Have you ever wondered about the pursuit of happiness? No, not the Will Smith movie but actually chasing happiness as well as well-being through scientific ways? If you have, then this is the right place to start.
The PERMA model is a prominent model that defines well-being in greater detail. This influential model was developed by Martin Seligman, a leading figure in the field of positive psychology. It delineates the various facets contributing to the well-being and happiness of human beings.
Let us first see what this model comprises so we can later grasp how to work on these aspects to our advantage and attain true happiness. PERMA is an acronym which stands for the following dimensions:
- P- Positive Emotions: The foremost fundamental aspect of well-being is experiencing positive emotional states like joy and contentment. Happiness involves enjoying yourself in the moment.
- E- Engagement: Pure engagement in tasks that challenge and delight people, where one loses a sense of time and place, can assist in the experience of well-being. This is exactly what is called flow and this is an important piece of wellness.
- R- (Positive) Relationships: To flourish, human beings need to depend on meaningful relationships. Since humans are social creatures, deep relationships can sow the seeds of contentment, connection, and satisfaction.
- M- Meaning: When we believe in something bigger than us and find meaning in the life that we are living we experience well-being. This purpose or meaning is vital for lasting happiness. You can do so by engaging in pursuits that align with your values.
- A-Accomplishment/Achievement: The drive or need for achievement completes the puzzle of authentic well-being by being the missing piece. We thrive when we can achieve our goals and succeed. Achieving our goals, whether big or small, gives us a sense of self-worth.
Now let us move on to how we can use this framework as a key to enhance our sense of well-being and happiness. You can focus on the following:
- You can try to experience more positive emotions in your life by prioritising to do things that bring you joy and even incorporate them into your daily routine. This can range from intellectual to creative pursuits.
- You can work on increasing your level of engagement with different activities. You can take up hobbies that only interest you but also help in developing some skills in you. For example, you can take up a job that you are passionate about and it challenges you in the right amount to make you grow.
- You can also work on improving the quality and if possible, the quantity of your relationships. You can reach out to your loved ones more often, make gratitude visits or just be more supportive of your significant other, family and friends.
- There is a myriad of ways for one to seek meaning. You can seek it through your career/work, volunteering, leisure activities or even by acting as mentor.
- Maintaining a focus on achieving one’s goal is an important thing to do. However, striking balance between that ambitious drive and other important things in life is equally important.
Well-being and not happiness alone can help human beings flourish. Working on the ingredients defined above can be a good place to start!
Share By: Bushra Rashid
Author’s Bio: Bushra Rashid is a BSc. in Psychology (Honours) graduate from CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru. Having a high drive towards erudition and self-growth, she aspires to channel her passion for psychology into her expertise and serve society. She is interested in pursuing her master’s degree in Organisational Psychology.
