is Happiness?", "text": "Happiness is an electrifying and elusive state. Philosophers, theologians, psychologists, and even economists have long sought to define it. And since the 1990s, a whole branch of psychology鈥攑ositive psychology鈥攈as been dedicated to pinning it down. More than simply positive mood, happiness is a state of well-being that encompasses living a good life, one with a sense of meaning and deep contentment.\r\n\r\nFeeling joyful has its health perks as well. A growing body of research also suggests that happiness can improve your physical health; feelings of positivity and fulfillment seem to benefit cardiovascular health, the immune system, inflammation levels, and blood pressure, among other things. Happiness has even been linked to a longer lifespan as well as a higher quality of life and well-being.\r\n\r\nAttaining happiness is a global pursuit. Researchers find that people from every corner of the world rate happiness more important than other desirable personal outcomes, such as obtaining wealth, acquiring material goods, and getting into heaven.\r\n" }, "relatedLink": [ "https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/optimism", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/positive-psychology", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/gratitude", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/affective-forecasting", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/habit-formation", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/depression", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/hedonic-treadmill", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/toxic-positivity" ], "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Psychology Today", "url": "https://www.psychologytoday.com", "logo": "https://cdn.psychologytoday.com/sites/default/files/psychology-today-logo-blue-AMP-left-cropped_0.png", "publishingPrinciples": 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role="article" class="center--basic--full center-page"> <div class="content-header d-flex reference-header"> <div class="content-header--text"> <h1 class="reference__title section-title">What Is Happiness?</h1> <p class="reference__review-info fine-print"> <a href="/us/docs/editorial-process" class="reference__review-info-link"> <span class="reference__review-info-icon"></span> <span class="reference__review-info-text">Reviewed by Psychology Today Staff</span> </a> </p> </div> </div> <div> <div class="reference__body"> <div class="field-name-body"> <p>Happiness is an electrifying and elusive state. Philosophers, theologians, psychologists, and even economists have long sought to define it. And since the 1990s, a whole branch of psychology—<a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/happiness/positive-psychology">positive psychology</a>—has been dedicated to pinning it down. More than simply positive mood, happiness is a state of well-being that encompasses living a good life, one with a sense of meaning and deep contentment.</p> <p>Feeling joyful has its health perks as well. A growing body of research also suggests that happiness can improve your physical health; feelings of positivity and fulfillment seem to benefit cardiovascular health, the immune system, inflammation levels, and blood pressure, among other things. Happiness has even been linked to a longer lifespan as well as a higher quality of life and well-being.</p> <p>Attaining happiness is a global pursuit. Researchers find that people from every corner of the world rate happiness more important than other desirable personal outcomes, such as obtaining wealth, acquiring material goods, and getting into heaven.</p> </div> </div> <div class="reference__sections"> <div> <div> <div class="section section--separator"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="h2 section-title" itemprop="name"> How to Be Happy </div> <div class="section__body" itemscope itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer"> <article> <img src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_180x180/public/shutterstock_484650583.jpg?itok=1auk3oXf" width="180" height="180" alt="" title="InTheLightPhotography/Shutterstock" loading="lazy" /> </article> <div itemprop="text"> <p>Happiness is not the result of bouncing from one joy to the next; researchers find that achieving happiness typically involves times of considerable <em>dis</em>comfort. Genetic makeup, life circumstances, achievements, marital status, social relationships, even your neighbors—all influence how happy you are. Or can be. So do individual ways of thinking and expressing feelings. Research shows that much of happiness is under personal control.</p> <p>Regularly indulging in small pleasures, getting absorbed in challenging activities, setting and meeting <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/motivation" title="Psychology Today looks at goals" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-US">goals</a>, maintaining close social ties, and finding purpose beyond oneself all increase life satisfaction. It isn't happiness per se that promotes well-being, it’s the actual pursuit that’s key. </p> <p><em>For more, see <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/happiness/how-find-happiness">How to Find Happiness.