The How of Happiness A New Approach to Getting the Life You Want

by Lyubomirsky, Sonja

• ISBN13: 9780143114956
• ISBN10: 0143114956
• eBook ISBN(s): 9781101202807
• Additional ISBN(s): 9781594201486
• Edition: Reprint
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2008-12-30
• Publisher: Penguin Books
• More Book Details

About This Book

The How of Happiness: A New Approach to Getting the Life You Want

ISBN: 9780143114956

About This Book

"The How of Happiness" by Sonja Lyubomirsky is a groundbreaking, practical guide to attaining happiness based on innovative scientific research. This book is a powerful contribution to the field of positive psychology and a gift to people who have sought to take their happiness into their own hands.

Who Uses It?

Primarily, this book is used by individuals seeking to understand and improve their own happiness. It is particularly beneficial for students of psychology, educators, and anyone interested in personal development. The book's practical strategies and exercises make it accessible to a wide range of readers, from young adults to professionals looking to enhance their well-being.

History and Editions

"The How of Happiness" has been a trusted resource since its publication. Sonja Lyubomirsky's central point is clear: a significant portion of what is called happiness is up for grabs. The book coaches readers on how to snag it by detailing an easy-to-follow plan, including exercises in new ways of thinking and understanding individual obstacles. The book's approach has been praised for its positive and empowering way to sustain a new level of joy in our lives.

Author and Other Works

Sonja Lyubomirsky is a renowned psychologist known for her pioneering research in positive psychology. Her work focuses on the factors that contribute to happiness and how individuals can take control of their own well-being. While "The How of Happiness" stands as a standalone work, Lyubomirsky's contributions to the field of positive psychology are extensive and continue to influence contemporary thought on happiness and well-being.

Key Features

• Practical Strategies: The book offers a comprehensive plan for achieving happiness through actionable steps and exercises.
• Scientific Research: Grounded in innovative scientific research, the book provides evidence-based strategies for improving one's life.
• Positive Psychology: It draws upon the principles of positive psychology to help readers cultivate a more positive outlook and enhance their overall well-being.
• Accessible Format: The workbook format makes it easy to follow along with quizzes and exercises designed to help readers implement the strategies discussed.

Detailed Information

ISBNs and Formats

• Hardcover: ISBN-13: 9780143114956
• Other Editions/Formats: While specific alternative formats (e.g., e-book, audiobook) may not be widely available, the hardcover edition is the primary format associated with this ISBN.

Publication Details

• Publisher: Penguin Random House
• Publication Date: 2008
• Number of Pages: Varies by edition but typically around 300 pages
• Language: English
• Item Weight: Approximately 0.7 pounds (0.32 kg)
• Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches (21.34 x 13.97 x 2.29 cm)

Other Editions and Formats

While specific alternative formats like e-book or audiobook may not be widely available under this ISBN, the hardcover edition remains the primary source. For those seeking digital versions, it is recommended to check with major e-book retailers or the publisher's website for availability.

Related ISBNs:

Note: The following ISBNs are not duplicates and represent other editions or formats of the book:

• Audiobook: Not widely available under this ISBN but can be found through audiobook platforms.
• E-book: Not widely available under this ISBN but can be found through e-book retailers.

For accurate and up-to-date information on digital formats, it is best to check with major e-book retailers or the publisher's website.

This detailed information section provides a quick reference for all the available formats and sources for "The How of Happiness," making it easier to find and access the book in the preferred format.

Author Biography

Sonja Lyubomirsky is a professor of psychology at the University of California, Riverside, and an award-winning researcher.

Table of Contents

Foreword	p. 1
How to Attain Real and Lasting Happiness
Is It Possible to Become Happier?	p. 13
A Program for Lasting Happiness	p. 14
Do You Know What Makes You Happy?	p. 16
Discovering the Real Keys to Happiness	p. 19
The Most Rewarding "Work" You'll Ever Do	p. 24
Why Be Happy?	p. 24
How Happy Are You and Why?	p. 27
Where Do You Fit In?	p. 30
Happiness Myths	p. 38
The Limits of Life Circumstances	p. 41
The Happiness Set Point	p. 52
The Promise of Intentional Activity	p. 63
Conclusion	p. 67
How to Find Happiness Activities That Fit Your Interests, Your Values, and Your Needs	p. 69
Three Ways That Strategies Can Fit	p. 70
Corniness, Again	p. 72
Person-Activity Fit Diagnostic	p. 73
P.S. More Options	p. 78
Final Words	p. 79
Happiness Activities
Foreword to Part Two: Before You Begin	p. 83
Practicing Gratitude and Positive Thinking	p. 88
Expressing Gratitude	p. 89
Cultivating Optimism	p. 101
Avoiding Overthinking and Social Comparison	p. 112
Investing in Social Connections	p. 125
Practicing Acts of Kindness	p. 125
Nurturing Social Relationships	p. 138
Managing Stress, Hardship, and Trauma	p. 150
Developing Strategies for Coping	p. 151
Learning to Forgive	p. 169
Living in the Present	p. 180
Increasing Flow Experiences	p. 181
Savoring Life's Joys	p. 190
Final Words	p. 204
Happiness Activity No. 10: Committing to Your Goals	p. 205
Six Benefits of Committed Goal Pursuit	p. 206
What Kinds of Goals Should You Pursue?	p. 208
Recommendations for Committed Goal Pursuit	p. 214
Taking Care of Your Body and Your Soul	p. 227
Practicing Religion and Spirituality	p. 228
Taking Care of Your Body (Meditation)	p. 240
Taking Care of Your Body (Physical Activity)	p. 244
Taking Care of Your Body (Acting Like a Happy Person)	p. 250
Secrets to Abiding Happiness
The Five Hows Behind Sustainable Happiness	p. 257
The First How: Positive Emotion	p. 258
The Second How: Optimal Timing and Variety	p. 266
The Third How: Social Support	p. 270
The Fourth How: Motivation, Effort, and Commitment	p. 273
The Fifth How: Habit	p. 277
Conclusion	p. 280
The Promise of Abiding Happiness: An Afterword	p. 282
Postscript: If You Are Depressed	p. 285
What Is Depression?	p. 285
The Causes of Depression	p. 289
The Most Effective Treatments for Depression	p. 293
The Cure for Unhappiness Is Happiness	p. 302
Surmounting Setbacks	p. 304
Additional Happiness Activities That May Fit	p. 305
Acknowledgments	p. 309
Notes	p. 313
Index	p. 359
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.