> It's an irrational response that persists even when there is no reason to be unhappy.
What if there is?
Generally, we are not very good at judging what makes us happy. Happiness research points to things that many of us are indeed missing in life: physical activity, social connectedness, interacting with nature.
The reason for unhappiness might also be internal; bad diet, lack of exercise, etc. throws your body's hormones off-balance, making you feel like crap and causing, quite predictably, unhappiness.
Let's not conflate unhappiness with depression. Many a depressed person who has tried can tell you that exercise, social contact, and immaculate diet do not cure depression.
They can certainly help a bit sometimes, just like not punching yourself in the face every day while you have a broken leg helps with the pain and makes recovery go more smoothly. But it is not a solution to the underlying problems in many cases.
These things are important to everyone's wellbeing, but there are many, many people who eat like crap and don't exercise who are not clinically depressed. And there are plenty of people living with depression despite being disciplined in these important lifestyle choices.
What if there is?
Generally, we are not very good at judging what makes us happy. Happiness research points to things that many of us are indeed missing in life: physical activity, social connectedness, interacting with nature.
The reason for unhappiness might also be internal; bad diet, lack of exercise, etc. throws your body's hormones off-balance, making you feel like crap and causing, quite predictably, unhappiness.