How To Be Happy No Matter What - 7 Tips from Research
Happiness is not just a pleasant state of mind; research shows it contributes to a long, healthy life. A positive outlook can help manage stress and improve immune function, leading to better overall health (source: Mayo Clinic).
How To Be Happy - Take-aways:
- Happiness is significantly influenced by quality relationships, regular exercise, mindfulness and meditation, adequate sleep, and a balanced diet.
- The concept of 'miswanting' can lead us astray in our pursuit of happiness – we should avoid materialism and the constant comparison trap that social media often feeds into.
- The practice of savoring, or fully appreciating the present moment, has been linked to increased levels of happiness.
- Common misconceptions about happiness include the belief that money equals happiness and the idea of a fixed happiness "set point".
- Happiness is a skill that can be developed and improved over time with practice and persistence.
| Key | Do | Don't |
|---|---|---|
| 1: Cultivate Positive Relationships | Express feelings openly, show empathy, actively involve in loved ones' lives, resolve conflicts amicably. | Bottle up feelings, disregard others' emotions, be passive in relationships, harbor grudges. |
| 2: 20-Minute Daily Exercise | Incorporate simple exercises like walking, yoga, cycling into daily routine. Consistency is key. | Overdo exercise, push to the point of injury, treat exercise as a chore. |
| 3: Occasional Mindfulness & Meditation | Dedicate a few minutes each day to focus on your breath, be present in the moment. | Rush through activities, multitask which prevents being fully present. |
| 4: 7-9 Hours of Sleep | Stick to a sleep schedule, create a restful environment, have a relaxing bedtime routine. | Have heavy meals, caffeine, or alcohol before bed. Use electronic devices close to bedtime. |
| 5: Diverse & Balanced Diet | Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats. Drink plenty of water. | Rely heavily on processed foods, sugars, sodium. Skip meals or extreme dieting. |
| 6: Avoid 'Miswanting' | Regularly introspect to differentiate between wants and needs. | Blindly pursue materialistic desires, get influenced by societal pressures without considering their true value. |
| 7: Savoring | Slow down, enjoy the present moment. Engage all senses during everyday activities. | Rush through life without appreciating the good things, focus solely on the future or dwell on the past. |
Key #1: Cultivate Positive Relationships - Maintain An “Inner Circle” of At Least 3 People
A study published in the Journal of Socio-Economics states that relationships are worth more than $100,000 in terms of life satisfaction.
Quality relationships are one of the biggest contributors to happiness, self-esteem, and mental well-being. Harvard's longest study on human happiness, led by psychologist Dr. Robert Waldinger, revealed that close relationships, more than money or fame, are what keep people happy throughout their lives (source: TED Talk). Regular interactions with friends and family, building a sense of community, and maintaining supportive networks can significantly enhance our happiness quotient.
Research suggests that the quality of our relationships directly impacts our happiness. A study published in the Journal of Socio-Economics states that relationships are worth more than $100,000 in terms of life satisfaction, while another study published in the British Medical Journal reveals that people with active social lives are less likely to develop dementia. Therefore, invest time in building strong, positive relationships. Regularly engage in social activities, maintain open communication, show appreciation, and offer support during times of need.
Do: Express your feelings openly, show empathy, be actively involved in your loved ones' lives, and resolve conflicts amicably.
Don't: Keep your feelings bottled up, disregard the emotions of others, be passive in relationships, or harbor grudges.
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Khang T. Vuong received his Master of Healthcare Administration from the Milken Institute School of Public Health at the George Washington University. He was named Forbes Healthcare 2021 30 under 30. Vuong spoke at Stanford Medicine X, HIMSS conference, and served as a Fellow at the Bon Secours Health System.