What exactly is happiness? It’s such a strange concept; it’s so intangible, yet it has such real-world implications.
For example, when you are happy, you will be able to do more, see more opportunities, reach out to more people. Plus, there are other benefits too. There are currently studies being produced that talk about exactly this; about why it’s so good to be happy. Right now, the research is ongoing, but there are some ideas already. Read on to find out what they are.
Happiness Helps To Reduce Stress
There is a lot of stress in many people’s lives. We’re working longer hours for less money, and everything is getting more expensive. We don’t sleep well, we’re not eating right, and we feel overwhelmed a lot of the time. Even those who don’t necessarily feel stressed will have some stresses in their lives.
Happiness is a key to reducing this stress. When stress is reduced, levels of cortisol – the stress hormone – are reduced, you can think clearly again, you’ll sleep better, and you’ll generally be in more control. Plus, we’ll be at less risk of conditions such as type II diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure, which can all come along as a result of stress.
Of course, if you’re feeling stressed, it can be hard to do things that make you happy because you are consumed by the worry, but one thing you can do is find a solution to your stress. For example, if you are stressing about the future, and are concerned about what would happen to your family if you were no longer around, then one way to ease this stress is to look into life insurance with no medical exam. This will provide you with peace of mind in the present and ensure that your family is well cared for in the future. Tackle each source of stress in a practical way like the above example.
Organize a day out with friends or family or start a new hobby; whatever makes you happy and will reduce stress is important and should be done.
Happiness Promotes A Healthier Lifestyle
There is a direct correlation between being happy and having a healthier lifestyle. When you’re feeling happy and good about yourself, you’ll take better care of yourself. This could mean that you:
- Eat more fruit and vegetables
- Do more exercise
- Make sure you have some me-time
- Get outside and breathe in the fresh air
- Learn something new
Imagine how it feels when you’re not happy. Would you want to do any of the things mentioned above? The answer is probably no. When you’re feeling bad, you’ll more likely want to eat junk food, sleep too long, and forgo your exercises.
Happiness Can Make You Live Longer
It’s not a given that happy people will live longer than unhappy ones, but the studies suggest a link. The estimate is that unhappy people will have about a 14 percent lower life expectancy than happy people. This could be down to their positive attitude; even if they do get sick, if they know they will get better, this can activate the immune system faster and make it work harder, ensuring a positive outcome. On the other hand, if you get sick and assume that you’ll get worse, that could be exactly what happens.
Therefore, being happy and having a positive attitude and its link to longevity makes sense. When you’re happy and feeling healthy, your body will stay that way for much longer.
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