At the ICOT 2024 conference, I had the opportunity to explore the concept of happiness through the teachings of Tal Ben-Shahar, a renowned author and lecturer who taught Positive Psychology and The Psychology of Leadership at Harvard University. His insights on the five elements of happiness—Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Relational, and Emotional Wellbeing—have inspired me to consider how schools can evolve to create an environment where every student truly experiences happiness.
The Five Elements of Happiness in School
1. Spiritual Wellbeing: Building a Sense of Purpose
Spiritual well-being revolves around cultivating a sense of purpose and meaning in life, encompassing morals and ethics. In a school setting, this can be nurtured through character-building programmes, community involvement initiatives, and student-led activities. These not only help students develop a strong moral compass but also encourage them to find deeper meaning in their educational journey. By providing opportunities for students to engage in activities aligned with their values and passions, schools can help them discover a sense of purpose that extends beyond academic achievements.
2. Physical Wellbeing: Promoting Active Lifestyles
Physical well-being centres on regular physical activity. Schools can support this by integrating physical education into the daily routine, offering extracurricular sports programmes, and encouraging active breaks throughout the day. Regular physical activity not only improves physical health but also boosts mood and cognitive function. A school that prioritises physical well-being will not only see healthier students but also more focused and energised learners.
3. Relational Wellbeing: Building Strong Connections
Relational well-being is about connecting with others and building relationships. In a school setting, this can be fostered by creating a supportive and inclusive community where students feel a sense of belonging. Schools can achieve this by promoting collaborative learning, encouraging peer mentoring, and organising team-building activities. By emphasising the importance of relationships, schools can help students develop strong social skills, empathy, and a sense of community.
4. Relational Wellbeing: Building Strong Connections
Relational well-being is about connecting with others and building relationships. In a school setting, this can be fostered by creating a supportive and inclusive community where students feel a sense of belonging. Schools can achieve this by promoting collaborative learning, encouraging peer mentoring, and organising team-building activities. By emphasising the importance of relationships, schools can help students develop strong social skills, empathy, and a sense of community.
3. Emotional Wellbeing: Understanding and Managing Emotions
Emotional well-being involves understanding feelings, managing emotions, and coping with life’s challenges. Schools can support emotional well-being by teaching emotional literacy, providing access to counselling services, and creating a safe and supportive environment where students feel comfortable expressing their emotions. By equipping students with the tools to manage their emotions and cope with stress, schools can help them build resilience and develop a positive outlook on life.
The Impact of Happiness on Learning
According to Tal Ben-Shahar, happiness is not just a feel-good concept; it has a profound impact on learning and overall performance. When students experience happiness, they are more likely to be creative, innovative, engaged, and motivated to learn. Happiness also leads to better relationships and teamwork, which are crucial for a positive school environment. Moreover, students who are happy are more likely to have better physical health, further enhancing their ability to focus and succeed academically.
Starting Small for Lasting Change
Creating a school environment that fosters happiness does not require a complete overhaul of the current system. Instead, schools can start small by introducing one or two initiatives focused on a specific element of happiness. For example, a school might begin by implementing a character-building programme to enhance spiritual well-being or by increasing the number of physical activities offered to support physical well-being, such as 15 minutes of morning exercise. The key is to be consistent in applying these changes and to gradually build upon them over time.
Imagining a Happier School Environment
Imagine a school where students are excited to learn because they feel a deep sense of purpose and curiosity. They are physically active, mentally engaged, and emotionally resilient. They feel connected to their peers and supported by their teachers. In this environment, students are not only achieving academically but are also thriving as individuals. This is the vision of a school that prioritises the happiness of its students.
As school leaders, it is essential to recognise the importance of happiness in education and to take proactive steps to create an environment where students can flourish. By focusing on the five elements of happiness—Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Relational, and Emotional Wellbeing—schools can cultivate a culture of happiness that enhances student learning and overall wellbeing. The journey towards a happier school environment may start small, but the impact on students’ lives will be profound and lasting.
"Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions."
Dalai Lama
