Although individuals may have different ideas about what can make them happy, there are universal providers of joy which everyone responds positively to. Understanding what they are and including them in your life can bring an abundance of pleasure and contentment.

Foundations of happiness

According to the psychologist Maslow individuals need food, shelter, sleep, and to feel safe, and loved. They also need self esteem and to achieve their potential.

Home

To fulfil such needs it’s important that people have a home in which they feel safe and secure. Living in a run down house in a bad environment isn't a good precursor of joy. Your home should provide you with comfort and shelter, so that you don’t have to worry about being cold or scared of intruders or violence in your haven.

Lifestyle

Maslow identified peoples need to get adequate sleep. Although some people can survive with less sleep than others, eight hours is generally considered a healthy amount of sleep. Much less sleep will make you lethargic and miserable in the long run.

Eating healthily, and staying clear of substances which could be harmful to you is also necessary if you want to be happy. Alcohol and caffeine in large amounts can result in dehydration, and possibly depression. A poor diet can lead to obesity, eating disorders, malnutrition and a variety of other complaints.

It’s important to adopt a lifestyle which deals with fulfilling basic needs, resulting in you being as healthy as possible, while increasing opportunities to find joy.

Relationships

Human beings are not solitary creatures. Even those who are introverted need other people to socialise with on occasion. Developing relationships can provide people with support and others to share experiences with. At the same time, it’s important to have positive relationships, rather than bad ones. By surrounding yourself with people who love and admire you, your self confidence levels will increase and you’re more likely to be happy.

Self development

Having a dream and working your way towards it has many benefits. Establishing goals can give you motivation and enthusiasm, while providing you with something important to achieve.

Fulfilling emotional, mental and physical needs can ensure that you are on the road to happiness.

References

http://changingminds.org/explanations/needs/maslow.htm