Despite the grim reality reflected in the mass media, Romanians are among the happiest Europeans and, according to psychologist Daniel David, there are serious reasons for the increase in happiness levels in recent years. The psychologist revealed the three simple ingredients of the recipe for happiness.
Psychologist Daniel David and TV personality Mihai Morar discussed happiness. PHOTO: FB
“Last month, the ranking of the happiest nations was made public: Finland, as every year, is in first place, then the Nordic countries, Norway, Sweden. America is dropping worryingly, it is not even in the top 20 anymore. We are down 8 places, we are somewhere in 32. On the other hand, in last year's ranking, Romania ranked 3rd in the EU” – this is how filmmaker Mihai Morar began the discussion about happiness with UBB rector, psychologist Daniel David in his podcast – “Fain si Simplu”.
“Are we happy or not?” – he asked.
“When you talk about happiness you have to talk to psychologists. There are all kinds of approaches in which two or three imprecise criteria are used. What we call the lie scale in psychology is not used. That is, after you have the answers, depending on what you answered on the lie scale, I give less credibility to the answers”David explained on the podcast.
In general, we started to have a higher level of happiness in Romania, the psychologist claimed.
“I don't see why we wouldn't have an increasing level of happiness. Romania is probably in the best period in its history, in terms of security, in terms of economic development, I don't see why happiness would not increase or would not have increased in the last 10-20 years. Of course we are never satisfied, that we always want more, but I believe that the level of happiness has increased and that this can be explained and justified by the safety and economic development of the country“, explained the rector of UBB.
He also stated that the level of happiness is also determined in comparison with others: “When it falls apart in one area, it looks better in others.” An example of this is the situation in Germany. “The Germans had a very advanced, stable lifestyle, an economy that was doing well. The country is beginning to be affected“.
The recipe for happiness
When asked how you can measure happiness, David explained:
“You can talk about happiness from different perspectives. Those who want to be complicated and mysterious will tell you that happiness is something that man always strives for but never achieves, it is something we look for in life, etc. We come from psychology and tell you “Do you want to be happy?”
Next, the psychologist explained that based on intensive research in this field, he found out what the “recipe for happiness” is.
“We already, through hundreds of studies, have the recipe. And the recipe for happiness is very clear. The first element to be happy: define your value set, do things congruent with them. You will have the feeling of a life with meaning and significance” – explained rector Daniel David.
By “value set” the psychologist does not mean a list of 10-20 values in which to get lost, but two or three cardinal values that you assume as an individual and that you let color your life.
Value is something considered good for a society. For some it may be family, for others it may be work, for others it may be compassion, for others it may be creativity and so on.
“Every day you have to do something congruent with the two or three cardinal values”David explains.
Find your strengths
The next step to happiness, according to studies cited by Daniel David, is about finding the strengths we have.
“Again, psychology studies show that if you find those three to five strong points that you have as a person, and do things congruent with them, the psychological feeling of a good life appears”he explains.
Some examples of “strengths” are: creativity, intelligence, empathy, compassion.
Thus, if you are not aware of your strengths and do not do things related to them, you cannot have the subjective feeling of a good life.
Things that give you pleasure
The third ingredient of happiness is the things that give us pleasure. “I've always recommended a list of seven to ten behaviors”David explains.
He claims that many people are unable to quickly name 7-10 behaviors that they enjoy. Most people stop to think after saying, quickly, 2-3 behaviors. If they are asked how many of these behaviors they did in the last week, they will answer that they did not have time, were tired, etc.
In order to have a pleasant life, you must do 2-3 behaviors that please you weekly, from the list of 7-10, emphasizes David.
“Happiness involves all three behaviors: life with meaning and significance, good life and pleasant life“, concluded the psychologist.
“What a great definition,” exclaimed Miahi Morar.
“And it's simple, I say. Otherwise you can look for happiness in life, you will never find it, and you will die looking for it” – concluded UBB rector, Daniel David.
