Happiness is an electrifying yet elusive state. Philosophers, theologians and psychologists have struggled to define it. Since the 1990s, a whole branch of psychology-positive psychology-has been dedicated to placing happiness on a scientific basis.
Attempts to put happiness at the forefront of policy may seem paternalistic in some quarters. But it is important that states take their citizens’ feelings into account in policy deliberation.
It adds years to your life
Happiness isn’t just good for your heart and immune system, it may also add years to your life. A study by Carstensen et al, which followed 32,000 participants over 13 years, found that people who reported feeling more positive emotions in their daily lives were 14% less likely to die than those who did not report the same feelings.
In addition, those who reported feelings of happiness often engage in healthy behaviors, such as exercising regularly (Dubois et al, 2012), eating a balanced diet, not smoking and getting adequate sleep (Steptoe & Wardle, 2005). Studies have also shown that happier people are more likely to take advantage of leisure activities that provide social stimulation.
Happiness is a complex mix of traits such as optimism and resilience, fuelled by behavior like gratitude and forgiveness, all wrapped up in a strong sense of purpose. But most importantly, it’s something you can learn to cultivate. Happiness resists direct pursuit, but you can make it a part of your daily routine by focusing on the positive aspects of your day and nurturing close relationships with family and friends.
It’s good for your health
Studies show a link between happiness and positive health outcomes. Happier people tend to engage in healthy behaviors including physical exercise, eating well and sleeping well. They also tend to socialize more often and have close relationships with family and friends (Boehm et al, 2014).
Researchers in one study asked participants how happy, excited or content they felt multiple times in a day. They then followed them for decades and found that those who were happier at the beginning had a lower risk of dying than those who were less satisfied.
The exact mechanism by which happiness affects health is still unclear. However, it may be that the more satisfied you feel with your life the less stress you experience and thus the lower your chance of getting a disease such as diabetes or heart disease. It’s also possible that feeling happy stimulates the immune system and makes you more resistant to illness (Carstensen et al, 2011).
It’s good for your relationships
In a study of college students, researchers found that the highest levels of happiness had satisfying social relationships. Too many people buy into false scripts that say, for example, “Relationships are the key to my happiness” or, “I’m only happy when I’m in a relationship,” or, “People-pleasing is a great way to be in a good mood.” Happiness is about personal satisfaction and a healthy presence that buffers life’s negativity. It’s about building strong, enduring connections.
It’s good for your career
Happiness is a critical component of career success. In a positive work environment, employees are more enthusiastic and dedicated to their jobs, increasing productivity. This allows employees to explore new ideas and be more creative in solving problems.
Happier employees are also more likely to engage in career-related behaviours that lead to success, such as negotiating better pay or more flexible working hours. In addition, research shows that happiness can help you disengage from negative emotions like anger and fear, and focus on a more positive future mindset.
To cultivate happiness in your career, seek out opportunities for professional development and growth, and set realistic and achievable goals that provide a sense of accomplishment. It is also important to maintain a healthy work-life balance and spend time on personal pursuits that bring you joy outside of the office. Moreover, be sure to savour your successes and celebrate milestones!