31. Understanding wellbeing...

​31.

Self-Care: Understanding Your Happiness Set Point

When we talk about self-care, it’s important to first understand the concept of our happiness set point. Many compare it to a thermostat or a baseline that each of us tends to return to, regardless of events in our lives.

Think of it like this - some people naturally have higher set point, they are more optimistic and content, and others are more prone to dissatisfaction.
Is our happiness point set or can we actually become happier, you may ask. Our predisposition may be initially influenced somewhat by our nature or personality, but it is also widely influenced by factors we can control.

This is why the field of mindset and self-growth has grown in the last years.

So what influences our happiness set point?

• Genetics: Research suggests that about 50% of our happiness may be determined by our genetic makeup, our nature.
• Life events: Major life events, whether positive or negative, can temporarily shift our happiness, but we often return to our baseline level over time - this is where we can choose how to look at life.
• Habits and mindset: Everyday choices, like practicing gratitude, engaging in meaningful activities, or nurturing relationships, can elevate our happiness set point and make it a new baseline.​

Understanding your happiness set point is crucial for self-care because it helps you manage expectations and focus on the small, consistent actions that can improve your overall well-being. I do this quick explanation because many of us start a healthy journey with the idea that we will be much happier once we lose weight / look fitter / find a new job, etc.

When in fact elevating our happiness point and becoming happier is a separate journey.

Well, I would like to create a self-care routine but I feel I do not have time.
             As a coach, I believe you. There are some common obstacles.