On the internet and in the bookstores, a thousand gurus tout different remedies for human misery. How can we find out which remedies work? We need to consult one of our greatest gurus, the scientific method. Recently we have seen a dramatic upsurge in scientific studies on Positive Psychology and the “science of happiness” or to put it simply, discovering what makes happy people happy. Fortunately, many of the scientific studies point to specific ways of thinking and acting that can strongly impact our happiness. In these pages, we review the most scientific studies and translate the results into non-technical English. Let’s take a look at the areas of consensus that are emerging within the new science of happiness.
7 Habits of Happy People
Relationships
People who have one or more close friendships are happier. It doesn’t seem to matter if we have a large network of close relationships or not. What seems to make a difference is if and how often we cooperate in activities and share our personal feelings with a friend or relative.
Caring
People who volunteer or simply care for others on a consistent basis seem to be happier and less depressed. Although “caring” can involve volunteering as part of an organized group or club, it can be as simple as reaching out to a workmate or classmate who looks lonely or is struggling with an issue.
Exercise
Regular exercise has been associated with improved mental well-being and a lower incidence of depression. The Cochrane Review (the most influential medical review of its kind in the world) has produced a landmark analysis of 23 studies on exercise and depression. One of the major conclusions was that exercise had a “large clinical impact.”
Flow
If we are deeply involved in trying to reach a goal, or an activity that is challenging but well suited to our skills, we experience a joyful state called “flow.”
Spiritual Engagement and Meaning
Studies demonstrate a close link between spiritual and religious practice and happiness
Strengths and Virtues
Studies by experts in the new field of Positive Psychology show that the happiest people are those that have discovered their unique strengths (such as persistence and critical thinking) and virtues (such as humanity or justice) and use those strengths and virtues for a purpose that is greater than their own personal goals.
Positive Thinking: Optimism and Gratitude
Of all the areas studied in the relatively young field of positive psychology, gratitude has perhaps received the most attention. Grateful people have been shown to have greater positive emotion, a greater sense of belonging, and lower incidence of depression and stress.
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What are the commonalities of happy people?
The Secret of Happiness:
Happiness requires a broad foundation of being grateful; and staying healthy. Living ethically provides increased oppourtunities for keeping oneself and family healthy. Thousands of things must happen every day just for each of us to live and breath; and thousands more not to live in continuous pain. We don’t need to be grateful to anything (that promotes greed, a feeling of entitlement), just have the feeling of being broadly grateful.
To live without being grateful, is a wholely selfish act and the functioning of the human mind rewards such acts with continuous pain in many forms.
“To live without being grateful, is a wholely selfish act and the functioning of the human mind rewards such acts with continuous pain in many forms.”
The Secret to Happiness: Be broadly grateful, and keep your good health.
Living ethically provides many opportuniites to promote your good health.
Well when I found happiness, I hate to say it, I stopped caring about everything out of my control. Actions of Others, the Future, The Past. All I learnt is to open my eyes and concentrate on now, dream of the future while knowing it’s just a dream and or a moment to live what I want through my mind, makes me smile. And to look at the past and know it’s the past and stil look at the moments that make me smile. My mind is my motivator and the key to my happiness. Not caring about anything in the world and being emotionally neutral was a great treat to succeed. It’s really brought a million and one things into my attention and my level of belief in myself is ironically increased because I do not care. When you care about something, you become blinded by your emotions and your true success never shines because of this fear. If you are able to learn to not care your fear disappears with it. Does not mean not care about people. By all means care for peoples health and well being, but do not care about their actions and what they do. The only thing you can control is yourself. I think the biggest problem society and tv tries to teach you is that you are able to control others. You can’t, stop caring, people still have their free will and guess what, so do you. Peace out and enjoy. I do not know why i wrote this, but I just wanted to share my 2 cents