</a></em></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="pt-ad pt-ad--300x250 d-block d-none d-md-block d-lg-none block" id="block-ad-subpage-300x250-programmatically-rendered"> <div class="pt-ad--container pt-ad-show-text"> <div class="pt-ad--text"> <span>article continues after advertisement</span> </div> <div id="div-gpt-ad-1404853927369-9" class="pt-ad--content"> <script type="text/javascript"> if (window.googletag && googletag.apiReady) { googletag.cmd.push(function () { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1404853927369-9'); }); } </script> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class="section section--separator"> <div class="h2 section-title"> Signs of a Happy Person </div> <div class="section__body"> <article> <img src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_180x180/public/2020-09/shutterstock_1115157008.jpg?itok=zm-cpRj1" width="180" height="180" alt="Shift Drive/Shutterstock" title="Shift Drive/Shutterstock" loading="lazy" /> </article> <p>Happy people live with purpose. They find joy in lasting relationships, working toward their goals, and living according to their values. The happy person is not enamored with material goods or luxury vacations. This person is fine with the simple pleasures of life—petting a dog, sitting under a tree, enjoying a cup of tea. Here are a few of the outward signs that someone is content.</p> <ul><li>Is open to learning new things</li> <li>Is high in humility and patience</li> <li>Smiles and laughs readily</li> <li>Goes with the flow</li> <li>Practices compassion</li> <li>Is often <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/gratitude" title="Psychology Today looks at grateful" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-US">grateful</a></li> <li>Exercises self-care</li> <li>Enjoys healthy relationships</li> <li>Is happy for other people</li> <li>Gives and receives without torment</li> <li>Lives with meaning and purpose</li> <li>Does not feel entitled and has fewer expectations</li> <li>Is not spiteful or insulting</li> <li>Does not hold grudges</li> <li>Does not register small annoyances</li> <li>Does not angst over yesterday and tomorrow</li> <li>Does not play games</li> <li>Is not a martyr or victim</li> <li>Is not stingy with their happiness</li> </ul><p><em>For more, see <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/happiness/how-find-happiness">How To Find Happiness.</a></em></p> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class="section section--separator"> <div class="h2 section-title"> Myths of Happiness </div> <div class="section__body"> <article> <img src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_180x180/public/2020-07/shutterstock_796805779.jpg?itok=fr9cDJsX" width="180" height="180" alt="eldar nurkovic/Shutterstock" title="eldar nurkovic/Shutterstock" loading="lazy" /> </article> <p>Misperceptions abound when it comes to what we think will make us happy. People often believe that happiness will be achieved once they reach a certain milestone, such as finding the perfect partner or landing a particular salary.</p> <p>Humans, however, are excellent at adapting to new circumstances, which means that people will habituate to their new relationship or wealth, return to a baseline level of happiness, and seek out the next milestone. Fortunately, the same principle applies to setbacks—we are <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/resilience" title="Psychology Today looks at resilient" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-US">resilient</a> and will most likely find happiness again.</p> <p>Regarding finances specifically, research shows that the sweet spot for yearly income is between $60,000 and $95,000 a year, <em>not</em> a million-dollar salary. Earnings above $95,000 do not equate to increased well-being; a person earning $150,000 a year will not necessarily be as happy as a person earning a lot less. </p> <p>The type of thoughts below exemplify these misconceptions about happiness:</p> <ul><li>"I’ll be happy when I’m rich and successful."</li> <li>"I’ll be happy when I’m married to the right person."</li> <li>"Landing my dream job will make me happy."</li> <li>"I can’t be happy when my relationship has fallen apart."</li> <li>"I will never recover from this diagnosis."</li> <li>"The best years of my life are over."</li> </ul><p><em>For more, see <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/happiness/the-science-happiness">The Science of Happiness.</a></em></p> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class="section section--separator"> <div class="h2 section-title"> Positive Psychology </div> <div class="section__body"> <article> <img src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_180x180/public/2020-12/shutterstock_665619424.jpg?itok=EaIKGODr" width="180" height="180" alt="" title="Merla/Shutterstock" loading="lazy" /> </article> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Positive psychology is the branch of psychology that explores human flourishing. It asks how individuals can experience positive emotions, develop authentic relationships, find flow, achieve their goals, and build a meaningful life.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Propelled by University of Pennsylvania psychologist <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/positive-psychology" title="Psychology Today looks at Martin Seligman" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-US">Martin Seligman</a>, the movement emerged from the desire for a fundamental shift in psychology—from revolving around disease and distress to providing the knowledge and skills to cultivate growth, meaning, and fulfillment.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br><span><span><span><span><em><span>For more, see </span></em></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/happiness/positive-psychology"><span><span><span><span><em><span><span><span>Positive Psychology.