The term “happiness” is often used like a gas gauge at the gas station. It’s difficult to measure, and there are different interpretations of what it means.
Some scientists use hormone levels, while others look at observed behavior. Still, researchers agree that happiness is a crucial thing to track.
It Saves You Money
There’s no doubt that savings can make you happier, so why not set up a ‘rainy day’ savings account and move money into it as soon as you get paid. You can even automate this to help you stick to the habit.
Investing in experiences, rather than possessions, also seems to bring more happiness. For instance, if you’re looking to treat yourself, consider a night out at an ethnic restaurant or a trip to a museum instead of a new sofa. It’s worth noting, however, that the happiness boost from these types of purchases tends to wear off quickly, as studies have found that people experience a “hedonic treadmill” where happiness levels rise and fall in response to life events.
Time saving services such as house cleaning, lawn care and grocery delivery may also make you happy. In fact, research from Happy Money suggests that spending money on reducing the amount of time you spend on chores like cooking and cleaning or commuting can increase happiness significantly.
It Keeps You Safe
Happiness is a protective factor against serious health problems. In a study of 2,000 participants, those who reported being happy most of the time were less likely to suffer from long-term health conditions like heart disease ten years later than their un-happy counterparts.
Even happier than that, happiness is also linked to healthier habits. It promotes healthy behaviors like eating a balanced diet, exercise and sleep. It also helps stave off diseases caused by chronic stress like high blood pressure and excess body fat.
Happiness also keeps you safe from the little things that can make you sick, such as a cold or flu. A study that involved 350 adults showed that people who experienced nine positive emotions throughout two weeks were less likely to catch a common cold than those who didn’t experience those same feelings. It seems that those grumpy people who always seem to get sick have weaker immune systems. Happier people have stronger ones.
It Gives You a Sense of Control
People who believe happiness is a choice often pursue strategies like self-affirmation, positive thinking and focusing on the good in their lives. The happiest people also attend to their health, as studies have shown that physical illness impedes well-being.
While seeking pleasure and immediate gratification is normal, getting stuck at this level can be unhealthy. Happiness may also come from seeking meaning in life through practicing virtues such as kindness, wisdom and moderation. This type of happiness is called eudaimonia.
Trying to control other people’s behavior is another way that people seek control, but this also lowers happiness levels. Research suggests that controlling others is linked to what psychologists call power stress, which aggravates depression and anxiety. Moreover, attempting to control outcomes is often ineffective and can result in what researchers call counterproductive goal pursuit. For example, a person may pursue a career goal that is not important to him even though it could bring him happiness.
It Gives You a Sense of Meaning
Happiness may feel like a self-indulgent emotion, the spine-tingling warm fuzzies that delight you in the moment. But the science behind happiness shows that it spills over to other areas of your life and helps you achieve things that matter.
The happiest people experience life satisfaction, positive emotions, and inner harmony. They’re less likely to have negative emotions and report better relationships, a higher functioning immune system, and more resilience to stress. They’re also at lower risk for heart disease, have a better work/life balance, and are more likely to live longer.
It’s not clear how happiness leads to these benefits. But it may have something to do with your genes and social conditions, as well as your coping skills and emotional resources. If you are struggling with anxiety or depression, reaching out to a therapist may help. They can provide insight and techniques to get you on the road to a happier, healthier life.