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This article was co-authored by Tasha Rube, LMSW. Tasha Rube is a Licensed Social Worker based in Kansas City, Kansas. Tasha is affiliated with the Dwight D. Eisenhower VA Medical Center in Leavenworth, Kansas. She received her Masters of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Missouri in 2014.
There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 42,682 times.
Many have argued that it is a myth that you need religion to be happy. However, there is sometimes a stigma attached to atheism in the public view: atheists are often disliked and may be viewed as unhappy, unkind, cynical, and/or immoral [1]. Atheists sometimes have to deal with strong conversion efforts or outright hostility from religious people. Despite the troubles atheists might face, it is quite possible to be a happy (and moral) person without religion.
Steps
Make an effort to be happy. A great deal of what it takes to be happy has nothing to do with being religious or atheist, but instead depends on your general attitude towards the world.- To make an effort, be honest with yourself and tell yourself you are going to try your best to become happier.
Challenge self-fulfilling prophecies. Self-fulfilling prophecies are ideas that become true because you believe them.[2] If you believe that atheists are generally unhappy, and if you are an atheist, you may act in ways that reinforce your belief, thereby making you less happy.- To avoid self-fulfilling prophecies, try to change your belief that atheists are generally unhappy. You ask yourself some questions such as: "is it logical that someone needs to believe in a particular religion to be happy?" "when am I most happy? Is it when I'm thinking about religion or is it when I'm doing fun things, hanging out with friends, thinking deeply, or taking in nature?"
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Embrace your atheism. In doing so, recognize the reasons you have chosen to be an Atheist. Mental reaffirmation will build confidence in yourself, your beliefs, or lack thereof, and your choices.- Changing who you are for others is a surefire way to become less happy and have less self-worth - so if you truly don't believe there is any god or supernatural being overseeing the universe, stick with it despite any persecution that may come your way.[3]
Don't believe the stereotypes. There are stereotypes out there that atheists are bad people, that they have no moral compass, and that they are unhappy. To counteract these stereotypes, think about some happy atheists that you know. If you don't know any, think about some famous atheists who seem pretty happy, such as Richard Dawkins or Sam Harris.- To see a happy atheist, watch this funny video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gW7607YiBso
Try to recognize the cultural value of religion. This will help you understand and get along with people of any religion. While organized religion as an institution has many clear flaws, there are also good aspects, so it is important to respect people's choices regarding religious beliefs..- It may be as simple as the music associated with the religion, or perhaps you may find portions of a religions' moral code admirable.
- People may find that religion offers them comfort, community, and morals. This can be meaningful for people who choose to be religious.
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Join a like-minded community. Social connection is important for happiness and stress reduction.[4] Depending on where you are from, being an atheist can mean losing ones friends or even family. It is important to replace lost social connections with new ones. Join a like-minded community who you can socialize with from time to time.- This could be a humanist group, an atheist group, or some other group that is entirely associated with beliefs and values.
Be generous. Studies show that when you give to others, your happiness increases.[5] And, you don't need to believe in any gods to decide to be good and generous.- You can choose to either give your time or your money; what matters most is that you are providing a benefit to someone else that makes them happy. In doing so, you will be happier, too.
Smile. Studies show that there is a bi-directional relationship between the facial muscles and feelings of emotion. In other words, if you make yourself smile, you might just feel a little happier, regardless of your religious beliefs or lack thereof.[6]- Try setting a reminder on your phone to remind yourself to smile more often. For example, you could set a reminder for every two or three hours throughout the day to remind yourself to smile more. You could have it say something simple like, "Are you smiling right now?"
When dealing with religious people, avoid argument and conflict. People are very unlikely to change their minds about their beliefs.[7] Unless the conversation is very important to you, it may be best to let it go.- It's not because it's about religion per se, but people's beliefs about most things that evoke emotions (e.g., their political beliefs) are difficult to change.
Exercise. Get outside and go for a run or go to the gym and do some resistance training. Try to get moderate exercise for 30 minutes at least three times a week. Studies show that working out your body can improve your mood.[8]- To get a more intense workout, try listening to some upbeat music and keeping up with the rhythm.
Cultivate your relationships. Spend time on your friends and loved ones. Surrounding yourself with a supportive community will help you feel energized and happy.
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Tips
- Don't wear your beliefs on your sleeve. Be respectful of those with different beliefs.Thanks
- Find constructive things to do with your time that you enjoy.Thanks
- It may behoove you to avoid church programs, but you may still want to give your family the courtesy of attending church with them. This is a very personal decision and only you can decide what is best.Thanks
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Warnings
- Your lack of religion, strictly speaking, is no one else's business. If you aren't comfortable discussing your beliefs, yet don't wish to offend an inquirer, it is appropriate to tell them, "I'm not comfortable discussing my beliefs in public" or "with others."Thanks
- If you are confronted with hostility for your beliefs, brush it off. It's not productive for anyone.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://www2.psych.ubc.ca/~ara/Manuscripts/Gervais%20et%20al%202011%20JPSP.pdf
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200504/self-fulfilling-prophecies
- ↑ http://www.simplypsychology.org/self-esteem.html
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/social-support/art-20044445
- ↑ http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_to_make_giving_feel_good
- ↑ http://datacolada.org/17
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/how-risky-is-it-really/201007/why-changing-somebody-s-mind-or-yours-is-hard-do
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20048389
About This Article
Licensed Master Social Worker
This article was co-authored by Tasha Rube, LMSW. Tasha Rube is a Licensed Social Worker based in Kansas City, Kansas. Tasha is affiliated with the Dwight D. Eisenhower VA Medical Center in Leavenworth, Kansas. She received her Masters of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Missouri in 2014. This article has been viewed 42,682 times.
Co-authors: 17
Updated: June 3, 2023
Views: 42,682
Categories: Philosophy and Religion
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 42,682 times.
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