As I mentioned in a previous post, you can create your own happiness. It’s important to know that Positive psychology, as a philosophy, distinguishes between two aspects: hedonic and eudaimonic happiness. You can have both.

Hedonic happiness is fleeting and related to sensual pleasures or positive feelings. This is the way that people usually think of happiness.

We experience eudaimonic happiness when we pursue activities we are fully engaged in, and that give meaning and purpose to our lives.

It’s important to distinguish these two pathways – and to choose happiness twice.

What makes us happy?

In previous posts, we showed how, by smiling, body language and thinking we can produce positive emotions anytime easily and swiftly and regardless of circumstances – even if we start from a point where we feel down and sluggish.

This knowledge is going to enhance your capacity to stick with long-term goals. Activities that are in tune with your mission in life. It will result in the second kind of happiness and give you deep meaning.

Quote covey - how to prioritize

Hedonic pleasures can be induced through the body (eating chocolate, taking a bath, smelling a flower, watching someone smile at us).

The eudamonic aspect is more linked to the mind and the lasting joy we get from pursuing and achieving a goal that is important to us and living on purpose.

The more conscious you are about these aspects, the easier it gets to be happy every single day! Of course, some activities combine the two ways to happiness.

Examples that could enhance your overall happiness today:

  • Connecting with a colleague, sharing ideas and asking each other questions.
  • Taking a hot bath or a cold shower.
  • Applying consciously one of your Signature Strengths.
  • Take the afternoon off to visit an exhibition or art gallery.
  • Having tea and three sorts of delicious cake in lovely company. (If you can’t do it today, call a friend and set a date.)
  • Playing the piano or losing yourself in another creative pursuit.
  • Searching for the exact meaning or translation of a word or its synonym.
  • Sending a text message to your partner to acknowledge or appreciate something they have done for you.
  • Getting clarity about an issue and making a decision.
  • Anticipating: looking forward to XYZ – an activity that fills you with joy and meaning.
gem-green

Your Turn Now

Take five minutes to think (and even better, write down):

What made you happy today?

What else made you feel happy this week?

Are these things/activities hedonic or eudaimonic?

Do you find 3 to 5 things for each category?

Is there a preference for one over the other?

What could you add to the list?

Check this out if you find it hard to make time for the things you love in your busy days.

 

Please share your thoughts in the comment box below.

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This article was first published in 2014 and completely revised and updated in June 2026.