With all the stress and challenges of our modern lives, it's clear we have become obsessed with the pursuit with obtaining one common feeling: Happiness.
Book writers, educators, psychologists, and even a new field of entrepreneurs have begun cashing in on our desperate wants and needs.
These groups joined forces to make up the third annual "Happiness and Its Causes" conference in San Francisco last week. You could call it a perfect meeting of the scientist and the spiritual.
There were presentations on stress reduction, generosity and the effect of positive thinking on cancer. Speakers reinforced with statistics the wise old saying that money doesn't buy happiness and also encouraged singing every day.
Some of the more aggressive "Happy Entrepreneurs" pushed their joy courses that led to a "Happiness Makeover" and even guaranteed true happiness in three months.
Overall, the new industry seems to be a positive thing for society since it sheds light on the true health threats caused by constant stress.
Happypreneurs
San Francisco Positivity Conference
Trend Themes
1. Happiness Industry - Entrepreneurs and professionals are taking advantage of the growing demand of people chasing happiness through their businesses and services, creating a new industry worth examining for growth opportunities.
2. Holistic Wellbeing - The convergence of science and spirituality at the Happiness and its Causes conference indicates an opportunity for holistic approaches to wellbeing services that can merge the best of both worlds.
3. Positive Psychology - Research in positive psychology highlights the urgent need to support mental health by shifting our focus on positivity and creating disruptive wellness practices that address the root cause of stress and dissatisfaction.
Industry Implications
1. Mental Health and Wellness - Happypreneurs and happiness courses hold promise to make an impact on the mental health industry, with a move toward more preventative and proactive mental health care.
2. Education - Educators can leverage lessons on stress reduction, positive thinking, and generosity to prepare future generations with better coping mechanisms and life skills that support their wellbeing.
3. Hospitality - The focus on happiness and positivity can provide the hospitality industry with new opportunities to cater to guests' wellbeing and create unique experiences that prioritize their customers' mental health.