Happiness has long been recognized as an important part of health and well-being. Indeed, the pursuit of happiness is explicitly enshrined in the Declaration of Independence.
A number of different views have been proposed to explain how happiness works. These include hedonistic and emotional state theories, and hybrid theories that combine life satisfaction with domain and affective satisfactions.
1. It’s good for your health
Happiness is not just good for your mood; it’s also good for your body. Happiness can boost your immune system, protect your heart and even help you live longer.
Researchers have found that people who are happier tend to exercise more, eat better and spend more time with friends. They also have lower blood pressure and less pain. This may explain why happiness is linked to longevity. Carstensen et al (2011) and Lawrence, Rogers & Wadsworth (2015) found that participants who were more satisfied with their lives at the start of a study were less likely to die over the course of the study than those who were not happy at the beginning.
But is it the happiness itself or something else that contributes to these health benefits? Happiness appears to be primarily linked to factors like social connections, gratitude, compassion and forgiveness. Even so, the research is still emerging about the exact mechanisms that lead to these positive health effects.
2. It’s good for your wallet
Like a car that runs on low fuel, when your happiness tank is depleted you can feel unhappy, anxious and frustrated. But, unlike a vehicle that will eventually break down without a proper fuel flow, you can refill your tank by making a few simple changes to your daily routine.
While genetics and life circumstances play a role in your happiness, the bulk of it is within your control. To increase your happiness, quiet the mental chaos that sabotages your joy such as ruminating over the past or worrying about the future.
Practice mindfulness to increase your dopamine levels, take a walk outside for your serotonin boost, make exercise a priority to build endorphins and add foods high in oxytocin to your diet (like avocados and pumpkin seeds). Practicing these things will fill up your happiness tank and help you be able to deal with the challenges of everyday life.