’Tis the season for good cheer. This is why you don’t have to feel guilty for not feeling it, according to science

Psychology and behavioral science explains why there’s no reason to beat yourself up for not being in a better mood, or not reaching higher levels of joy or happiness through your job.

Faced with constant societal demands to achieve happiness, spiritual fulfillment, and well-being, it is unsurprising that an average employee will feel guilty and extra miserable if they fail to achieve and maintain positivity, even when dealing with objectively challenging situations. Perhaps this explains why nearly 20% of Americans report consuming mood-enhancing prescription drugs daily, with a similar figure reported for daily consumption of cannabis (now legal in 50% of U.S. states).