The How of Happiness Book Summary

The How of Happiness outlines a scientific method for increasing happiness by giving you a quick quiz to discover your “happiness set point,” then providing you with a number of tools and strategies to assist you control the significant portion of happiness that is entirely within your control.

The How of Happiness gives a summary of our current understanding of how to make ourselves happier through our ideas, feelings, and actions. It includes information on things like self-compassion exercises, gratitude exercises, and mindfulness meditation. You’ve come to the correct place if you’ve been looking for suggestions on how to put these ideas into practice.

The book will show you how to develop healthy habits that will bring about long-lasting changes or how to be more conscious when interacting with people. While we do have a baseline amount of happiness (our “happiness set point”), author Sonja Lyubomirsky bases her suggestions on the most recent scientific research, which demonstrates that we have control over a significant portion of our happiness—up to 40% in fact!

Our optimism is greatly influenced by our genes, yet our thoughts have the power to make or break our pleasure.

A baseline for happiness is established by our genetic make-up. Furthermore, our DNA influences whether we are more likely to be extroverted or introverted as well as whether we are more inclined to be optimistic or pessimistic.

We inherit these qualities from our parents. And no amount of action will change it. Our ideas are what actually cause us to feel happy or sad, even if our genes play a significant part in determining our natural dopamine levels.

For instance, even though there is nothing wrong with your genes, you could experience depression if you believe you are predisposed to bad luck or if you let life’s everyday struggles to depress you—a quarrel with your best friend, being rejected from your chosen college, etc.

Our attitude on life is influenced by thoughts and hormones. Your body receives instructions to release cortisol, also known as the stress hormone, if you are constantly thinking negatively. Your enjoyment is inhibited and overall anxiety is caused as a result.

The good news is that if you comprehend how your brain functions, you may discover ways to go over those unpleasant memories and replace them with positive ones.

Science demonstrates that some behaviors can increase happiness.

The events of your life, for example, can have an impact on your subjective perception of happiness. Happiness, according to researchers, is a personal journey that begins with you.

According to studies, being thanks makes us happier because it makes us aware of how much we have to be thankful for. However, there’s a thin line separating gratitude and overwhelm.

Us humans have a tendency to become preoccupied with the things we lack rather than recognising and appreciating the many things we do have.

Because of this, researchers advise frequently practising gratitude—but only to a certain extent. Researchers discovered that among all participants, the focus group who journaled once a week felt the happiest.

Why? Perhaps they were forced to do it too frequently or not at all by the others. As a result, doing too much of one item might sap its enjoyment. Follow your instincts and avoid going overboard. If you don’t practise it frequently and consistently, you’ll always have to start over.

You need to strike a balance in your life where you can still do the things you enjoy doing without getting bored with them. Also, remember to express thanks in some form, as doing so significantly raises happiness levels!

There is a method that has been proven by science to make people happier, and it entails a number of pursuits.

Many people believe that happiness is an attitude that can be attained by thinking positively, but research has revealed that happiness is more nuanced than that.

Since circumstances, experiences, and even genetics all contribute to happiness, there are many things you can do to raise your overall level of happiness.

There are numerous approaches to happiness. Some of the most successful are as follows:

Exercise – Research indicates that regular exercise can be just as helpful at reducing the symptoms of depression as antidepressant medications.
Meditation practice – Studies have shown that meditation can boost the left prefrontal cortex’s activity, which is linked to happy emotions, ideas, and moods. Additionally, it lowers activity in the right amygdala, which is linked to unpleasant emotions and ideas.
Participating in religious or spiritual observance – Research has revealed that religious people have better mental health than those who are not religious. In general, they are also typically happier than non-religious people.
Relationships can be improved through friendships since they make you feel more accepted by people and offer support when things aren’t going well for you.

The How of Happiness Book Review

A scientific approach to happiness is presented in The How of Happiness. According to the book’s concept, the secret to happiness resides in learning how to proactively alter our own attitudes and behaviours rather than passively hoping for the best.

In his book, Lyubomirsky outlines a step-by-step process for raising happiness levels. These methods include gratitude journaling, appreciating minor pleasures and pleasant activities, and practising optimism.

This book gives a great summary of the science behind happiness and how you may use it to live a happier life. I heartily endorse this lecture.

About Growthex Platform

Get the most out of every book you read. Growthex provides free, high quality summaries of books to help you make the most of your reading time.

Unlocking the power of knowledge, one book at a time. Growthex – the home for free, high-quality book summaries. Learn something new today.

If you really like this “The How of Happiness Book Summary” by Growthex then you can also check out some more amazing posts | summaries which are freely available on this platform :