The Science of Lasting Happiness: Scientific American

I have personally found two different types of happiness. Immediate and persistent. Immediate comes from being relaxed and excited and immersing yourself in something that you enjoy... golfing, canoeing, going to a rock concert, flying RC airplanes, etc.

Persistent happiness seems to arise out of being in resonance with your intrinsic needs. If you need personal space and can't find it, if you need fresh air and are cooped up, if you need financial stability and are financially struggling, if you need companionship and don't have it, if you need quiet time and can't get it, if you need the energy of being out with a group and are stuck inside... all those things erode your happiness.

The Science of Lasting Happiness: Scientific American