What makes you happy? | YouAlberta

Health & Wellness

YouAlberta is written by students for students.

Parisa (she/her) is in her first year of her MSc in Dentistry. She is from Zanjan, a small city in Iran and enjoys connecting with folks to discuss a recent book she has read, as she loves the world of words. In making the most of every minute of her stay in Edmonton, she finds her happy place bike riding and listening to a recently released album. After a long day, for a well-deserved break, she enjoys going down the rabbit hole of YouTube searching for standup comedy videos. Parisa enjoys observing her campus community in Quad in the pursuit of their dreams, and her ultimate goal is to become a faculty member, further pursuing her love for academia.

The International Day of Happiness is celebrated globally on March 20, but how do you truly define "happiness"?

I asked U of A students to share their perspectives on the concept of happiness, and here are some of their responses.

Mahdieh, a computer science student, defines happiness as experiencing inner peace while surrounded by loved ones she trusts. One of Mahdieh's happiest memories at the U of A occurred during her first semester in Canada as an international student. Initially feeling lonely, she vividly recalls a turning point during a gathering when a kind girl invited her to join their girls' night. This simple act of inclusion led to an unforgettable evening where Mahdieh connected with other girls from around the world. They shared stories, played games, and even made sushi together, creating an atmosphere of warmth and belonging. This experience underscored the beauty of reaching out and forming connections across cultures, leaving a lasting impact on Mahdieh as she navigated her new life in Canada.

It appears that for some individuals, happiness is clearly linked to specific locations, often rooted in past experiences. Sushanti, an epidemiology student, finds happiness on the beach and enjoying the calming sound of the ocean waves. Michelle, who is studying dentistry, associates happiness with open fields filled with horses or the comforting ambiance of a bookstore.

Meanwhile, Janee, a student of biomedical engineering, discovers happiness in observing others' happiness and positivity.

Interestingly, Janee, Sushanti and Michelle share a common perspective on the happiest times at U of A. They all remember their first day of classes and having the opportunity to meet new people as the happiest they have ever been on campus. This collective experience of new beginnings and connections highlights a shared meaning that indeed, fostering great relationships and feeling included are also fundamental aspects that contribute to happiness.

We also got a response from many students sharing a perspective similar to Zanib, a dentistry student. Zanib finds happiness in achieving goals, such as conquering the challenge of public speaking. Acknowledging the significance of achievement and personal development is integral to understanding happiness and well-being.

My search for the meaning of happiness among U of A students led me back to the concept of PERMA, introduced by psychologist Martin Seligman. This framework encompasses five fundamental elements crucial for well-being:

• Positive emotion: This includes feelings such as peace, gratitude, satisfaction, pleasure, inspiration, hope, curiosity and love.
• Engagement: When we become deeply engaged in a task or project, we experience a sense of timelessness because of our high level of involvement.
• Relationships: Happiness is often higher for those who have meaningful and positive connections with others compared to those who lack such relationships.
• Meaning: Finding purpose and significance in serving a cause greater than ourselves is essential for a fulfilling life.
• Accomplishment/Achievement: Striving for personal growth and improvement is integral to experiencing a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment in life.

Given this insight, U of A offers numerous opportunities that can help us celebrate the day and take steps toward happiness. The U of A Days of Action collected creative reflections that you can view at libraries across campus or listen to the Happiness Reflected podcast, where your U of A community shares their impressions on happiness. Also, here are some activities listed on the International Day of Happiness Calendar that you might want to consider:

Family Fun Sunday | Spring Has Sprung (Sunday, March 24, 12 p.m. - 3 p.m.): You're invited to join a spring-themed Family Fun Sunday! Celebrate the arrival of spring and bid farewell to winter with engaging crafts, exciting games and delicious treats. Whether you're spending the day with family or friends, there's something enjoyable for everyone!

CAAWLS Therapy Dogs - Take a Break (Wednesday, March 27, 12 p.m. - 3 p.m.): This event is open to all students who wish to take a break. Drop by to grab a snack, borrow a game, and meet the friendly CAAWLS therapy dogs! It's a fantastic opportunity to relax and recharge.

UNITEA and ASSET: HAPPINESS Discussion (Thursday, March 28): Unitea volunteers will lead a discussion on HAPPINESS and how to create more of it. Before the formal group discussions, there will be fun activities with coffee. Additionally, an online booking system for students to pre-book their spot to join the talk will be provided.

Give a Random Act of Kindness (Saturday, March 30): Performing acts of kindness not only benefits others but also enriches our own lives. Participate in this event to become eligible for entry into a door prize contest for the International Day of Happiness.

Celebrating the International Day of Happiness is a chance to explore new experiences, reconnect with what happiness means to you, and engage with loved ones to shape your own happiness journey. So, what are your thoughts? How do you plan to celebrate this occasion?