Happiness at its best: 5 books to find joy in everyday life
Everybody deserves the best things in life, and we know what to do to find them
Being happy is not simple. Today people live online, and heaven knows it affects our state of mind, attitude, and self-perception. Many psychological studies show that Millenials and Gen Zers feel much lonelier than previous generations. They also define happiness differently and tend to be more depressed and anxious.
Watching this tendency grow, we made a list of the top 5 books on how to be happy and fight all the time changing moods.
1. Myths of Happiness by Sonja Lyubomirsky
It often happens that social constructs and culturally confirmed markers form our concepts of happiness. That is why many people feel like they are chasing the white rabbit non-stop but can never find the entrance to Wonderland. In Myths of Happiness, Sonja Lyubomirsky shares insights on how to live the most satisfying life possible. Every chapter of this book starts with “I’ll Be Happy When…,” and then the author analyses the widespread but false belief that happiness will come only after many “Ifs”.
2. Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb
In many situations, people who love us can support and understand like nobody else. But…not always. In this case, the best decision possible would be a visit to the therapist. Or even more — reading a book written by a famous psychotherapist. In her book Maybe You Should Talk to Someone, Lori Gottlieb discusses how therapy works, shows examples from her practice, and helps you to understand why it is sometimes crucial to talk to a professional.
3. Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy by David D. Burns
Depression is not just “a bad mood.” It is a serious and common condition in the modern world. It often happens that people ignore how they feel and thus get trapped inside their heads. In Feeling Good, you will find useful insights by David D. Burns, M.D. He reveals how to be attentive to your state of mind, what to do if you suppose the depression has caught you, and much more. What’s more important — the author doesn’t insist that his book can replace usual therapy sessions. This book is more of a guide for people who are eager to help themselves in small but significant ways.
4. Stumbling on Happiness by Daniel Gilbert
Do you know that sometimes your brain simply tricks you? That often it simulates the future and makes you delusional about this mirage and your happiness? If the answer is no, then Stumbling on Happiness is a must-read for you. It will reveal all the tricks that your mind plays on you so you can keep away from them and build the happy life you crave for.
5. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life by Mark Manson
Inhale, exhale. Yes, everything is not fine, and it’s…fine? In the modern culture of constant positivity, Mark Manson’s book is like a gasp of fresh air. No, it’s not about being rude to everyone or saying nasty things. It’s about setting priorities in your life as it is too short to care so much about everything. From this book, you will find out why we should learn how to accept our flaws, fears, faults, and start living a happy, free life.
Becoming happy is easier than we think. Most of the time it’s all just in our heads and we are capable of controlling this process. The important part of this journey is to remember that everyone has their own perception of how a joyful life should look like, so there is no need to compare yourself to others. This book list, as well as the Headway app, will help you go for your own, unique kind of happiness!
