Sonja Lyubomirsky on the how of happiness

Full Frame

University of California Riverside Professor of Psychology and author of “The Myths of Happiness,” Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky, has found that happiness is largely genetic, but it’s also within our control.

A pioneer in her field of study, Lyubomirsky has spent the last 25 years unlocking the secrets to living a happier life. Her work has been recognized worldwide and she received a $1 million grant from the National Institute of Mental Health in the United States to study the possibilities of permanently increasing happiness. While it has an elusive connotation, happiness is comprised of what Lyubomirsky calls “positive emotions,” such as serenity and joy, as well as “a sense that life is good” and progressing towards one’s life goals.

Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky joins Full Frame’s Mike Walter to explain how she measures happiness and why happy people are also the world’s most productive, creative, and successful people.

Sonja Lyubomirsky on the how of happiness

University of California Riverside Professor of Psychology and author of “The Myths of Happiness,” Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky, has found that happiness is largely genetic, but it’s also within our control.

Happiness is becoming a global priority the United Nations publishes an annual World Happiness Report. This week, CCTV’s Malcolm Brabant reports from the country that is most consistently ranked as the happiest place on Earth: Copenhagen, Denmark. Brabant sets out to discover why Danes are so happy and if they recognize the value of happiness.

Finding your ‘Happy Place” may require moving to Copenhagen

CCTV’s Malcolm Brabant reports from the country that is most consistently ranked as the happiest place on Earth: Copenhagen, Denmark.

Which countries are the happiest?

Rollover countries to see who’s happier than others.

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Data from the United Nation’s 2013 World Happiness Survey. Weighted by population, the average score was 5.1 out of a scale of from 0 to 10. Factors for determining happiness included variables like real GDP per capita, healthy life expectancy, having someone to count on, perceived freedom to make life choices, freedom from corruption, and generosity. For the full dataset and explanation, see the report here.