Question 1

What is the role of happiness as an emotion?

Russ Harris · Accepted Answer

Happiness as an emotion is a form of internal reward system; it signals to us that we have access to something that's important to us. Our ancient ancestors probably felt happy when they had food, shelter, warmth, and a sense of security within and belonging to the group. Today, it's not much different; happiness is a transient emotion that tells us, in this moment we have what we need and want.

Question 2

Is there any relationship between happiness and health?

Russ Harris · Accepted Answer

Yes, there is a connection. When we are looking after our physical and psychological health through exercise, nutrition, sleep, stress management, and social connection, those things correlate with more happiness. Similarly, if we suffer from poor physical and psychological health, that tends to lower happiness levels.

Question 3

How do I know when I’m happy?!

Russ Harris · Accepted Answer

First, consider there are two different meanings of happiness. The most common meaning of happiness is a sense of pleasure or contentment; the ancient Greeks called this 'hedemonia'. (This is where the word 'hedonism' comes from.) 
Less commonly, happiness is defined as a sense of flourishing that arises from living an ethical and meaningful life, wisely guided by one's core values; the ancient Greeks called this 'eudemonia'. 
You can tell you're happy in the first sense of the word because you have pleasurable feelings - feelings of joy and contentment.
You can tell you're happy in the second sense of the word when you feel like you're in touch with your core values, behaving like the person you want to be, being 'true to your heart', doing good in the world, caring and contributing, building meaningful relationships.

Question 4

Question 5

Is too much happiness a bad thing?

Russ Harris · Accepted Answer

First let's acknowledge there are two different meanings of happiness. The most common meaning of happiness is a sense of pleasure or contentment; the ancient Greeks called this 'hedemonia'. (This is where the word 'hedonism' comes from.) 
Less commonly, happiness is defined as a sense of flourishing that arises from living an ethical and meaningful life, wisely guided by one's core values; the ancient Greeks called this 'eudemonia'. 
I don't think you can have too much happiness in the second meaning of the word. But in the first meaning of the word, there can certainly be problems if you spend too much time and energy and money in pursuit of pleasure, and lose touch with living your values in the process.

Question 6

Question 7

Question 8

Can money make me happier?

Russ Harris · Accepted Answer

Yes, if you are below the poverty line, even a little bit of money can make a big difference. But if you're above the poverty line, then for most people, more money makes very little difference to happiness levels.

Question 9

Question 10

What's one piece of advice you'd give to someone who's really struggling to sit with their sadness?

Russ Harris · Accepted Answer

My starting point would be to normalise it: it's normal to feel sad, and it;s normal to struggle with those feelings. 
I'd then want to help them tap into self-compassion:  acknowledging your pain and responding with kindness. I'd ask: if someone you love were feeling this way in simialr circumstances, and you wanted to reach out to them with genuine kindness and support - What kind words would you say to them? What kind deeds would you do for them?

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