Happiness Flashcards
The definition of happiness according to Aristotle
A life lived in virtue
The definition of happiness according to Darrin McMahon
“Happiness is never simply a function of good feeling but rather of living good lives, lives that will almost certainly include a good deal of pain.”
“Happiness is never simply a function of good feeling but rather of ___________, lives that will almost certainly include a good deal of pain.”
living good lives
The definition of happiness according to Sonja Lyubomirsky
“The experience of joy, contentment or positive well-being, combined with a sense that one’s life is good, meaningful, and worthwhile.”
It is our ability to adapt to changes in our life
circumstances
Hedonic Adaptation
Human beings are remarkable at getting
used to ______ in their lives.
Changes
New things boost our happiness for a short while but then we go back to our _________
Baseline or setpoint
Predicting how much a life event is likely
to impact you.
Affective Forecasting
People think that __________ are
going to make them happy and keep
them happy for a very long time
Really good events
________ are going to crush them
for the unforeseeable future
Really bad events
______ is a major cause of mistake in
affective forecasting.
Impact bias
Useful tips for happiness
- Don’t postpone your happiness.
- Don’t underestimate your resilience and
put things off with the fear of failure! - Spend your money on experiences rather
than material things
Useful tips for happiness
- Don’t postpone your happiness.
- Don’t underestimate your resilience and
put things off with the fear of failure! - Spend your money on experiences rather
than material things
What makes us happy?
Proven Facts: Good sleep patterns, regular
exercise, and achievements
Social Connections (Romantic Relationships, Family and Friends)
Compassion and Kindness
Forgiveness
Mindfulness
What is social connections according to Brene Brown?
Connection gives us meaning
and purpose in life.
According to Ed Diener and Martin
Seligman, what is social connections?
Social relationships form a necessary but not sufficient condition for high happiness
It means “to suffer together.”
Kindness and compassion
Giving without expecting anything in return
Kindness
It is the desire to ease others’ suffering
Compassion
Benefits of Kindness and Giving
- Less loneliness, better health overall
- Volunteerism enhances well-being and
life expectancy - Promotes cooperation and social
connection - Evokes gratitude and is contagious
- Research: giving has a bigger happiness
benefit than spending on the self
The __________ we suffer in life take
a considerable toll on our psychological
and physical well-being
hurts and conflicts
Holding onto grudges and dwelling on
them ______ our happiness
undermines
People are substantially less happy when
their minds are _________ than when
they’re not
wandering