</span></span></span></em></span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><em><span> </span></em></span></span></span></span></p> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class="section section--separator"> <div class="h2 section-title"> Happiness Over the Lifespan </div> <div class="section__body"> <article> <img src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_180x180/public/2020-12/shutterstock_1265269756.jpg?itok=muAWysMf" width="180" height="180" alt="" title="Roman Samborskyi/Shutterstock" loading="lazy" /> </article> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Every person has unique life experiences, and therefore unique experiences of happiness. That being said, when scientists examine the </span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><em><span>average</span></em></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span><span> trajectory of happiness over the lifespan, some patterns tend to emerge. Happiness and satisfaction begin relatively high, decrease from <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/adolescence" title="Psychology Today looks at adolescence" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-US">adolescence</a> to <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/mid-life" title="Psychology Today looks at midlife" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-US">midlife</a>, and rise throughout older adulthood.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>What makes someone happy in their 20s may not spark joy in their 80s, and joy in someone’s 80s may have seemed irrelevant in their 20s. It’s valuable for people to continue observing and revising what makes them happy at a given time to continue striving for fulfillment throughout their lifetime.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><em><span>For more, see </span></em></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/happiness/happiness-over-the-lifespan"><span><span><span><span><em><span><span><span>Happiness Over the Lifespan.</span></span></span></em></span></span></span></span></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class="section section--separator"> <div class="h2 section-title"> Happiness and Health </div> <div class="section__body"> <article> <img src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_180x180/public/2020-12/shutterstock_359568020.jpg?itok=9CIO_ayt" width="180" height="180" alt="" title="lzf/Shutterstock" loading="lazy" /> </article> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Health and happiness are completely intertwined. That’s not to say that people with illnesses can’t be happy, but that attending to one’s health is an important—and perhaps underappreciated—component of well-being.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Researchers have identified many links between health and happiness—including a longer lifespan—but it’s difficult to distinguish which factor causes the other. Making changes to <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/diet" title="Psychology Today looks at diet" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-US">diet</a>, exercise, sleep, and more can help everyone feel more content.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><em><span>For more, see </span></em></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/happiness/happiness-and-health"><span><span><span><span><em><span><span><span>Happiness and Health</span></span></span></em></span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><em><span>. </span></em></span></span></span></span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="center--next_page_link d-flex"> <a href="/us/basics/happiness/the-science-of-happiness" title="The Science of Happiness">Next: The Science of Happiness</a> <div class="center--next_page_arrow"></div> </div> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="js-view-dom-id-06e8e642d8489c0c6db89edc608bd25ad721d0e33f535b17b2399cbe3296f158"> <section class="basics--essential-reads"> <div class="h2 page-section-header">Essential Reads</div> <div class="teaser--card-inset-details--row"> <article class="teaser--card-inset-details blog_entry--teaser--card-inset-details" data-nid="5027557"> <div class="card-inset-details__image"> <a href="/us/blog/sex-sexuality-and-romance/202411/are-you-as-happy-as-a-typical-american"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_3_2_600x400/public/field_blog_entry_images/2024-11/Happy%20Girls.jpg?itok=oR3GLzJd" width="600" height="400" alt="" title="Like a Fool, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons" /> </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__body"> <div class="card-inset-details__title"> <a href="/us/blog/sex-sexuality-and-romance/202411/are-you-as-happy-as-a-typical-american" title="Are You as Happy as a Typical American?"