What makes you happy? Laughing with friends? Playing games and sports? Time in bed, in nature or online?

Scientists are trying to understand what creates the perfect day. One group of researchers have tracked the time people spend on each activity, working out what combination causes most happiness. 

Socialising for more than 30 minutes lifted everyone's spirits, while spending time with friends had "an almost boundlessly positive effect". But six hours of work had no impact on happiness, and a 15-minute commute actually improved people's moods.¹

Another group of researchers are relying on an app that asks participants for a mood rating several times a day. The app promises to help users to understand what makes them happy, as well as to spot mental health problems early. According to one journalist, it "puts a psychiatrist in your pocket".²

But Professor Martin Seligman, who helped found the field of happiness research, thinks focusing on "moment-to-moment mood [is] a recipe for depression and anxiety".³ Others argue that it is meaningless to ascribe numerical values to experiences as different as laughing, eating ice cream or fussing over a pet.

Besides, scientists already have a clear idea of what makes people happy. At least, that is the conclusion of Robert Waldinger, director of the longest scientific study on happiness ever conducted.

Waldinger divides happiness into two categories: hedonic, which means in-the-moment pleasure; and eudaimonic, which means having a sense of purpose or fulfilment, and is more important for long-term wellbeing.

The study has also shown that people who "kept prioritising connections... were the people who stay happier and healthier".⁴ Some research even suggests that social isolation is as bad for a person's health as smoking cigarettes or never exercising.⁵

Happiness tracking helps people understand their own emotional patterns. But it will not catch the meaning life that comes from eudaimonic pleasure and lasting relationships.

Just ask Kevin Sandler, who has tracked his mood every 15 minutes since 2018. Eventually he realised that: "Happiness is not the end-all goal I was looking for."⁶

But can we really measure happiness?

Yes: Modern technology allows scientists to track people's levels of contentment at every moment. Happiness can be measured like fitness and other health markers.

No: Studies that focus on moment-to-moment happiness miss deeper sources of contentment. Focusing on relationships, rather than our mood, makes life worthwhile.

Or... Momentary pleasures and a more lasting sense of purpose are both required for a happy life. But everybody has to find the right balance for themselves.