Happiness is an all-encompassing drug that sets everything in life on a track of perpetual positivity. Let’s face it, when we’re happy, everything seems to go right. When we’re unhappy, well, the converse can rear its head. But we can make the choice to be happy… it’s in us. It’s just a little tricky sometimes with external circumstances influencing us they way that they do. Still, these 10 facts about happiness might change your mind about the way that you feel and whether or not it is a choice for you.
I’ve always thought that there is an inextricable link between happiness and gratitude. When you realise how much you have to be thankful for, happiness becomes a natural byproduct. Whatever the case, even in the toughest of times, we all have a lot to be grateful for. We all have life, for one! Health, wealth, families, love… all of those little elements of life are reasons to be grateful. In expressing gratitude for what we have, we naturally feel a sense of contentment. Contentment can be described as a long-lasting sense of satisfaction and gratitude. That sounds like being happy, doesn’t it?
Here are 10 facts about happiness that can serve as a little bit of motivation to help pull you out of the doldrums and (hopefully) into happy-land.
Happiness And Your Health
- Only 20 minutes of exercise three or four times per week will increase your levels of happiness and feeling good by up to 20%. This is because of the feel-good hormones (called endorphins) that are released when you are physically active
- Happier people have a greater tendency to excel in their careers or chosen life paths due to wanting to make the most of their given situations
- Happiness makes laughter flow naturally. Laughter is an unconscious means of expression that bonds us together with other people. It also naturally enhances your mood and can contribute to burning calories – provided it’s those gut-aching laughs that have you crying tears of joy
- Professor Michael Argyle conducted many “happy” experiments and found that the three key activities that made most people happy were sport, music, and dancing
- Happier people are healthier and tend to live longer. If you don’t believe us, read this scholarly article regarding altruism and happiness
- Happier people look healthier and are more approachable. If you don’t want to be approached, then take caution 😉
- Happiness is completely subjective. So if you’re not getting it right according to how you see other people “doing it”, perhaps that’s because you’re unique and your happiness will depend on other elements that resonate with you
- Happiness can also be attributed to your genetics, but only 50% worth. The other 40% and 10% are attributed to personal intention and circumstances
- Happiness is addictive and contagious… so, spread the disease
- Happiness, to a degree, is a choice. Only you can be responsible for your own happiness and only you can alter it in whichever way is required
A Little Extra Happy Help
We all have days where we can’t shake the mood, or we feel a little down in the dumps. I think that’s normal. The yang to our yin and a natural feeling that makes you appreciate the “happy” even more. For those days, you always have Pharrell Willam’s “Happy” video, which is bound to put a smile on the face of the owner of the stoniest heart.
Resources: https://positivepsychology.com/; https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/; https://www.psychologytoday.com/
Photo by Noah Silliman on Unsplash.
