Can Happiness Improve Health?

Happiness. We all want it for ourselves and those we love, but increasingly, science is showing us that emotion is about much more than feeling good. Numerous studies and research support the idea that happiness improves health and profoundly impacts our well-being.

A positive mood can improve relationships, enhance productivity and boost the immune system.

6 Ways Happiness Improves Health and Well-Being

It may protect your heart. Studies have linked optimism with a reduced risk of heart disease. One study of 70,000 women also showed that those with higher levels of positivity were significantly less likely to die of heart attack or stroke.

It reduces stress. Research shows that optimistic people have lower cortisol levels. Why does it matter? Cortisol is known as the stress hormone. Excessive or prolonged stress can raise cortisol levels leading to weight gain, acne, muscle weakness, severe fatigue, high blood pressure and other conditions.

It may make your immune system stronger. Being happier may strengthen the immune system, improving all-around health and the ability to fight off infections and diseases.

It could motivate you to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Happiness seems to coincide with health habits that result in a greater sense of well-being, such as eating a nutritious diet, becoming more physically active, and developing better sleep habits.

It may reduce pain. Some researchers have concluded that people who report being happier experience reduced pain, especially those with chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.

It may increase your longevity. Researchers believe that the health benefits of being happy can ultimately lead to a longer life.

6 Ways to Become Happier

Becoming happier has obvious benefits, but our emotions aren’t controlled by a dial we can turn up at will. Building more joy in your life may take some changes in attitude and lifestyle. If you’re unsure where to start, here are a few tips that will help improve your mood and help enhance your overall sense of well-being.

Practice Gratitude – Make a practice of acknowledging when things go right and the people who make your life better. Try keeping a pad beside your bed, and write down three things you are grateful for before turning out the lights.

Dance and Move – You can use movement to raise your mood, rain or shine, by going for a walk, or putting on your favorite music and dancing in your living room. Exercise releases endorphins that boost your mood. Aerobic exercise is especially good for creating an overall sense of positive well-being.

Connect With Nature – Spending time outdoors, especially in green spaces, has been shown to improve mental health and produce an overall sense of well-being. Walking in a local park, along a tree-lined street or on a hiking trail are all good ways to absorb the positive vibes of nature. Even gardening can brighten your mood.

Practice Mindfulness – Developing a mindfulness practice will help you become more aware of your feelings and help you let go of negative experiences, allowing you to appreciate experiences and emotions more.

Socialize With Friends and Family – Spending time with people you enjoy has many health benefits, including increased well-being and happiness. Meeting a friend for coffee, enjoying a walk with a neighbor, or spending quality time with family members can provide a sense of belonging and connection, leading to increased satisfaction. You may also find your pet could be helpful.

Smile! – The physical act of smiling creates a chemical reaction in the brain that releases dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin, all of which lift your mood. Putting a smile on your face — whether or not you’re in a good mood — can trick your brain into thinking it’s happy, triggering feelings of actual happiness.

Happiness provides many health benefits, including reduced stress and risk of chronic disease, improved immunity, and increased longevity. However, achieving happiness takes more than practicing positive thinking. Having a sense of purpose, nurturing relationships, and finding joy in everyday experiences all contribute to building a sense of optimism and satisfaction.

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