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