What Is True Happiness?

What Is True Happiness?

True happiness can be briefly defined as an internal feeling characterized by contentment, enjoying the company of others, and experiencing inner peace and harmony with oneself—mind, body, and soul. It can also be described as a state of self-love. This shows that true happiness is not dependent on a specific person or possession, but rather on how satisfied you feel with yourself.
It’s important to note that each of us has a different view of happiness, which varies based on individual nature and needs. Some people believe they’ll be happy if they acquire a lot of money or buy a house or car, for example. Others may think happiness lies in being with someone they love. However, all of this brings only temporary happiness and does not fully answer the question “What is true happiness?”

Tips for Achieving True Happiness

Now that we understand what true happiness is, we can conclude that achieving it requires effort and intention, including the following practices:

• Smiling

When we feel happy, we tend to smile automatically. This suggests a connection between the two. If you smile even when you’re not happy, your brain will release dopamine—a neurotransmitter released when we feel happy—which in turn enhances that feeling.

• Self-Care

This includes regular exercise, getting enough rest and sleep, and eating a healthy diet—especially foods that boost mood, such as:

1. Vegetables, beans, and whole grains, which are healthy sources of complex carbohydrates. Carbs help stimulate the release of serotonin, a hormone that improves mood.
2. Legumes, poultry, and lean red meat, which are rich in protein and promote the release of dopamine and norepinephrine.

• Letting Go of Negative Emotions

Certain negative emotions, particularly anger, resentment, and envy, not only hinder the experience of true happiness but can also cause psychological harm. Treating others kindly and helping them whenever possible leads to a sense of self-satisfaction, which contributes to true happiness.

• Meditation

Meditation is one of the most effective practices for achieving true happiness and cultivating self-contentment, as it promotes inner peace. Meditation is neither difficult nor complex, and to explore different meditation styles and enjoy guided sessions and podcasts, don’t forget to download the Tawazon app.

• Spending Time in Nature

Spending 30 minutes or more per week in nature can enhance feelings of true happiness and reduce the risk of depression, according to some studies.