The Science of Happiness

Happiness and Health      

Health and happiness  are completely intertwined. That’s not to say that people with illnesses  can’t be happy, but that attending to one’s health is an important—and  perhaps underappreciated—component of well-being.

Researchers have identified many  links between health and happiness—including a longer lifespan—but it’s  difficult to distinguish which factor causes the other. Making changes to diet, exercise, sleep, and more can help everyone feel more content.     

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What Is Happiness?                   

Happiness is an electrifying and elusive state.  Philosophers, theologians, psychologists, and even economists have long  sought to define it. And since the 1990s, a whole branch of psychology—positive psychology—has  been dedicated to pinning it down. More than simply positive mood,  happiness is a state of well-being that encompasses living a good life,  one with a sense of meaning and deep contentment.

Feeling joyful has its health perks as well. A growing body of  research also suggests that happiness can improve your physical health;  feelings of positivity and fulfillment seem to benefit cardiovascular  health, the immune system, inflammation levels, and blood pressure,  among other things. Happiness has even been linked to a longer lifespan  as well as a higher quality of life and well-being.

Attaining happiness is a global pursuit. Researchers find that people  from every corner of the world rate happiness more important than other  desirable personal outcomes, such as obtaining wealth, acquiring  material goods, and getting into heaven.

How to Be Happy                                 

Happiness is not the result of bouncing from one joy to  the next; researchers find that achieving happiness typically involves times of considerable discomfort. Genetic makeup, life  circumstances, achievements, marital status, social relationships, even your neighbors—all influence how happy you are. Or can be. So do  individual ways of thinking and expressing feelings. Research shows that  much of happiness is under personal control.

Regularly indulging in small pleasures, getting absorbed in challenging activities, setting and meeting goals,  maintaining close social ties, and finding purpose beyond oneself all  increase life satisfaction. It isn't happiness per se that promotes  well-being, it’s the actual pursuit that’s key. 

Signs of a Happy Person       

Happy people live with purpose. They find joy in lasting  relationships, working toward their goals, and living according to their values. The happy person is not enamored with material goods or luxury  vacations. This person is fine with the simple pleasures of life—petting  a dog, sitting under a tree, enjoying a cup of tea. Here are a few of  the outward signs that someone is content.

• Is open to learning new things
• Is high in humility and patience
• Smiles and laughs readily
• Goes with the flow
• Practices compassion
• Is often grateful
• Exercises self-care
• Enjoys healthy relationships
• Is happy for other people
• Gives and receives without torment
• Lives with meaning and purpose
• Does not feel entitled and has fewer expectations
• Is not spiteful or insulting
• Does not hold grudges
• Does not register small annoyances
• Does not angst over yesterday and tomorrow
• Does not play games
• Is not a martyr or victim
• Is not stingy with their happiness

Myths of Happiness       

Misperceptions abound when it comes to what we think will  make us happy. People often believe that happiness will be achieved  once they reach a certain milestone, such as finding the perfect partner  or landing a particular salary.

Humans, however, are excellent at adapting to new circumstances,  which means that people will habituate to their new relationship or  wealth, return to a baseline level of happiness, and seek out the next  milestone. Fortunately, the same principle applies to setbacks—we are resilient and will most likely find happiness again.

Regarding finances specifically, research shows that the sweet spot for yearly income is between $60,000 and $95,000 a year, not  a million-dollar salary. Earnings above $95,000 do not equate to  increased well-being; a person earning $150,000 a year will not  necessarily be as happy as a person earning a lot less. 

The type of thoughts below exemplify these misconceptions about happiness:

• "I’ll be happy when I’m rich and successful."
• "I’ll be happy when I’m married to the right person."
• "Landing my dream job will make me happy."
• "I can’t be happy when my relationship has fallen apart."
• "I will never recover from this diagnosis."
• "The best years of my life are over."

Positive Psychology       

Positive psychology  is the branch of psychology that explores human flourishing. It asks how  individuals can experience positive emotions, develop authentic  relationships, find flow, achieve their goals, and build a meaningful  life.

Propelled by University of Pennsylvania psychologist Martin Seligman,  the movement emerged from the desire for a fundamental shift in  psychology—from revolving around disease and distress to providing the  knowledge and skills to cultivate growth, meaning, and fulfillment.

Happiness Over the Lifespan       

Every person has  unique life experiences, and therefore unique experiences of happiness.  That being said, when scientists examine the average  trajectory of happiness over the lifespan, some patterns tend to  emerge. Happiness and satisfaction begin relatively high, decrease from adolescence to midlife, and rise throughout older adulthood.

What makes someone happy in their  20s may not spark joy in their 80s, and joy in someone’s 80s may have  seemed irrelevant in their 20s. It’s valuable for people to continue  observing and revising what makes them happy at a given time to continue striving for fulfillment throughout their lifetime.