Book Review: The How of Happiness by Sonja Lyobomirsky

The How of Happiness: A New Approach to Getting the Life You Want
by Sonja Lyubomirsky (158 Lyu)

The pandemic has altered every dimension of our lives. With all this change, even the most optimistic may be struggling to maintain happiness. So, I wanted to review a book that focused on maximizing mental wellness. I reached out to a friend who is active in the field of psychology, and she recommended The How of Happiness by Sonja Lyubomirsky. Although It was published in 2008, it is still regarded as a cornerstone for understanding what makes people happy. Her book has recently been featured in articles on Washington Post, The New York Times, and The Atlantic.

 

The How of Happiness is an empirically-based book with practical advice on how to increase your happiness by up to 40%. The premise of this book is that 40% of what determines happiness is within our control. The other 60% is out of our control: genetic set-point and certain life circumstances. She provides several diagnostic quizzes to determine where you land. Then she provides 12 proven-to-make-you- happier activities, recommending the top four activities that will be most beneficial to you personally.

 

Many self-help books are products of limited research, opinions, and anecdotal musings. Sonja Lyubomirsky is a well-respected psychologist who received her training at Harvard and Stanford University. This is one of the first books written on ‘happiness’ written by a research psychologist. Every exercise, diagnostic questionnaire and activity is supported by scientific research.

 

I followed the activities laid forth in this book and found my own happiness levels to improve. A natural skeptic, I was particularly impressed with the author’s dedication to providing the details of the studies that she conducted. All of the studies are clearly sourced within the pages of this book. I had to push through ‘debunking’ the myths as well as some of the more, as she put it, “corny” exercises, but it was well worth it!

 

[ official The How of Happiness page on the official Sonja Lyubomirsky web site ]

 

Recommended by Monica K.
Bennett Martin Public Library — Public Service

 

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