Happiness isn’t something that you have to earn or wait for. It’s like the fuel in your car – it always exists, but you have to make sure that your tank is full.
Many scientists define happiness as a state of positive emotional experience and life satisfaction. However, there are many different theories on how happiness works.
It’s good for your health
Happiness is associated with a strong immune system and fewer symptoms when you are sick. In fact, one study found that people who rated themselves as happy and satisfied on a daily basis were less likely to experience long-term health problems.
In addition, happiness is linked with heart health and may help you live longer. In one study, participants who rated their happiness multiple times in a day were 35 percent less likely to die over the next 10 years than their unhappier counterparts.
Although pushing yourself to be happy all the time can backfire (some researchers have coined the term “toxic positivity”), it is possible to increase your overall feelings of well-being by doing things like volunteering, spending quality time with friends and family, or exercising. Even incorporating activities like taking a daily walk in nature or eating more fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet can help boost your mood. (Barton & Pretty, 2010). It’s also important to seek out social support from professionals, such as counselors and psychologists.
It’s good for your wallet
Happiness can have a positive impact on your wallet by encouraging you to spend money freely and with joy. Whether you’re purchasing a pair of hiking shoes to explore the great outdoors, splurging on that new top or dining out at your favorite restaurant, embracing happiness in your financial life will encourage you to avoid spending beyond your means and create future stress. But it’s important to remember that not all joyful spending is created equal. Buying retail therapy in the midst of sadness can lead to debt, while saving aggressively as a defense against fear may lead to anxiety.
It’s good for your car
It’s no secret that a good driving experience is a great stress reliever. It’s even been proven that happiness can help you make better decisions on the road or at work and increase your capacity for creativity. But does that really translate to the car shopping process? Happiness may play a bigger role than you think, particularly when it comes to selecting the right car for you. Here’s why. Interestingly, the effect of buying the “right” car is relatively short-lived – as far as happiness goes. It’s almost like the perfect car is just a speed bump on your way to happiness.
It’s good for your relationships
Happiness is a feeling that can be influenced by many things. It can be affected by social relationships, health, exercise, and nutrition. People can work on cultivating these factors in their life to increase happiness. But it can also be a matter of how you define happiness. Many people confuse success with happiness, striving for professional goals (money or job titles) only to realize that these do not bring the joy and satisfaction they were seeking.
One way to find true happiness is to enjoy simple moments of joy, a sense of fulfillment. It is also important to have a supportive network and good communication in your relationships. This helps reduce stress and feelings of loneliness. It also helps prevent depression, which is a common symptom of low happiness. In fact, a recent study found that happiness and mental health are closely related. Happier individuals have better coping skills and stronger emotional resources. They are also less likely to experience depression, anxiety, and PTSD.