HAPPINESS: Wellbeing Advice from the World’s Leading Experts

November 4, 2022

This article was written for Annabel & Grace, which is now part of Rest Less.

Before I read this book, I thought that I was not in need of happiness advice however, having just finished HAPPINESS by Duncan CJ, I realise that we all could do with building more happiness into our lives. However, whilst this book is titled Happiness, it is much more than that. It delves into how we deal with our lives, how we are influenced by outside views and opinions and how we carry so many toxic feelings that we need to shed to achieve a happy life and self.

The dictionary definition:

Happiness is an emotional state characterized by feelings of joy, satisfaction, contentment, and fulfillment. While happiness has many different definitions, it is often described as involving positive emotions and life satisfaction.

But it is about so much more than this, as I learned from this book.

This book is well-researched, and the format is excellent. Every chapter is with a different world-leading expert with author Duncan CJ’s interjections.

There will always be times in life when we are not happy, and we may need help to get our happiness mojo back.

For example, one piece of advice stuck with me: if something tragic happens or you receive upsetting news, then ask yourself the question: “If I had to be grateful about this, why would it be?” And keep asking and answering this question. Inevitably it will transform your mood and perspective.

Loneliness is a strong theme in the early chapters. We are born to be social, and if left on our own for too long, it can impact our mental and physical health. Why do you think that the Amish are never unhappy?

I learned so much from this book. In actual fact, I could not stop reading it, and there was so much I wanted to share with friends and family. I have turned off the news feed to my phone, and you will understand what prompted me to do this when you read the chapter, ‘The News’.

Today, having power means knowing what to ignore.

The Author

Every chapter that I read made much sense. The book made me question my way of living and how small tweaks could improve my happiness, yet I consider myself a happy person.

There is a checklist reminder:

  1. Foundations – Eat well. Sleep well.
  2. Fundamentals: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H.
  • APPRECIATING – being grateful
  • BEING – taking time to slow down, to be in the moment
  • CONNECTING – spending time with people I love
  • DIRECTING – my own life
  • EXERCISING – moving and being active
  • FORGIVING – myself and others
  • GROWING – developing, progressing and growing each day
  • HELPING – others, contributing to something larger than just myself

I have now read the whole book, but it is one that I will keep by my bedside and dip in and out when I feel the need. It demystifies the subject of happiness and highlights practices and habits that are proven to make a difference. It is backed up with scientific and anecdotal evidence

I will also be giving it as a gift this Christmas. Thank you to Duncan CJ for putting all of this information into one book. It has truly helped me at a time when there is so much negativity and scaremongering in the world.

Note on the author:

Duncan CJ is an advisor, author, and podcaster. His show HAPPINESS with Duncan CJ was one of the top-rated self-help podcasts on iTunes for 5 years. He then founded HAPPINESS.info to provide well-being education to a global audience.

Duncan CJ has spent a decade interviewing the greatest minds of the 21st century and compiled their findings into this essential guide. Learn how to find true happiness from pioneering scientists, TED speakers, and New York Times bestselling authors.

This book is AVAILABLE FROM AMAZON in paperback and hardback. Published by Claydon Hawke.

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