WHAT IS HAPPINESS?

Everyone has their definition of happiness. As for some people, happiness is knowing the meaning and purpose of their life and for some, it’s being able to afford luxury items.

But, what does happiness actually mean?

If we look into some psychological definitions and simplify them then it’s just an emotional state which is represented by the feelings of joy, fulfillment, contentment, and satisfaction.

Happiness is a very broad subject and a very important emotional state for a human. It has long-term definitions as well as short-term definitions. It has a definition for mind as well as body. That’s the reason why many researchers and psychologists refer to happiness as well-being which means the state of being happy, comfortable, healthy, and how people evaluate their lives. Happiness affects us and our lives in many ways, and in simple words, our purpose in life is to be happy or achieve happiness. 

Every human has needs that are basic for some and not for some and if we achieve or complete those needs then one can be happy. According to an American psychologist Abraham Maslow is known for Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, there are 5 levels of basic human needs and priorities that one lives to fulfill. 

1. Physiological needs– Things like air, water, food, shelter, sleep, clothing, reproduction, etc, come under this category and are the most basic needs for any human.
2. Safety needs– Employment, health, resources, property, personal security, etc, come under this category.
3. Love and Belonging– Family, friends, and sense of connection are under the category of love and belonging which plays a very important role in emotional well-being.
4. Esteem– Status, respect, recognition, self-esteem, strength, and freedom are things that are not basic for everyone depending upon the region they live in but desired by everyone.
5. Self-actualization– Desired to become the most that one can be. Everyone wants to grow and be a better version of themselves and everyone has a vision of what kind of person they want to be.

So, these are the things that are basic needs or priorities for a human, and fulfilling these needs will lead to satisfaction. Being satisfied also means being happy and all this will enhance one’s well-being. But, there’s a line between needs and wants and misunderstanding between these will affect our understanding and wellbeing as well.