Pursuing happiness may lead to unhappiness instead

A new study suggests that actively pursuing happiness may lead to unhappiness. Researchers found that people who focused on becoming happier reported lower levels of contentment. This pursuit can drain mental resources, reducing willpower and self-control. The study involved group tasks where those fixated on improving their mood often gave in to impulses and quit more easily. The findings indicate that the effort to feel happier can create a cycle that ultimately makes individuals feel worse. Experts recommend a different approach to happiness. Instead of striving for constant joy, they suggest accepting what you have and managing stress through enjoyable activities, self-kindness, and healthy habits.