Happiness

Happiness does mean different things to different people. But it’s important to everyone. That’s why The Happiness Experience learning initiative is committed to helping you explore the many facets of happiness, recognize what leads to happiness and well-being, and become more intentional in pursuing happiness. And it’s also hoping to increase optimism on campus and help you develop new friends and support systems.

Here’s why it’s important. Happy students are:

• More resilient
• More cooperative and less self-centered
• More willing to help and be team players
• More forgiving and frustration tolerant
• Better self-controlled
• Better performers than the less happy
• Healthier and live longer

What we know about the determining factors of happiness

50 percent of your happiness is genetically determined

10 percent of happiness is determined by circumstances

40 percent of happiness can be created by intentional activity

Happiness really is a group project.

If you want to be happy, don’t think of your own happiness. Think of the happiness of others. Happiness is a CHOICE. And it’s contagious. You really will find that most often when you focus on helping others and building strong relationships, you can actually boost your happiness (and that of those around you). Amazing!

Interested in forming or joining a Happiness Experience group?

We know that having strong social bonds (five or more people to share concerns with) is the most meaningful contributor to happiness. Everyone can use more friends—especially during college. Why not take the opportunity to form or join a Happiness Experience Group? Each group consists of 4–10 members and meets for 1½ hours once a week for six weeks. Groups can be sports teams, student clubs, student housing members, academic majors, or other related individuals (such as returning adults, graduate students, or transfer students). Group leaders will be volunteers from Peer Educators, Active Minds, Psychology Club, Human Services Club, and others. Please click the link for more information about becoming a group leader and to access our online Happiness Experience registration form.

It’s important to note that The Happiness Experience groups are not therapy groups. If you feel that you would benefit from additional assistance, please contact the Student Assistance Program.

Want to learn more? Check out The Happiness Experience presentation 

The Happiness Experience is a resource sponsored by the Student Assistance Program.  For further information, please contact todoranm@ipfw.edu.