Becoming Happy: A Guide to Self-Care, Life Satisfaction, and Well-Being

by Joshua Swift

Life, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness – three unalienable rights people throughout the ages have desired. Despite its universal appeal, HAPPINESS, in particular, can often seem just beyond our grasp. In fact, even though we experience greater prosperity, wealth, and comforts today than at any other period of time in history, happiness in the world is on the decline. Perhaps it is because society teaches us a code for achievement and success, but rarely are we ever taught how to obtain true happiness. The code for happiness exists though – current scientific research clearly shows those behaviors and activities that bring happiness, and those that do not. In BECOMING HAPPY, Dr. Joshua Swift breaks down this science by describing the process of happiness and providing a step-by-step guide with evidence-based strategies for improving life satisfaction and well-being through taking care of our physical, mental, behavioral, and social selves. When applied, these strategies lead to building a happy life.

JOSHUA K. SWIFT, Ph.D., is a professor and psychology department chair at Idaho State University in Pocatello, Idaho. He received his B.S. from Brigham Young University and his Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Oklahoma State University. He has received a number of awards and recognitions for his oft-cited research, which has been widely published in academic journals and presented in countries around the globe. He is an American Psychological Association fellow and a licensed psychologist. He finds happiness in his family (he and his wife are parents to six children), faith, and in being physically active.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1: What Is Happiness
Chapter 1: Finding the Happiness Code
Chapter 2: Defining the Goal
Chapter 3: Things That Do Not Bring Happiness
Chapter 4: A Self-care Approach to Achieving Happiness
Section 2: Taking Care of Our Physical Selves
Chapter 5: Happy People Exercise Regularly
Chapter 6: Happy People Eat Healthfully
Chapter 7: Happy People Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Section 3: Taking Care of Our Mental Selves
Chapter 8: Happy People Think Positively
Chapter 9: Happy People Feel and Express Gratitude
Chapter 10: Happy People Engage in Life-long Learning
Section 4: Taking Care of Our Behavioral Selves
Chapter 11: Happy People are Present
Chapter 12: Happy People are Active
Chapter 13: Happy People Use Coping Skills
Section 5: Taking Care of Our Social Selves
Chapter 14: Happy People Nurture Family Relationships
Chapter 15: Happy People Make and Keep Good Friends
Chapter 16: Happy People Talk to Strangers
Chapter 17: Happy People Help Others
Section 6: Finding Purpose and Meaning
Chapter 18: Happy People Find Meaning in Life
Chapter 19: Happy People Plan for a Happy Life
Discussion Questions

298 pages, Paperback

Published May 31, 2024

Reviews

[Mary-Anne Swift]

This was a great psychology book on things we can do in our lives to become happier. And who doesn’t want that?? It gives practical, achievable advice on little changes we can do to be happier people. He backs all of his advice with sound research and evidence and examples. It was a great read!

[Terry Christensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read!

A ton of practical advice. Everyone should read it. I have given a copy to everyone in my family and the podcast to go with it is excellent.