Money = Happiness. This is what most people think. So if you have a lot of money, are you naturally happy? To extend, the richer one is, the happier he/she must be, but is this true really? Apparently not. When a friend, who by any standards can be called wealthy, broke down and wept, stating he has neither happiness nor peace, it made me wonder where the void in his life is. Truth is, those with plenty of money may not be happy at all. In fact, they may be terribly unhappy with no peace of mind or joy in their lives.
Riches, Money and Happiness: Related?
How nice it would be to shop for 24 kgs of happiness, 18 liters of peace and 63 tons of health!
It is common belief that being financially well off is a pre-requisite to happiness, whatever the definition of happiness may be. True, financial adequacy and stability ensures a certain standard of living, comfort and security essential to human well-being. However, no amount of money can ensure peace of mind or joy. This is because wealth needs to be balanced with, and connected to other aspects of well-being to lead to happiness. Far from being happy, wealthy people may suffer from physical illnesses as well as mental ones such as depression, anxiety and other stress-related issues.
The other aspects of well-being are equally important
Well-being, by definition includes many aspects of life, of which financial wellness is just one. The others are physical, professional, mental (emotional), spiritual and social wellness. When we focus on building only one aspect of our life and neglect developing the others, at some point we end up not feeling good at all. The absence in the other areas of our lives is felt deeply. A person who has spent most of his life in the pursuit of money, neglecting the other equally important aspects of life, might have problems in his relationships, spiritual growth or physical health.
Feeling low despite a fat bank balance? Check these for yourself !
The Physical Aspect : How fit and healthy are you? Are you energetic or tired during the day? Do you fall sick frequently or rarely? Are you a sound sleeper? Do you take care of your health with any regular exercise/fitness/yoga routine that includes aerobic, strength & flexibility training? If the answer is no, not yet; remember it is never too late to start something good for yourself. “Health is Wealth” is true, today and always.
One can always take up any form of fitness from the multitude of options available. Physical health affects mental health greatly. A healthy mind resides more easily in a healthy body. In fact, physical activity is a prescription for mental conditions like depression. Remember, money can never buy health.
“Happiness is the highest form of health” – Dalai Lama
The Mental/Emotional Aspect : How often do you smile or laugh in a day? Can you say that your mind is often in the present? Are your thoughts always in the past or the future? Do you worry a lot? Is stress a constant companion or can you respond to difficult situations and changes in a calm rational way? Are your thoughts mostly unproductive (negative) ones or productive (positive) ones that help you grow into a better version of yourself? The answers to these questions determine your mental health status. If you are feeling low most times and can find no joy in your daily life, you need to seek professional help. Do not hesitate.
The Professional Aspect: Does the work you are engaged in or spend most of your time at give you reasonable satisfaction? What is your motivation to work? Do you find yourself mostly wishing you were doing something else? Or do you have a sense of pride in what you do, and how you contribute to the world at large with your work? The state of our minds and level of involvement in our profession can elevate or depress us. Either find your purpose in what you are doing or consider a change to find your purpose elsewhere.
People are more important than money or things – Randy Pausch
Social Aspect: Do you have some dependable, trustworthy friends and colleagues who make you feel loved, wanted and valued? Do your relationships make you feel safe and secure? Is your home environment pleasant and loving? Are there people around you that will help you out when the need arises? Are you in turn a person that supports, helps and are a true friend to other people including your family, your spouse?
We humans are social beings and do not do well in isolation. Hence we need to be with family and friends, making connections with people at work and elsewhere. If there is a deficit in this area, you need to work on developing and keeping relationships by changing your attitudes and habits. Although money can attract people around you, it cannot help form deep relationships.
“Discard who you are not ” – Deepak Chopra
Spiritual Aspect: Do you have Inner Peace? A clear sense of values? Is there a Higher Purpose in your life? Is ‘giving’ more joyful than receiving? Do you feel an interconnectedness with Nature? With the Universe? Are you connected with the Divine? Do you have faith that your life is heading the way it is meant to? Is there a quest to find out “Who am I?” Can you find solace in prayer and meditation?
Developing and recognizing an understanding of something beyond oneself leads to purposeful, higher levels of living. It leads to an understanding of life, what stage we are at, and where we are meant to go.
How can one take charge and develop these aspects of well being? Can we be more aware of what is happening within us and take progressive measures? What attitude changes will help us grow? Delve Deeper !!
Do watch out for the next part of this post !!!
What kind of connection do you have with wealth? With well-being? Do write your thoughts about anything in this post that you connected with in the comments section.
