Instead, as a one liner answer to your question, I would suggest to search for real happiness instead of pleasure. If you are happy, you will feel that you do not need any kind of pleasure. Happiness creates fullness and satisfaction and does not create any desire or emptiness. Basically, the mistake you are making is that your search for happiness ends in seeking pleasure. These addictive habits and obsessions are just means of pleasure but not of happiness.
What is Happiness?
It is the state of being happy.
Being happy is characterized by feelings of contentment and satisfaction with one’s life or current situation.
What is Pleasure?
Pleasure is a more visceral, in-the-moment experience. It often refers to the sensory-based feelings we get from experiences like eating good food, getting a massage, receiving a compliment, or having sex.
Difference between Happiness and Pleasure.
Happiness is a more stable state than pleasure. Happiness generally sticks around for longer than a few moments at a time, whereas pleasure can come and go in seconds.
Pleasure can contribute to happiness, and happiness can enhance or deepen feelings of pleasure, but the two can also be completely mutually exclusive. For example, you can feel a sense of happiness based on meaning and engagement that has nothing to do with pleasure, or you could feel pleasure but also struggle with guilt because of it, keeping you from feeling happy at the same time.
What Sources Create True Personal Happiness?
The following factors can contribute to a happy life:
- Individual income;
- Status;
- Physical health;
- Family;
- Social relationships;
- Moral values;
- Experience of positive emotions
But research studies says that good relationships are a vital ingredient of happiness.
What Happy People Do?
- Happy people have more friends and a better support system.
- Happy people donate more to charity (and giving money to charity makes you happy, too).
- Happy people are more helpful and more likely to volunteer—which also makes you happier!
- Happy people have an easier time navigating through life since optimism eases pain, sadness, and grief.
- Happy people have a positive influence on others and encourage them to seek happiness as well, which can act as reinforcement.
- Happy people engage in deeper and more meaningful conversations.
- Happy people smile more, which is beneficial to your health.
- Happy people exercise more often and eat more healthily.
- Happy people are happy with what they have rather than being jealous of others.
To be happy, you can also do the same as happy people do above.
If you want to be mentally Healthy and get rid of any obsession, Be Happy. There is an important relationship between mental Health and Happiness as per some research studies.
Further, to learn more on happiness, you can read the following books. The book on no.3 below will change the perception of happiness as productive in your whole life and the one at no. 2 will positively help you to change your life by changing your thoughts and belief systems.
- The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living, Dalai Lama
- Happiness Unlimited: Awakening with Brahmakumaris, BK Shivani
- The Happiness Advantage: The Seven Principles that Fuel Success and Performance at Work: The Seven Principles of Positive Psychology that Fuel Success and Performance at Work
Video on Happiness
Positive Psychology – Happier by Professor Tal Ben-Shahar, Ph.D. from Fight Mediocrity
https://youtu.be/74Wei0-vAZs
