Blog Post #5- What affect does money have on our sense of happiness and fulfillment in life?

As a society, we continue to emphasize on wealth and financial success and that happiness is associated closely to money. When money is removed from the equation, we are revealed that fulfilment is influenced by a wide range of non-financial factors such as experiences and non-materialistic items. Happiness is an emotion that is complex and is deeper than a simple purchase, it is also based off emotional, social, and physiological elements that can not be bought. Understanding these factors helps us recognize that happiness is not as simple as we think. This leads me to wonder about what affect money has on our sense of happiness and long term fulfillment in life? Happiness depends on other factors as well, such as our day to day life and relationships that are being built. More specifically, I am discovering what other factors can contribute towards our happiness and what role do they play when money is not considered?

One important factor is that personal relationships, self-acceptance, purpose and mental peace are major contributors to happiness. People who have these in their lives whether its through work, school, volunteering or personal interest tend to fell greater fulfilment in their day to day life (2). Many people that responded to the Quora Discussion emphasized that their main source of happiness is due to meaningful connection in their lives rather than the number that sits in their bank account. These individuals shared that they feel more content and mentally fulfilled as they are not constantly searching for a higher financial status(2). When people believe their actions matter it brings a sense of belonging which delivers the sense of contentless and mental peace. (4)

Happiness is deeper than an emotion as discussed as it is also phycological. Article 3 (Buffer) discusses how regulating our own emotions contribute to happiness and improve our mental health(3). Regulating our emotions and practicing our gratitude, mindfulness, and social connected tend to reflect in more stress which is converted to positive emotions such as happiness. When those who compare themselves daily to others, and think negatively of the world, happiness is not a result no matter the finances one may have. Positive habits play a strong role as happiness is often shaped by perception rather than external circumstances (7).

Social connections are one major factor that contributes to our daily happiness. Strong relationships with the people around us such as family, friends, and significant others help us feel a sense of belonging and emotional support in our lives. This is also connect to regulating our emotions because having these relationships help us feel these good and bad emotions to regulate(6). Research shows that people with close ties to social and financial standards tend to also have less social connections which is a good set of data showing what factors may contribute to being unhappy. Having relationships with people not only help you regulate yourself but it also helps you cope with challenges, celebrate success and feel valued. Without these connections humans feel loneliness and often experience depression (1).

Having control over ones life choices is an essential contributor to being happy. When may feel that they have the freedom to make their own decisions about their lifestyle they tend to feel more satisfaction. This is due to the sub emotions of optimism and a purpose of meaning (5). These help operate a sense of happiness that is long term rather than short bursts that financial well being may give you (5). A lack of control, due to societal pressures, expectations, or even routines often leads to frustration or dissatisfaction that raises concerns placing stress on ones mind (1). Those who have been seen as stressed tend to be more agitated and bothered causing a sense of disappointment (5).

Mental and physical heath play a large role in happiness. Article 6 explains that deep focus and engagement of extra curricular activities often helps being a sense of enjoyment to our lives(6). Contributing to a common goal helps many feel a sense of purpose and a way of belonging which is essential to happiness(6). A sense of fulfillment is often achieves through meaningful work, hobbies, or even creativity rather than a financial award(6). This can reduce anxiety, depression and chronic illnesses all due t emotional stability (5).

in conclusion, happiness is often influenced by a combination of many factors such as social relationships, purpose, health, autonomy, and mindset rather than money alone. Well, financial stability can reduce other stresses, emotional well-being, and meaningful life experiences when money is not considered often helps. It becomes clear that happiness is rooted in how individuals connect with others care for themselves and find a meaning in their lives.

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20823223/
2. https://www.quora.com/Aside-from-money-what-are-the-factors-in-a-happy-life
3. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://buffer.com/resources/be-happy-today/&ved=2ahUKEwiCvbmducWSAxXXCTQIHUjFMvQQFnoECC0QAQ&usg=AOvVaw3i87aMu3xXe-7zmDhZVGt7
4. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://blog.acu.ca/5-things-that-make-you-rich-besides-money/&ved=2ahUKEwiCvbmducWSAxXXCTQIHUjFMvQQFnoECC8QAQ&usg=AOvVaw1vaGXDCsmQKcywDK-ACAWA
5. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://positivepsychology.com/predictors-of-happiness/&ved=2ahUKEwiCvbmducWSAxXXCTQIHUjFMvQQFnoECCwQAQ&usg=AOvVaw2AXrbX0hjAXnM1HOpel7bY
6. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://home.ubalt.edu/tmitch/642/articles%2520syllabus/csikszentmihalyi%2520so%2520rich.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwiCvbmducWSAxXXCTQIHUjFMvQQFnoECC4QAQ&usg=AOvVaw07QLabrLqJNGvKplFZT6va
7. https://nobaproject.com/modules/happiness-the-science-of-subjective-well-being