Holistic Approaches to Happiness: Discovering Delight in the Mundaneness of Everyday Life

In today’s hectic world, where we are continuously exposed to the highlights and “best bits” of others’ lives, it is not uncommon to consider happiness as a destination rather than a journey.

However, on this International Day of Happiness, we would like to return to the fundamentals of what truly brings joy to our lives. It is time to shift our attention back to the straightforward things that have the power to brighten our days and provide us with genuine enjoyment on a daily basis. With this mindset, we are exploring the significance of taking a holistic approach to our physical and mental health, overall well-being, and most importantly, our happiness.

Table of Contents

• International Day of Happiness 2025: A Global Celebration of Joy
• Defining Happiness: A Multifaceted Emotional State
• The Science of Happiness: Understanding Our Brain’s Chemistry
  • What Do These Happiness Chemicals Do?
• The Intricate Connection Between Physical Well-being and Happiness
• A Comprehensive Strategy for Achieving Happiness, Health, and Overall Well-being
  • Physical Well-being: The Foundation of Happiness
  • Mental and Spiritual Well-being: Cultivating Inner Happiness
  • Social Health: The Joy of Connection
• Cannabis for Holistic Health and Happiness
• Embracing Everyday Happiness: Small Joys and Simple Pleasures

 

The pursuit of happiness is not merely a personal endeavour but has been recognised globally as an essential aspect of human progress. Understanding what contributes to our happiness and how we can cultivate it in our everyday lives is crucial for achieving a balanced and fulfilling existence.

This article delves into the various dimensions of happiness, from its scientific underpinnings to practical approaches for enhancing it in our daily routines.

International Day of Happiness 2025: A Global Celebration of Joy

The United Nations has launched a global campaign called International Day of Happiness, which encourages people across the world to make happiness a higher priority in their lives. This initiative recognises that happiness is not merely a luxury but a fundamental human right and an essential component of well-being.

The inaugural United Nations Conference on Happiness took place in 2012, marking a significant milestone in the global recognition of happiness as a measure of societal progress. Since that time, each of the 193 member states of the United Nations, including the United Kingdom, has ratified this resolution, which is commemorated on the 20th of March every year.

The foundation upon which the International Day of Happiness is built is the idea that “progress” should be judged not solely by economic growth but also by the increase in human happiness. This perspective challenges traditional metrics of success and encourages a more holistic view of development.

We firmly believe that this sentiment is applicable to various aspects of our existence, from personal relationships to professional endeavours and community engagement. “Caring and Sharing” is the theme adopted for this year’s International Day of Happiness, emphasising the importance of compassion and connection in fostering collective joy.

Defining Happiness: A Multifaceted Emotional State

Despite our ability to recognise when we are experiencing happiness, we rarely need to articulate this feeling in words. How would we define the concept of “happiness”? Generally, happiness is understood to be an emotional state characterised by pleasant sensations such as joy, contentment, and satisfaction.

The reality is that happiness is a highly subjective state that can only be determined by an individual’s feelings about their own life or circumstances. Sociologists and psychologists typically refer to this concept as “subjective well-being.” Two essential aspects of subjective well-being are a healthy equilibrium of emotions (both positive and negative) and a sense of fulfilment in one’s life, including feelings about relationships and work.

Happiness is not a constant state but rather a dynamic experience that fluctuates throughout our lives. It encompasses momentary pleasures as well as deeper, more enduring satisfaction. Understanding the multifaceted nature of happiness allows us to cultivate it more effectively in our daily lives.

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The Science of Happiness: Understanding Our Brain’s Chemistry

The state of happiness is linked not only to external circumstances, such as how we evaluate our accomplishments, but also to changes in our physical condition.

When we experience positive emotions, our brains release known “happy chemicals” including dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins. These neurotransmitters function as chemical messengers throughout the brain, influencing our mood, motivation, and overall sense of well-being.

What Do These Happiness Chemicals Do?

Dopamine, often referred to as the “feel-good” neurotransmitter, plays a crucial role in the brain’s reward system, which in turn influences our motivation and mood. When we achieve goals or experience pleasure, dopamine is released, creating feelings of satisfaction and reinforcing behaviours that led to those positive outcomes.

Serotonin is another molecule that significantly affects our mood. The release of serotonin is associated with a reduction in anxiety and leads to feelings of well-being and contentment. This neurotransmitter helps regulate sleep, appetite, and digestion, all of which contribute to our overall happiness.

Endorphins are responsible for producing sensations of euphoria, such as the “runner’s high” that occurs after physical activity. These natural painkillers help reduce stress and discomfort, allowing us to experience more positive emotions even in challenging circumstances.

Oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone,” is released during times of happiness and social bonding. This hormone strengthens relationships and fosters feelings of trust and connection, highlighting the importance of social interactions in our pursuit of happiness.

Understanding the biological basis of happiness can help us make informed choices about activities and lifestyle factors that promote the release of these beneficial chemicals, thereby enhancing our overall sense of well-being.

The Intricate Connection Between Physical Well-being and Happiness

In many cases, pleasure and health are inextricably linked. When we are unwell, even if it is only for a short period, most of us will experience a decline in our feelings of happiness and overall well-being. This is because poor health can be incredibly restricting, whereas good health enables us to participate in activities and social interactions that are beneficial to our well-being. Health limitations can result in increased stress and negative emotions, creating barriers to experiencing joy.

