If this resonates with you, don't worry – you aren’t alone.
In 2019, the European Research Council published a report which found that there was a decline in individual’s subjective wellbeing, that is, how happy they say they are or how satisfied they are with life once they become parents.[1] Some researchers have called this the ‘parenting happiness gap’,[2] but we don’t think it has to be this way!
Spend five minutes today thinking about your own happiness – and make a happy plan
What is happiness?
This is a difficult question since happiness is subjective. Happiness is personal, and what makes one person happy may cause anxiety in another.
However, considering what makes you happy, or noticing that doing something makes you happy, might help you to find more of it.
Start a happiness list
Make a list of things that make you happy. Put your list somewhere you can see and update it as a reminder to keep thinking about your happiness.
Make time for the things that bring you joy; your happiness is just as important as everyone else's.
And remember we all have bad days, and times that are hard or make us feel sad – but if you feel that you can’t remember the last time you smiled, laughed or felt happy, do speak to a health professional or someone you trust – you’re not alone.
References:
[1] Orgad, S. (2019). The parenting happiness gap. London School of Economics. https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/parenting4digitalfuture/2019/10/09/the-parenting-happiness-gap/
[2] Glass, J., Simon, R.W., Andersson, M.A. (2016). Parenthood and happiness: Effects of work-family reconciliation policies in 22 OECD countries. American Journal of Sociology, 122(3),