> Are You as Happy as a Typical American? </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__teaser-text"> As a country we are an unhappy lot, and this is especially true for our youngest. Is this because of social media and the use of smartphones? Experts disagree. </div> </div> </article> <article class="teaser--card-inset-details blog_entry--teaser--card-inset-details" data-nid="5027415"> <div class="card-inset-details__image"> <a href="/us/blog/human-bureaucracy/202411/gratitude-finding-sweetness-in-the-bitterness"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_3_2_600x400/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-11/IMG_9131.jpg?itok=KmpExm3y" width="600" height="400" alt="" title="Alex Snider" /> </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__body"> <div class="card-inset-details__title"> <a href="/us/blog/human-bureaucracy/202411/gratitude-finding-sweetness-in-the-bitterness" title="Gratitude: Finding Sweetness in the Bitterness"> Gratitude: Finding Sweetness in the Bitterness </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__teaser-text"> Gratitude isn鈥檛 about waiting for life to be perfect. It鈥檚 about learning to see the good even, or perhaps especially, in hard times. </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="teaser--card-inset-details--row"> <article class="teaser--card-inset-details blog_entry--teaser--card-inset-details" data-nid="5027090"> <div class="card-inset-details__image"> <a href="/us/blog/navigating-social-terrain/202411/friendships-and-healthier-aging-a-pathway-of-connection"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_3_2_600x400/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-11/iStock-1369136469.jpg?itok=i8NMAej1" width="600" height="400" alt="" title="Prostock-Studio/iStock" /> </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__body"> <div class="card-inset-details__title"> <a href="/us/blog/navigating-social-terrain/202411/friendships-and-healthier-aging-a-pathway-of-connection" title="Friendships and Healthier Aging: A Pathway of Connection"> Friendships and Healthier Aging: A Pathway of Connection </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__teaser-text"> Friendships are vital to our well-being, especially as we age. To build meaningful connections in later life, try some of these practical steps. </div> </div> </article> <article class="teaser--card-inset-details blog_entry--teaser--card-inset-details" data-nid="5026935"> <div class="card-inset-details__image"> <a href="/us/blog/meditation-for-modern-life/202411/why-do-bad-things-happen-to-good-people"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_3_2_600x400/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-11/Image%20by%20Mollyroselee%20from%20Pixabay.jpg?itok=lMdi5UXO" width="600" height="400" alt="" title="Mollyroselee / Pixabay" /> </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__body"> <div class="card-inset-details__title"> <a href="/us/blog/meditation-for-modern-life/202411/why-do-bad-things-happen-to-good-people" title="'Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?'"> 'Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?' </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__teaser-text"> While we cannot always control what happens to us, we can control how we respond, and our responses shape our experience of life's challenges. </div> </div> </article> </div> </section> </div> </div> </div> <div class="h2 page-section-header page-section-header--with-divider">Recent Posts</div> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="js-view-dom-id-b7346b73aa1be20748269a385bc435c5f2ba12f9cc353941660d0b9041ed4507 layout-container--grid--content-main-additional basics--recent-posts"> <div class="layout-content-main"> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5027645"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/us/blog/finding-a-new-home/202411/2-science-based-techniques-for-living-a-happier-life"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-11/happy-life%20story-psychology-emamzadeh.jpg?itok=8w-1j5Sp" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="AbouYassin/Pixabay" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/us/blog/finding-a-new-home/202411/2-science-based-techniques-for-living-a-happier-life" rel="bookmark">2 Science-Based Techniques for Living a Happier Life</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Two recent studies explore techniques that can lead to a happier and more meaningful life. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Two recent studies explore techniques that can lead to a happier and more meaningful life. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5027620"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/us/blog/positively-different/202411/happy-holiday-your-way-happiness-isnt-one-size-fits-all"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-11/Woman%20relaxing%20gstockstudio%20%20.png.jpg?itok=pD7fZJZg" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="By gstockstudio / Freepik " /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/us/blog/positively-different/202411/happy-holiday-your-way-happiness-isnt-one-size-fits-all" rel="bookmark">Happy Holiday, Your Way: Happiness Isn鈥檛 One-Size-Fits-All </a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Not only are we different from each other, but our needs change with time and circumstances. 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Here are three steps you can start taking right away to enhance your well-being. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Want to reap the rich rewards of gratitude but don鈥檛 know where to start? Here are three steps you can start taking right away to enhance your well-being. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5027554"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/us/blog/threshold/202411/openness-awareness-and-engagement-at-the-holidays"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-11/pexels-cottonbro-3171465.jpg?itok=LdzVdUB5" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="cottonbro studio / Pexels" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/us/blog/threshold/202411/openness-awareness-and-engagement-at-the-holidays" rel="bookmark">Openness, Awareness, and Engagement at the Holidays</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> This Thanksgiving, let's move beyond the "Hallmark" expectations and create a holiday that truly reflects our values and aspirations. