This week at MAKÜ Science Cafe, "the secrets of living a happy life" were discussed.

The 'Science Cafe' events, implemented in universities across Turkey under the coordination of the Higher Education Council (YÖK) Science Communication Office, continue at full speed. The events organized by Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University (MAKÜ) Science Communication Coordination were held at the Taş Oda Mansion, which attracts attention with its historical atmosphere.

MAKÜ Science Communication Coordinator Assoc. Prof. Murat Kara, academicians, students, and many citizens attended the event. In the program, which attracted great interest from the participants, Faculty of Education Lecturer Prof. Dr. Gökmen Arslan took part as a speaker.

"Is a Happy Life Possible?"

In his speech titled 'Is a Happy Life Possible?', Prof. Dr. Gökmen Arslan touched on the scientific foundations of happiness and shared applicable suggestions for individuals to find more meaning, peace, and satisfaction in their lives.

Arslan emphasized that happiness is not just an emotional state, but can be defined as the experience of joy, satisfaction, and positive well-being that arises with the feeling that one's life is good, meaningful, and valuable.

Stating that happiness is not an innate trait and that individuals can develop behaviors and habits to increase their level of happiness, Arslan said, "According to scientific research, about 50% of happiness is due to genetic factors. However, the remaining 50% is shaped by the individual's lifestyle, way of thinking, and environment. So everyone can invest in their own happiness."

Prof. Dr. Arslan also offered practical suggestions to increase happiness in daily life, stating that the feeling of gratitude, strengthening social relationships, and making personal goals meaningful significantly increase individuals' life satisfaction.

At the end of the event, participants asked questions to Prof. Dr. Gökmen Arslan in the friendly environment of the Science Cafe and exchanged ideas. The program, which took place in a conversational atmosphere, was remembered as an enjoyable meeting where science met daily life.