Vocabulary List

1. Well-being – A general state of feeling healthy and happy
   Example: Mental well-being is just as important as physical health.
2. Contentment – A feeling of quiet happiness or satisfaction
   Example: He lived a simple life full of peace and contentment.
3. Fulfilment – Feeling satisfied because you’re doing something meaningful
   Example: Many people feel fulfilment through helping others.
4. Gratitude – A strong feeling of thankfulness
   Example: Practising gratitude can increase your happiness.
5. Hedonic – Related to pleasure and fun experiences
   Example: Buying a new phone gives you hedonic happiness — but it doesn’t last.
6. Eudaimonic – Related to purpose and meaning in life
   Example: Volunteering can give you eudaimonic happiness.
7. Dopamine – A brain chemical linked to pleasure and motivation
   Example: Dopamine is released when you eat something you enjoy.
8. Oxytocin – A hormone related to bonding and trust
   Example: Hugging someone can increase your oxytocin levels.
9. Mindfulness – Focusing your mind on the present moment
   Example: Many people practise mindfulness to reduce stress.
10. Materialism – The belief that owning things brings happiness
    Example: Too much materialism can actually make people less happy.

Listening Comprehension Questions

1. What is the “hedonic treadmill”?
2. How does eudaimonic happiness differ from hedonic happiness?
3. According to Harvard research, what is one of the strongest predictors of happiness?
4. How does practising gratitude affect our happiness?
5. What are some cultural differences in how happiness is viewed?

Grammar Focus

“Make” + Adjective

This structure is often used to describe how something affects your feelings or state.
Examples:
• That song makes me happy.
• Helping others makes people feel good.
• Social media sometimes makes us feel insecure.

Fill in the blanks:

1. Fresh air and sunshine ______ me feel better.
2. That compliment really ______ her happy.
3. Exercise can ______ you more relaxed.
4. Watching funny videos ______ people laugh.
5. Being kind ______ us feel more connected.

Reflection Activity

Try this today or during your week:

1. Write down three things you’re grateful for.
2. Describe one habit you want to try this week to feel happier.
3. Reflect: What kind of happiness do you want more of — hedonic or eudaimonic? Why?