SUSTAINING HAPPINESS

In our pursuit of happiness, we often chase grand achievements — career success, financial security, or material comforts — allowing the outside world to define us.

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Remember, positions and acquisitions can give you a temporary dose of joy, but it's only family and friends who will be there at a time of crisis. Unhappiness thrives on our ability to keep visiting the past and keeping our mind out of control. However, happiness is an inside job, where you take charge of mind, body, soul and in today's era, mobile.True happiness often lies in the smallest and simplest actions of giving and receiving love or kindness. My happiness sustainers — caring, sharing, listening, and speaking with pure intention — are about practising without expectation. When we cultivate these habits, we build deeper connections, strengthen resilience, and lead more fulfilling lives. The real joy comes when this practice becomes an intrinsic motivation rather than a transactional act. I have a daily ritual of helping someone in small ways, and over the years, this has become an effortless, intrinsic part of me. The pleasure of giving without expectation is truly transformative and time well spent.

How can we remain more united than divided in daily life with our fellow beings will define a lot of our happiness quotient in life.

Caring is one of the most effective happiness boosters because it shifts our focus from ourselves to others. Acts of kindness are on the rise as per the latest World Happiness report and much more is needed. Imagine a colleague who seems withdrawn or stressed. A simple check-in, “Hey, I noticed you’ve been quiet lately. Is everything okay?”, can make her feel valued and heard. Research suggests that acts of kindness release oxytocin, often called the “love hormone”, which enhances mood and helps foster social bonds.

Being helpful