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> This Thanksgiving, let's move beyond the "Hallmark" expectations and create a holiday that truly reflects our values and aspirations. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5027479"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/us/blog/meaningfull/202411/how-to-handle-holiday-hurdles-family-food-and-frustration"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-11/Thanksgiving%202.jpeg.jpg?itok=1wwncGN4" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Alli Spotts-De Lazzer" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/us/blog/meaningfull/202411/how-to-handle-holiday-hurdles-family-food-and-frustration" rel="bookmark">How to Handle Holiday Hurdles: Family, Food, and Frustration </a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Consider these quick-and-dirty tips fopr navigating holiday hurdles with more inner peace, grace, and confidence. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Consider these quick-and-dirty tips fopr navigating holiday hurdles with more inner peace, grace, and confidence. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5027507"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/us/blog/the-wisdom-of-anger/202411/the-power-of-assertiveness-training"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-11/pexels-moose-photos-170195-1036622_0.jpg?itok=Td49UU4_" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Moose Photos / Pexels" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/us/blog/the-wisdom-of-anger/202411/the-power-of-assertiveness-training" rel="bookmark">The Power of Assertiveness Training</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Discover the transformative power of assertiveness training to confidently navigate relationships, communicate effectively, and maintain healthy boundaries. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Discover the transformative power of assertiveness training to confidently navigate relationships, communicate effectively, and maintain healthy boundaries. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5027481"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/us/blog/dbt-for-daily-life/202411/radical-acceptance-the-holiday-survival-skill"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-11/pexels-tim-douglas-6210851.jpg?itok=2auYMCiP" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Tim Douglas / Pexels" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/us/blog/dbt-for-daily-life/202411/radical-acceptance-the-holiday-survival-skill" rel="bookmark">Radical Acceptance: The Holiday Survival Skill</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> From family drama to forgotten gifts, the holidays don鈥檛 have to wreck your vibe. Discover how radical acceptance can save your season. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> From family drama to forgotten gifts, the holidays don鈥檛 have to wreck your vibe. Discover how radical acceptance can save your season. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5025624"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/us/blog/finding-a-new-home/202410/22-reasons-spending-time-alone-can-be-beneficial"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-10/woman-alone%20time-psychology-emamzadeh_0.jpg?itok=sHH-xy6W" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="ottawagraphics/Pixabay" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/us/blog/finding-a-new-home/202410/22-reasons-spending-time-alone-can-be-beneficial" rel="bookmark">22 Reasons Spending Time Alone Can Be Beneficial</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> A recent investigation examines the association between personality and the functions of time spent alone. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> A recent investigation examines the association between personality and the functions of time spent alone. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5027293"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/us/blog/the-mind-of-a-collector/202411/visual-self-expression-leads-to-rewards"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-11/An-eight-channel-fNIRS-device-built-by-Artinis-for-imaging-of-the-prefrontal-cortex%20%281%29.png.jpg?itok=nVX4NIfI" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Courtesy of Artinis: An eight channel INRS-device" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/us/blog/the-mind-of-a-collector/202411/visual-self-expression-leads-to-rewards" rel="bookmark">Visual Self-Expression Leads to Rewards </a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Research underscores how even simple forms of art making can evoke significant positive neural responses. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Research underscores how even simple forms of art making can evoke significant positive neural responses. </p> </article> </div> <nav role="navigation" aria-label="Pagination"> <ul class="js-pager__items pagination"> <li class="page-item active"> <span class="page-link">1</span> </li> <li class="page-item"> <a class="page-link" href="/us/basics/happiness?page=2" title="Go to next page" rel="next"> 2 </a> </li> <li class="page-item"> <a class="page-link next" href="/us/basics/happiness?page=2" title="Go to next page" rel="next"> <span>Next</span> </a> </li> </ul> </nav> </div> </div> </div> </article> </div> </div> </div> <aside class="layout-content-left-rail--first" 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