To live one’s “best life” is to find a harmonious balance among many factors.
Here is a breakdown of the importance of each factor, informed by psychological research on well-being and life satisfaction:
1. The Physical Foundation: Health, Sleep, and Food
The physical necessities—Health, Sleep, and Food—are the non-negotiable foundations for all other pursuits. Without them, the ability to enjoy or even work toward the other goals is severely compromised.
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Health and Sleep: The First Priority: Research unequivocally shows that health is directly tied to happiness ratings. Specifically, quality sleep is recognized as one of the three pillars of health (along with nutrition and exercise). Sleep deprivation is linked to a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and impaired brain functions like memory and emotional control. Therefore, prioritizing quality sleep directly secures long-term health, which is the platform for a long, best life.
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Food: While essential for survival and energy, in a context of abundance, food also serves a deeply social and pleasurable role. It is the fuel, but its significance is secondary to the restorative function of sleep and overall physical health.
2. The Relationship Core: Happy Children
Happy Children represents the human need for strong, positive, and supportive relationships. Psychological studies consistently identify strong relationships (family, spouse, friends) as one of the most significant determinants of subjective well-being and happiness across all ages, income, and cultures.
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Relationships provide emotional support, a context for identity, and a profound sense of purpose that transcends the self. The happiness of one’s children (and the relationship with them) often symbolizes success in this vital domain of connection and legacy.
3. The Psychological Need: Feeling of Importance (Purpose)
The feeling of importance is the human need for Meaning and Purpose, which psychologists often distinguish from fleeting happiness (hedonia).
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This “feeling of importance” comes from intrinsic motivation—an internal drive to do something because the activity itself is personally meaningful and satisfying, rather than relying on external rewards (like acclaim or simple money).
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Viktor Frankl, a prominent psychologist, noted that those who have a “why” to live can bear almost any “how.” A sense of purpose—serving something larger than oneself or contributing productively to the world—is crucial for long-term self-esteem, resilience, and a deep, lasting life satisfaction.
4. The Practical Enabler: Money
Money is a powerful enabler, not an end goal for the best life.
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Financial security provides the control and freedom necessary to pursue the foundational priorities. It alleviates chronic stress, allows access to better healthcare, provides quality education for children, and frees up time to focus on purpose and relationships.
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However, research indicates that once basic needs are met and income rises above the poverty line, increasing amounts of money have diminishing returns on happiness. Its true value lies in how it is used to support health, time, and relationships.
5. The Existential Context: Life in the Hereafter
The Life in the Hereafter (often tied to faith and spirituality) provides the ultimate meaning and hope for many.
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For those with such beliefs, this framework provides a system of meaning, hope for the future, and a way to cope with suffering, loss, and the inevitable anxiety of mortality. Studies have shown a significant inverse relationship between a strong belief in the afterlife and the severity of certain psychiatric symptoms, including anxiety and depression, particularly when facing major loss.
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It gives context to the earthly life—the “best life” here becomes one lived in accordance with values that lead to the best life later.
Conclusion
A “best life” is not achieved by maximizing any single factor, but by understanding their hierarchy. Health (including sleep) provides the essential energy and time. Relationships (happy children) provide the deep well of contentment and support. Purpose (feeling of importance) provides direction and resilience. Money is the tool that secures the foundation and provides options. And Beliefs (life in the hereafter) provide the overarching context and peace.
The best life is a cultivated balance, where physical well-being allows for meaningful contributions, which are shared with loved ones, all while living in accordance with one’s deepest values.
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