Topic 8 DQ 1

Topic 8 DQ 1 A persons level of happiness can be affected by outside situations such as social relationships, work, leisure, religion and other outside sources, however, happiness is something that starts within a person, outside stimulants can assist in a persons happiness but if a person simply feels unhappy on a personal level, no outside sources will help them feel happy, it may be a quick boost on their excitement but then may still go home utterly unhappy. The way social relationships affect happiness is because it gives a sense of belonging, especially when surrounded with like-minded people, social relationships can aid in a person’s overall happiness. Social relationships can also have a negative affect on a person’s happiness, especially when the people one surrounds him/herself with are not like-minded, who may cause drama and stress, this would not be a healthy contributor to one’s happiness. The same applies to work, it can both have positive and negative impact on a person’s happiness. If the work, one does is highly fulfilling and the work environment is positive then they will enjoy going to work. If however the work environment is negative, stressful then this would not be helping a persons happiness. Leisure also can add to a person’s overall level of happiness as it will give a person time to relax, recharge, do fun things, and just enjoy life. If, however a person doesn’t take time for leisure, if all they do is work without taking much of a break, or if they don’t have the financial resources to do the things they would love to do, then this causes stress and discomfort. Religion as well, it can be beneficial for a person’s overall happiness, but can also be of negative impact. Even though there are good and bad sides to everything, happiness starts within every person, outside stimulants are only things that can make someone feel better and it aids to one’s overall happiness, but it can not bring happiness if there are underlying issues that is keeping a person in a state of unhappiness and negativity. A person that is overall unhappy, they choose to feel this way instead of creating their own happiness by letting go of the darkness they feel within. Lumen (n.d.) The Pursuit of Happiness. Retrieved from