༄ The Hidden Key to Finding Happiness Anywhere

Why You Can Feel Bad in Paradise

When we think of environments that make us happy, our minds often conjure romanticised images, palm trees swaying over a white beach, clear blue skies, and endless horizons. Conversely, we associate unhappiness with stress, grey cityscapes, and rainy commutes. It seems natural to believe that a “better” environment will improve how we feel. Yet, as many have experienced, the truth is more complex. Despite of sunlight and vitamin D which we, of course, need for our wellbeing. (*disclaimer, this article is not about any form of diagnosed depression, which asks a different approach).

You can feel as bad under a tropical sun as you can in the midst of a stressful, rain-soaked commute. In fact, as one friend wisely said, feeling bad in paradise can be worse, because you have nothing to feel bad about. When there’s no visible reason for your unhappiness, it’s easier to turn inward, question yourself, and feel guilty. How could you possibly feel empty when you’re surrounded by beauty?

The reality is that external environments do not directly create happiness. Rather, it’s the actions we take, the way we engage with those environments, that make all the difference. This realisation points to a key truth: happiness is not about where you are, but what you do and how present you are in the moment.

The Role of Dopamine: Doing is the Key

At the heart of this insight is something deceptively simple: doing something that generates dopamine can shift how you feel, no matter the environment. Dopamine is often oversimplified as the “feel-good chemical,” but it’s far more nuanced. It drives motivation, pushes you into action, and rewards you for engaging with life.

When you’re stuck in your head, overthinking, worrying, or feeling numb, you lose momentum. Whether you’re sitting in traffic or under palm trees, a lack of meaningful action creates a similar sense of stagnation. The antidote is movement, doing things that pull you into the present moment and reconnect you with your body, your surroundings, and others.

Think about activities that naturally create dopamine:
• Skating through a vibrant town.
• Laughing with friends until your stomach hurts.
• Surfing, kiting, or any activity that immerses you in nature.
• Working toward something that excites you, even in small ways.

These actions are more than distractions. They engage your mind, body, and spirit, generating a sense of flow, a state where time disappears, and you’re fully present in what you’re doing. It’s not about chasing constant pleasure; it’s about finding small, meaningful ways to act.

Environment as a Facilitator, Not a Fix

So, if happiness isn’t about location, does environment matter at all? Yes, but not in the way we often think.

An environment doesn’t give you happiness, but it can make it easier, or harder, to take actions that generate it. A beach, for instance, invites activities like swimming, surfing, or simply walking barefoot on the sand. A community full of laughter and energy encourages social connection. A town with great skate spots or creative spaces inspires movement and exploration.

In contrast, environments that isolate or restrict opportunities for action, whether it’s a grey cityscape or an empty paradise with nothing to do, can feel stifling. The key is to recognize that the environment is a facilitator, not a solution. You still need to take action.

The Real Question: Are You Moving or Stuck?

The difference between feeling bad in a good environment and feeling fulfilled comes down to a simple but profound question: Are you moving, or are you stuck?

Movement isn’t just physical, it’s about engagement with life. It’s choosing to dance, laugh, swim, explore, create, or connect, even when your mind tempts you to stay trapped in overthinking.

When you’re actively engaged with your environment, taking small, meaningful steps, you shift your perspective. You stop seeing yourself as a passive observer of your surroundings and become part of the flow of life. Whether you’re in a busy city or on a quiet beach, this shift is what brings joy and contentment.

Final Thoughts: Happiness Is in the Doing

Happiness isn’t something that’s handed to you by a location, lifestyle, or set of perfect circumstances. It’s something you create through action, by engaging with your environment in ways that energise you, challenge you, and connect you to the present moment.

So, if you ever find yourself feeling bad, and think it’s because you are not in your paradise? Ask yourself: What small action can I take right now to get out of my head and into life? Go dance, even in your room with headphones on. Go run. Go laugh with someone. Walk to the supermarket for the old lady in your street. Go do something that reminds you what it feels like to be alive.

Because happiness doesn’t come from where you are. It comes from what you do.