Satisfaction vs happiness: Which is more important to lead a healthy life?

Do you want to be happy? Well, happiness has been the pursuit of humankind since times unknown. But is it enough? While being happy is on everyone’s list, have you ever wondered if you are confusing it with satisfaction? There is a blurred line between the two concepts that often becomes even more perplexing if you don’t comprehend the difference between the two. Life can be a balance of the two: satisfaction and happiness. If you have been trying to make sense of which one you want more or if is it good to have both in life, let us weigh in on the similarities and differences between satisfaction and happiness.

What is satisfaction?

When do you feel satisfied? It is when you receive something you want or when you do or have done something you love. You feel satisfied when things are going your way, meaning something that you have planned or envisioned. Satisfaction is achieved when you get to your goals with their planning. Meaningful relationships and bonds can also give you satisfaction, explains psychiatrist Dr Sonal Anand.

What is happiness?

In simple terms, happiness means joy and it makes a person feel content. Getting good marks, fulfilling one’s dreams, traveling, or something you can check off your bucket list is happiness. It is something you feel in the moment such as hanging out with friends or doing activities that bring a smile to your face like watching your favorite movie or meeting a celebrity. Happiness is associated with feelings that come from the heart and you will feel like dancing, smiling, or even singing out loudly, adds the expert.

Also Read: 11 tips be more social for your own happiness

Satisfaction vs happiness: What is the difference?

On the forefront, satisfaction, and happiness may seem the same but they are not. While satisfaction is the end of the journey, happiness is that journey. For instance: how you feel while you are working will determine how happy or unhappy with your work, whereas you get satisfaction when you perform better at work, meet deadlines, or give a presentation that reaps good results.

Happiness is the state of bliss, while satisfaction is contentment. Dr Anand says, “One is no longer happier if he/she fails to achieve something but satisfaction only decreases eventually when one is unable to achieve something he dreamt of.

Satisfaction is a long-term feeling while happiness is a momentarily feeling. These are two different terms. However, remember that one can also be satisfied and happy at the same time.”

Also Read: How to boost serotonin, the happy hormone, naturally

Satisfaction vs happiness: Which one should you strive for?

Happiness is living in the moment, whereas satisfaction is all about long-term pleasure. While happiness is important so that you can enjoy temporary moments of joy and positivity, satisfaction will help you be content after achieving specific goals. You need happiness to enjoy the present and you need satisfaction to enjoy the future as well. When you are satisfied, you will set goals, and best all the odds coming your way.

So, you need to strive for both, happiness and satisfaction to strike that dedicated balance and enjoy life to the fullest, recommends the psychiatrist.

How to be happy in life?

Happiness is a pursuit, and here’s how you can achieve it:

• If you want to be happy, focus on staying healthy and taking care of yourself. This includes eating a nutritious diet that helps boost immunity to keep infections and diseases at bay.
• Get eight hours of sleep at night to feel fresh and happy the next day.
• Do regular exercise and maintain a healthy weight.
• Try to compliment others, practice gratitude, and do some journaling daily.
• Do not compare yourself to others.
• De-clutter your home.
• Accept things the way they are, move on, face challenges head-on, and do not depend on others for happiness.
• Spend time in nature, get enough sunlight, meditate, practice self-care, and follow a structured routine.
• Celebrate your small wins that can make you happy and boost your morale and self-confidence.
• Socialise more with your family and friends.
• Prioritise some “ME” time by following a hobby or activities that you like, and limit the use of smartphones and other electronic gadgets.

How to be satisfied in life?

If you want to be satisfied in the long run, here’s how you can do it:

1. Practice self-love

Be honest with yourself and be proud of the way you are. You don’t have to compare or prove anything to anybody. So, be satisfied with the way you are. May it be your looks, physical attributes, or even your persona.

Also Read: How to build self-esteem: Tips to help you feel better about yourself

2. Be persistent

Set goals in life and make sure you do everything you can to achieve them. Try your best to act on your goals and do not stop unless you get the desired results.

3. Let go of the past

Holding on to your past will weigh you down! Get rid of all the emotional baggage in life and move on. Do not let your past haunt you on your way to satisfaction. To feel satisfied, you need to focus on the future.

4. Change your work profile

It is great you are invested in your job completely, but do you feel the satisfaction of doing something worth remembering? If not, you should switch to your job for your betterment and progress.

5. Figure out your goals

Do you want a successful career? Do you want to settle down and have kids? Do you want to balance both in life? Do you want to adopt a child? Do you want to focus on self-development? You need to find out what you want in life and be great at it to feel more satisfied in your life.

In the fight between satisfaction vs happiness, you need to know that these two go hand in hand in life. So, you need to take care of your happiness by taking care of your body and strive for satisfaction to take care of your soul.