What is Happiness?

Britain’s ‘well-being’ index has led to different personal expressions in defining the term, as seen in online surveys and interviews. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) had been asked by Gordon Brown’s government to conduct household surveys that could evaluate the satisfaction people get from their lives. As a preliminary exercise, people were encouraged to think about what ‘well-being’ meant to them personally.

Job security, personal health and relationships with family members were some factors that mattered more to people.   Although several people have been very idealistic and philosophical in their responses, many had very practical ideas on what happiness and well-being meant to them.

Paul Allin, Director of the ONS's measuring national well-being programme, said: “These events have been both lively and passionate at times. They are a crucial part of the overall programme as we are able to get to the ground roots of what people think.”

From April, the office will be asking “subjective well-being monitoring questions” in its Integrated Household Survey, on how satisfied people were with their lives and how worthwhile they believe their activities are.

The whole exercise is expected to assist in new Government policies that will target at building its people’s happiness. And all the Government may need to ensure after all is said and done could be just the simple things in life.

For, taking into consideration many people’s feelings, all that seem to be required to be happy and have a sense of well-being is - a walk in the park and the fragrant aroma of coffee. 

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Source-Medindia