Happiness Hacks* brings together different research on happiness. The research is grouped with one theme per chapter e.g. friendship, health, love. It is summarized in short sections (for example one or two paragraphs) often followed by a suggested action.
Why I wanted to read it
I was offered an electronic advanced copy of this book. I was interested to read it as I’ve been thinking about my happiness over the last few years. I was particularly looking forward to discovering easy actions that would have a big impact, as implied by the title hacks.
Should you read happiness hacks
I was disappointed with the book, and although it had short sections it took me a long time to complete. I think this is because I did not find the book inspirational. It felt very dry as it talked about one piece of research after another with few individual stories, for example how someone felt after implementing one of the suggested actions.
I wonder about the relevancy of some of the included research and feel some of them don’t fall under the category of hacks because they
- didn’t all have suggested actions
- were contradictory e.g. you’re happier living in a city and you’re happier not living in a city
- are out of your control e.g. your country hosts a major sports event
However, I am taking some points away from the book. I’ve already started implementing not just liking social media posts but using them as a reminder to engage with the person by commenting or sending them a message. One point I want to remember the next time I plan to acheive a challenge is the mist effective way is to have a support group which also has some form of competition e.g. leader board.
This book has made me wonder if it is possible for anyone else to tell you happiness hacks, or whether it is about what makes you feel happy. I like to dance to upbeat music, meet up with friends and play board games. What makes you happy?
*Disclaimer – I was loaned an electronic verison of this book for free, but all thoughts and words are my own. This post includes affiliate links which means if you buy something after clicking the link I will earn a percentage of the sale, but it will not cost you any more.