An Equation for Happiness

Happiness is an elusive term, but it is generally characterized by a positive

well-being, contentment, long-lasting enjoyment, and freedom from
suffering. Many have tried (and continue to try) to decipher the mysteries of
happiness. What makes us happy? How can we be happier? How can we
make others happy? How do we know if we are truly happy? Scientists are
coming closer to possibly predicting happiness, with a mathematical formula.
According to a new study, researchers at the University College of London
were able to predict the happiness of over 18,000 people using the equation
below:

Based on an examination of expectations, rewards and past outcomes from

26 subjects through surveys and brain scans, researchers built a
computational model that related self-reported happiness to recent rewards
and expectations. They then applied the equation to over 18,000 people who
played a risk-reward game on their smartphones. The app is called The
Great Brain Experiment. The equation was able to accurately predict how
happy the subjects were when they played the game.
The study showed that happiness depended on the size of the gap between
expectation and what you actually achieve. Having lower expectations
helped, as the subject were happiest when they performed better than they
expected in the game. Also, having positive expectations can play a role in
developing our happiness. Specifically, moment-to-moment happiness is
largely dependent on a recent history of rewards and expectations rather
than overall wealth accumulation. Thus, perhaps happiness is relative; we as
humans are creatures of comparisons after all.
Past studies have also tried to simplify happiness into something tangible or
at least, something practical and achievable by following a formula. One
such study produced the Feel-Good Formula. Led by Dr. Todd Kashdan of
George Mason University, their well-being studies produced the following
equation:
(Mx16 +Cx1 + Lx2) + (Tx5 + Nx2 +Bx33)
Each variable in the formula stands for an action and the numbers
represent the
amount of time on that activity:
M= living in the moment, with an average for 16 hours
C= being curious, at least once a day
L = doing something you love, twice a day
T =thinking of others first, five times a day
N= nurture relationships, twice a day

B= taking care of your body, with heathy food three times a day and
30 minutes of
exercise each day
Practicing all of these tasks each day will make for a happy and healthy life,
according to the study.
Given the ambiguity and complexity of happiness, one may wonder why it
matters to even quantify happiness. However, relating happiness to a
mathematical model can serve several purposes. For one, it can help us
understand how mood relates to life events and how that may differ from
those suffering mood disorders. Secondly, it can help governments develop
wellbeing policies. Finally, it at least brings us a little bit closer to grasping
the ever elusive human emotion of being happy.