Is it possible to create and/or follow mathematical formulas for happiness? A couple perspectives follow.
I. (Mx16 + Cx1 + Lx2) + (Tx5 + Nx2 + Bx33)
One of two formulas for happiness I’m aware of, this Feel Good Formula was created by psychologist/author Todd Kashdan, as reported by Emma Robertson in the U.K.’s The Daily Mail.
Each element is to be practiced at least once a day:
- M–live in the moment
- C–be curious (see tomorrow’s post regarding his book on this topic)
- L–do something you love once at work and once at play
- T–think of others five times a day
- N–nurture relationships twice a day
- B–take care of your body (healthy eating and exercise)
How to sum this up? “There is no single secret to feeling good, but when these six ingredients are carefully attended to, in the right doses, you will be on target for a happy life,” says Kashdan.
II. P + (5xE) + (3xH)
BBC News has reported on this happiness formula, which was derived after researchers studied questionnaires they’d given a bunch of folks. Here’s the code:
- P–personal characteristics
- E–existence (health, financial stability, friendships)
- H–higher order (self-esteem, confidence, ambitions, sense of humor)
How to determine these factors? Answer the following four questions using a 1-10 scale in which one is “not at all” and 10 is “to a large extent.”
- Are you outgoing, energetic, flexible and open to change?
- Do you have a positive outlook, bounce back quickly from setbacks and feel that you are in control of your life?
- Are your basic life needs met, in relation to personal health, finance, safety, freedom of choice and sense of community?
- Can you call on the support of people close to you, immerse yourself in what you are doing, meet your expectations and engage in activities that give you a sense of purpose?
Scoring: Answers to 1 and 2 are added up to equal P. Number 3’s result is E, and 4’s is H.
Helpful to know: “Life coach Pete Cohen, who co-wrote the study, admitted that the equation was not easy for most people to understand.”