Finding greater happiness in life

SALT LAKE CITY – What does it take to be happy? As of right now, are you happy? Or do you struggle with finding true happiness?

In the latest Let’s Get Moving with Maria podcast episode, Maria Shilaos spoke with Dr. Milla Titova, Assistant Teaching Professor in the Psychology Department at the University of Washington and Director of the Happiness and Well-Being Lab, to learn how we can find greater happiness in our everyday life.

 

What is happiness?

Before you determine whether you’re really happy, you should understand the concept of happiness first. Dr. Titova approaches the definition of happiness through something called subjective well-being.

“Subjective well-being is something that we use often in research as an indicator of happiness. The way that we measure it in research is through the combination of two main assessments of our happiness,” she said.

One of those assessments is called satisfaction with life. This is when you ask yourself, “How satisfied am I with my life right now?”

The other component focuses on our emotions. This looks into the different kinds of emotions we experience on a regular basis. For example, if you experience more positive emotions than you do negative emotions, that shows a greater level of happiness.

What role does social media play in our overall happiness?

Social media is often considered a negative influence on our mental health. However, Dr. Titova says it’s not all bad. It’s just a matter of how you use it. She gave herself as an example.

As an immigrant living far away from her family and friends, she had to take advantage of the original purpose of social media.

“That social part of social media is what we really should be relying on,” she said.

She also emphasized that social connection is one of the most universal ways we can find greater happiness in life.

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