Happiness is a psychological state that can be brought on by chemicals and hormones interacting with targeted cells in specific regions of the brain. Understanding what makes us happy is not always easy, but researchers have found that some healthy life practices may actually be the key. Here are some factors that can contribute to happiness:
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Positive relationships: According to an 85-year Harvard study, positive relationships keep us happier, healthier, and help us live longer. Close relationships, more than money or fame, are what keep people happy throughout their lives. Spending time with friends and family, and surrounding ourselves with positive people can increase our happiness.
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Gratitude and positive emotions: Positive emotions such as awe, love, compassion, gratitude, forgiveness, joy, hope, and trust can make us happier. Gratitude and joy, over time, can yield better health and deeper connections. Practicing gratitude, such as by jotting down three good things about our day before going to bed, can increase our happiness.
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Small everyday experiences: Science shows that its the small everyday experiences that make us happier, as compared to big life events. Doing small acts of kindness, such as holding the door for someone or saying thank you, can increase our happiness.
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Purpose and functionality: Eudaimonia, which is our sense of well-being based on functionality and purpose, can contribute to our happiness. Having a sense of purpose and meaning in our lives can make us happier.
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Baseline happiness: We all have a genetic predisposition for happiness that accounts for roughly 50% of our happiness. Money, for example, wont make us happy once our basic needs are met.
In summary, positive relationships, gratitude and positive emotions, small everyday experiences, purpose and functionality, and baseline happiness can all contribute to our happiness.
