Happiness is a universal pursuit that transcends cultural, religious and personal boundaries. People from all walks of life aspire to find true happiness and fulfillment.

I once attended a conference where one of the speakers was Nic Marks of the New Economics Foundation who came up with the Five Ways of Wellbeing. These are 5 actions that can increase wellbeing or happiness. They have been taken up by governments and other organisations around the world. And they are:

Connect

Be active

Take notice

Keep learning

Give

I want to look at each of these 5 ways in more detail and from a Gospel perspective.

Connect…

With the people around you. With family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. At home, work, school or in your local community. Think of these as the cornerstones of your life and invest time in developing them. Building these connections will support and enrich you every day. (New Economics Foundation)

Human connections are vital for a happy and fulfilling life. However, also vital is a deep connection with our Heavenly Father. Cultivating a personal relationship with God through prayer, scripture study, attending Church and through covenants can bring us closer to Him and provide us with divine guidance and comfort. As we prioritise spiritual well-being, we invite God’s peace and joy into our  lives.

Strengthening family relationships, cultivating friendships, and showing compassion to others promotes harmony and joy. Families can be forever and this eternal perspective encourages us to invest time and effort into strengthening relationships with loved ones. Building bridges of understanding, forgiveness and love can bring true happiness into our lives.

Russell M Nelson wrote about the importance of human connections in the New Era in May 1996:

’Remember you are part of a team that is pulling for you. You are connected by unseen tethers of love to people who pray and pull for you daily, even though those ties are not as visible as the ropes of the mountain climbers. Your teammates even extend into the world beyond. Your ancestors are concerned for you and supporting you. Relatives, teachers in school and in church, and good friends always try to lift. If you ever have acquaintances who are trying to pull you with them on their downward drift, know that these people are not truly your friends at all. Real friends never pull you down; they always lift!’

Be active…

Go for a walk or run. Step outside. Cycle. Play a game. Garden. Dance. Exercising makes you feel good. Most importantly, discover a physical activity you enjoy; one that suits your level of mobility and fitness. (New Economics Foundation)

Scientists confirm physical activity can help maintain wellbeing in a number of ways:

• Physical activity helps with mild depression. Evidence shows it can protect people against the onset of depression and anxiety.
• Physical activity causes a chemical change in the brain which can help change our mood.
• Physical activity brings about a sense of greater self-esteem, self-control and the ability to rise to a challenge – all of which help improve wellbeing.

Clarence Robison who was an Olympic runner and a track coach at BYU wrote in the Ensign in September 1972:
‘…physical fitness is vitally important for effectiveness in the following areas: physical and emotional endurance; good health to assure vitality, vigor, and enthusiasm for your work; the ability to relate favorably with your children and other youth and their energies and ideals; and the ability to live safely and effectively with stress and tension.’ (Clarence Robison, Ensign, September 1972)

Take notice…

Be curious. Catch sight of the beautiful. Remark on the unusual. Notice the changing seasons. Savour the moment, whether you are on a train, eating lunch or talking to friends. Be aware of the world around you and what you are feeling. Reflecting on your experiences will help you appreciate what matters to you. (New Economics Foundation)

Find joy in everyday moments. Often we may overlook the simple joys in life while waiting for significant milestones or achievements. However, genuine happiness can be found in the present moment. We should take time to appreciate nature, spend quality time with loved ones, and find joy in small acts of service or personal achievements. Gratitude for the blessings that surround us opens our hearts to happiness and helps us to recognise the hand of God in our lives.

At General Conference in October 2008 Thomas S Monson said:

‘Let us relish life as we live it, find joy in the journey, and share our love with friends and family. One day each of us will run out of tomorrows.’

Keep Learning…

Try something new. Rediscover an old interest. Sign up for that course. Take on a different responsibility at work. Fix a bike. Learn to play an instrument or how to cook your favourite food. Set a challenge you will enjoy achieving. Learning new things will make you more confident, as well as being fun to do.

Richard G Scott wrote in the New Era in August 1995:

’Every individual has creative capacity. The satisfaction and growth creativity generates is intended for each of us, not just for the most gifted. To “try it” takes courage. ….As you experiment with new things you will discover a great deal about yourself that likely won’t be revealed any other way. “Try it” and you may open up a lifetime of joy and rewarding accomplishment.’ Give…

Do something nice for a friend, or a stranger. Thank someone. Smile. Volunteer your time. Join a community group. Look out, as well as in. Seeing yourself, and your happiness, linked to the wider community can be incredibly rewarding and will create connections with the people around you. (New Economics Foundation)

We should seek out opportunities to serve others. By contributing our talents to make the world a better place we can find greater satisfaction and fulfilment.

Jack H Goaslind said at General Conference in April 1986:

‘If you would find happiness and joy, lose your life in some noble cause. A worthy purpose must be at the center of every worthy life.’

Conclusion:

True and lasting happiness can be found by living according to God’s plan for us. Seeking a relationship with God, fostering positive relationships, staying physically and mentally, active, finding joy in everyday moments and living with purpose are all essential elements of our quest to discover the happiness that our loving Heavenly Father desires for each of us.