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Friday, March 22, 2024

The new science of happiness: Simple, research-backed ways to boost your wellbeing

The emerging field of positive psychology: Effective strategies supported by research to enhance your overall happiness.

Research has shown that our facial expressions can impact our mood and emotions. A study conducted by researchers at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville analyzed 138 studies involving over 11,000 volunteers from around the world over a 50-year period. The findings suggest that our facial expressions play a role in influencing our emotions, highlighting the connection between our minds and bodies when it comes to experiencing happiness.

Moreover, while the common saying goes that money can't buy happiness, studies have indicated that the way we spend our money can affect our happiness levels. Research suggests that investing in experiences rather than material possessions can lead to greater feelings of happiness. For instance, a study conducted by psychologists at San Francisco State University asked participants to reflect on how their recent purchases had impacted their overall well-being.

The findings not only indicated that the volunteers derived more happiness from experiences rather than material possessions, but also that this positive effect was not influenced by the amount spent or the income of the individuals making the purchases. Additionally, the researchers discovered that experiences had a lasting impact on happiness. This could be attributed to the ability to reflect on past experiences and recapture the joy felt during those moments.

Furthermore, the freedom to make choices significantly impacts our happiness. When we believe that we have control over our future, not only do we experience greater happiness, but we also perform better in our professional lives and exhibit a more positive attitude. A study conducted with Chinese teenagers revealed that maintaining a strong belief in free will and having the autonomy to make independent choices correlated with heightened feelings of happiness. The researchers even propose that therapy sessions aimed at reinforcing the belief in free will could assist individuals in actively pursuing happiness.

Our connection to nature and the availability of natural green spaces also have a significant impact on our well-being. A recent study conducted at The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology revealed that individuals living in cities with greater access to green spaces reported higher levels of contentment and happiness.

To arrive at this conclusion, the researchers utilized satellite data from cities across 60 different countries to determine the extent of accessible green spaces. They then compared this data with each country's happiness index. Remarkably, the positive correlation between green spaces and happiness persisted regardless of a country's economic status. There are several potential explanations for this phenomenon, including our inherent appreciation for the beauty of natural environments, the promotion of physical and social interaction within green spaces, and the positive impact of nature on our physical health, such as reducing blood pressure and stress levels.

However, while we have a general understanding of the activities and behaviors that can enhance our happiness, scientific research also advises us to approach its pursuit mindfully. A study conducted at Rutgers Business School discovered that when we view happiness as an achievement or believe that we must actively engage in certain actions to experience happiness, it can lead to a sense of time scarcity. Consequently, this perception can undermine and diminish our overall feelings of happiness.

According to scientific research, it is possible to increase our happiness by following a few straightforward steps. However, it is important to keep in mind that happiness should not be seen as a goal to be achieved, but rather as an experience to be savored.

Information from Science Focus


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