Mar 04, 2025 01:42 PM
Research suggests that actively pursuing happiness can actually reduce the feelings of happiness and well-being-the adventure is still very high.
A new study published in Applied Psychology: What many of us believe about happiness from health and good questions. The study challenges traditional knowledge and suggests that the chase of happiness may not be directly the most effective approach. Instead, focusing on meaningful activities and cultivating a positive mentality can cause more sustainable pleasure. Also read What is better for you: less negative thinking or more positive thinking?
More about studies
Researchers at the University of Toronto and the University of Sydney have made a stunning discovery: actively pursuing happiness reduces our mental energy. This subtracted energy is essential for self-control, making it difficult to engage in activities that bring happiness.
Snowball effect? As you try to make yourself feel happy, this effort reduces your mental energy and makes you less happy because you are able to do things that bring happiness. Instead, by continuously chasing happiness and focusing on meaningful activities, gratitude and self-acceptance, individuals can cultivate more authentic and permanent feelings of welfare to individuals.
Pressure to feel better
“The discovery of happiness is like a snowball effect. You decide to try to make yourself feel happy, but then this effort reduces your ability to reduce the ability, which makes you happy … The more mentally we stop, the more tempted we leave the cleaning of the house and scroll on social media, “instead called the marketing Professor and Management Professor and Management Rotman School.
Researchers noted that self-help industry ‘holds a lot of pressure and responsibility on themselves’. Many people now treat happiness like money – ‘Some we can do and as much as we can, should gather and hoard. This amendment of happiness can be part of the problem, building a mentality where we constantly try for more that instead of appreciating what we have, he said.
Instead of constantly trying continuously for maximum pleasure, it may be better to accept your current feelings and appreciate what you already have.
Note the readers: This article is only for informative purposes and is not an option for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor with any question about a medical condition.

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