Both well-being and happiness can be significantly impacted by chronic and complex health issues, which can have a particularly severe influence on our quality of life. Conditions of this nature might restrict movement and daily activities, as well as minimise opportunities for social engagement.

Individuals afflicted with chronic diseases are frequently at a greater risk of experiencing mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, which have also been discovered to have a detrimental effect on their physical health. Because of this, the physical and mental symptoms may become even more severe, creating a vicious cycle that is difficult to break.

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For many people dealing with chronic and complex health concerns, finding effective treatment options can be challenging, making these illnesses even more difficult to manage. Despite facing the adverse effects of severe treatments for cancer and chemotherapy, DispenseroO’s customer Laura struggled to maintain a positive attitude. However, Laura discovered that she was able to effectively manage her symptoms after engaging in cannabis use:

“It is my goal to manage the adverse effects of my chemotherapy so that I can take pleasure in each and every day. My only goal is to maintain a cheerful attitude. I do experience dark days, and I am hopeful that cannabis will continue to assist me with that, since there are moments when I require a little bit of assistance…I’m relieved to have discovered a natural medication that is effective without being too taxing on my body, as this allows me to move on with my life without interruptions. We are able to move forward into the future in a manner that is significantly more controllable and comfortable.”

Laura’s experience highlights the importance of finding appropriate treatments that address both physical symptoms and emotional well-being. When we can effectively manage health challenges, we create space for happiness to flourish in our daily lives.

It is of utmost importance for our well-being and happiness that we rediscover the joy and pleasure found in ordinary aspects of life. Finding the appropriate treatment for your ailment and symptoms might be a significant component of this journey, but it is also important to consider other factors that contribute to your overall health and happiness.

A Comprehensive Strategy for Achieving Happiness, Health, and Overall Well-being

Physical Well-being: The Foundation of Happiness

Maintaining your physical well-being requires mindfulness of your nutrition, exercise routine, and sleep habits. A balanced diet rich in nutrients provides the energy needed for daily activities and supports brain function, including the production of those crucial “happiness chemicals.” Regular physical activity not only strengthens the body but also triggers the release of endorphins, contributing to improved mood and reduced stress.

Quality sleep is equally important, as it allows the body and mind to recover and rejuvenate, preparing us for the challenges and joys of each new day.

Mental and Spiritual Well-being: Cultivating Inner Happiness

To develop both mental and spiritual well-being, it is beneficial to engage in stress management and mindfulness practices, such as meditation and breathing exercises. These practices help calm the mind, reduce anxiety, and foster a deeper connection with oneself.

Mindfulness encourages us to be present in the moment, appreciating the simple pleasures that might otherwise go unnoticed. By cultivating awareness and gratitude, we can find happiness in everyday experiences rather than constantly seeking extraordinary moments.

Related: Is Cannabis beneficial or harmful for spiritual awakening?

Social Health: The Joy of Connection

When it comes to maintaining social health and having pleasant interactions with others, cultivating healthy relationships is essential. Humans are inherently social beings, and meaningful connections with family, friends, and community contribute significantly to our happiness.

These relationships provide support during difficult times, opportunities for shared joy, and a sense of belonging that fulfils our need for social connection. Investing time and energy in nurturing these relationships is a vital component of a holistic approach to happiness.

Cannabis for Holistic Health and Happiness

In 2018, the United Kingdom made cannabis legal for medical use for qualifying patients. However, cannabis-based medicines are never employed as a first-line treatment, despite the fact that this alternative therapy has provided significant relief from difficult symptoms and helped improve quality of life for many people.

Thankfully, there is a growing understanding of the benefits of cannabis, and more patients in the United Kingdom are now gaining access to this individualised medicine than ever before.

The wide-ranging benefits of cannabis have been discovered to impact numerous aspects of patient welfare, such as sleep, mental health, and physical alleviation. This has the potential to provide a more holistic approach to therapy, addressing multiple dimensions of well-being simultaneously.

For individuals struggling with chronic conditions that affect their happiness and quality of life, cannabis represents an option worth exploring in consultation with healthcare professionals. As research continues to evolve in this area, our understanding of how cannabis can contribute to holistic well-being and happiness will likely deepen.

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Embracing Everyday Happiness: Small Joys and Simple Pleasures

In our quest for happiness, it’s easy to overlook the small joys that surround us daily. The warmth of sunshine on our skin, a heartfelt conversation with a loved one, the satisfaction of completing a task, or the tranquillity of a quiet moment alone—these simple pleasures contribute significantly to our overall happiness.

By adopting a holistic approach to well-being that encompasses physical health, mental clarity, emotional balance, social connection, and spiritual fulfilment, we create fertile ground for happiness to flourish. Rather than viewing happiness as a distant destination, we can recognise it as a journey comprised of countless moments of joy, contentment, and satisfaction.

As we celebrate the International Day of Happiness at dispenseroO, let us remember that true happiness often resides in the mundane aspects of everyday life. By nurturing all dimensions of our well-being and remaining present to experience life’s simple pleasures, we can discover delight in the ordinary and cultivate lasting happiness that enriches our lives and the lives of those around us.

 

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using any THC product.