Being happy is sometimes beyond our control. Happy people are often genetically predisposed to be that way: They usually have happy parents, are optimistic, extroverted and have a great sense of humor. But there are some happiness factors that are controllable and can actually produce long-term happiness.
Research has found that these seven things can lead to long-term happiness:
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- Companionship: Generally, people who spend more time with friends and loved ones are happier than people who are solitary. Feeling isolated lets feelings of insecurity and self-doubt blossom.
- Control: In studies of nursing-home patients and prison inmates, having control over simple things such as furniture placement and selecting TV channels produced measurable improvements in morale and alertness.
When things are awful, it helps to find things you can control, even if they’re little things.
- New things: Trying new things has two effects. First, it releases dopamine (the “happy drug” in your brain). Second, it makes your life seem longer! Time slows down during new experiences and accelerates during repetitions.
- Exercise: Physical activity releases endorphins and serotonin in your brain — chemicals that make you feel good and love life.
- Sleep: When you’re exhausted, it’s very hard to feel upbeat.
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- Do-gooding: Volunteering, giving a gift, sending a note of praise to someone — all of these selfless gestures give you a connection to other people and make you feel good about yourself.
- Acting happy (even if you’re not): Some studies indicate that people who fake being happy often experience the same increased happiness as people who naturally exhibit them.
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(An example from Psychology Today: “You’re in a testy mood, but when the phone rings, you feign cheer while talking to a friend. Strangely, after hanging up, you no longer feel so grumpy.”)
Curated article from:
Business Insider
Psychology Today
