The Happiness & Health Connection: Unleashing Your Potential
Can happiness contribute to your health and well-being? Numerous studies suggest it can. There's a fascinating link between happiness and health: cheerful individuals are often healthier physically, less prone to chronic illnesses, and even more productive at work. Research involving individuals with type 2 diabetes revealed that those who reported greater happiness had lower inflammatory markers, potentially slowing the disease's progression. And intriguingly, there is evidence suggesting that happiness might enhance mitochondrial health.
An interesting study on twins estimates that 35-50% of happiness is genetic, implying that while a significant portion of our happiness is out of our control, we still wield influence over a good portion of it. Dr. Gillian Mandich, who specializes in the science of happiness, notes that humans often misjudge what makes them happy. She suggests that it's not the grand, shiny moments like a promotion or a new car, but rather the accumulation of small moments over time that determine our happiness levels. We explore this topic in-depth in my podcast interview with Dr. Mandich.
Dr. Michael Rucker, another expert in happiness, proposes that the "Goldilocks zone" of happiness involves dedicating at least 2 hours per day (or 14 hours per week) to activities we find pleasurable. This might involve designating time for a specific enjoyable activity or discovering pleasure in an activity we already partake in. My podcast interview with Dr. Rucker delves further into this topic.
Like many things in life, happiness is a skill that we can cultivate through practice. Over time, it can become a habit that helps us maintain a more positive state more often.
So, how can we incorporate more happiness into our daily lives?
Savor Small Moments of Joy: Day-to-day moments form the fabric of a happy life. Enhance your happiness by adding small moments of joy to your day, such as expressing gratitude to someone, having a meaningful conversation with a friend, offering help, or recalling a delightful past experience.
Engage in Playful Activities: Sports and games not only elevate your happiness but also benefit your brain! Research on juvenile rats indicated that those involved in playful activities exhibited increased activation in certain brain areas and enhanced expression of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene, suggesting play's critical role in neurodevelopment.
Practice Gratitude: Focusing on the good in your life can wire our brains for positivity. Studies suggest that practicing gratitude is associated with greater life satisfaction, improved mood, reduced stress, and even enhanced athletic recovery.
Harness the Power of Laughter: Laughing suppresses cortisol (the stress hormone) and enhances dopamine and serotonin (the feel-good chemicals), making it a powerful mood booster. You can give yourself laughter therapy by attending a stand-up comedy show, watching your favorite comedy movie, or enjoying an improv performance.
Prioritize Self-care: Dedicate time each day for an activity that caters solely to your needs. Whether it's a mid-day walk, meditation, or working on a hobby, self-care activities can improve your overall health and mood.
Acceptance Over Constant Bliss: Happiness doesn't equate to constant bliss. Attempting to maintain a perpetually ecstatic state can actually lead to frustration as it sets an unrealistic expectation. Instead, focus on creating happy moments and accept that lows are a natural part of life.
We're eager to hear from you! What strategies are you employing to bring more happiness into your life? Let's share, learn, and grow together on this journey of health and happiness with VIIVIO.
Research links can be found here: https://drgregwells.com/blog/the-link-between-happiness-health.