A good mood is temporary, but psychology suggests there are tricks to turning it into a state of permanent well-being.
Have you ever found yourself basking in the warmth of a moment of joy, only to be haunted by a voice in your head saying, “When will my good mood end?” The temporary nature of happiness is a common experience we all share.
This logic that what goes up must come down is not wrong. For example, a 2020 study found that although getting a promotion can increase well-being and happiness for up to three months, it has little or no effect afterward. But what if it is because we do not have a comprehensive vision? Can you consciously use your ascension to create a chain reaction of happy events? This is what it means to expand your “horizon of happiness.”
Here are two ways to extend a happy moment and make it last, according to science.
Share these moments with the people who truly support you
A 2022 study in the journal Personality and Individual Differences suggests that self-compassion has a little-discussed benefit: It helps us savor and enjoy victories.
According to lead author Benjamin Schellenberg, “People who tend to be self-compassionate may have a greater ability to care and be present during good times and recognize that they deserve to live positive experiences to the fullest.”
This quality can be developed by surrounding ourselves with people who set a precedent for how we treat ourselves. When we're surrounded by people who show us kindness, understanding, and support, it's easier to internalize these qualities and practice self-compassion.
Sometimes, when we celebrate an accomplishment, we tend to focus disproportionately on the ill-fated friends around us. What follows is a feeling of emptiness, knowing that these people, no matter how “funny” they are, won’t still be there when we need help or support in our lowest moments. Instead of seeking a short-term increase in your happiness levels by sharing it with opportunistic individuals, Try to find out who your true friends are in moments of joy.
Celebrating your successes and happy moments with those who have supported you through difficult times can remind you that no matter what happens next, you have a support system that cares about you and helps you overcome the obstacles that come your way. This can improve overall well-being, which is key to expanding your happiness horizon.
Dedicate yourself to “scheduling positive activities”
Happiness can sometimes be blind, however Sometimes blind positivity is exactly what we need to maintain a happy life. When you're feeling particularly happy, it might be a good idea to practice “activity scheduling.”
Although activity scheduling is one way to treat depression (through cognitive behavioral therapy), it can be used to maximize happiness even if you are not depressed.
For example, let's say you've just received great news at work and you feel a wave of happiness. Decide to take advantage of this positive energy by planning a series of activities that will increase your happiness:
- Start by scheduling a weekend getaway with friends, knowing that nature always improves your mood.
- Also make time for your favorite yoga class, which you find relaxing and invigorating.
- Next, plan an afternoon dedicated to your drawing hobby, which you often neglect due to your busy schedule. Understand that engaging in creative activities not only increases your current happiness, but also gives you a sense of accomplishment.
- With your new sense of accomplishment and well-being, you feel confident about dating someone later this week.
- Additionally, you set new, achievable goals at work, which keeps you motivated and excited about your future growth.
This way, you will not only be in a great mood, But you turn it into a snowball of wonderful experienceseach of which can elevate your well-being in unique and powerful ways.
Expanding your happiness horizon is about recognizing the temporary nature of joy and taking proactive steps to prolong it. It is important that we share our successes and failures with the right people, who can help us realize that although happiness is fleeting, we can always get it back. This flexibility can also help us plan strategically and anticipate that happiness will not last forever.
These strategies, grounded in psychological science, offer a practical approach to cultivating a life that is not only happy sometimes, but rich and deeply satisfying in the long run.
*With information from Forbes USA.
