We might often question the power of happiness. After all, why is it so important to be happy?
Being happy keeps your mind positive and helps you stay motivated throughout the day. Happiness cannot be bought or borrowed. Instead, we can all choose to be happy and let go of the things that bring us down.
Once you start looking at the good in people or decide not to dwell on uncontrollable situations, you are choosing to be happy.
Happy people tend to have a more positive outlook on life and experience reduced feelings of stress and worry. We all know that stress causes the body to shut down and increases the risk of chronic illnesses, feelings of anxiety, and depression.
Of course, there are circumstances that make you sad or cause stress, and sometimes we need to let out our emotions through a set of tears. But learning how to let go and move on from stressful situations will only make you stronger in the long run.
Benefits of Happiness
There have been numerous studies that show a connection between happiness and good health, so putting in a little effort each day to be happy can help you:
1. Keeps Your Heart Healthy
There has been much research done on happiness and heart health. Studies show that happiness leads to lower blood pressure and improves heart rate variability. You might not feel it now, but being happy can have positive, long-term effects on your heart.
One study showed that people who were fueled by positivity and happiness had a reduced risk of developing coronary heart disease.
2. Improves Your Lifestyle
Have you noticed that when you are sad or in a bad mood, you crave ice cream or a greasy snack? When you’re happy, you are prone to a healthier lifestyle with a balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables.
Healthy diets protect your body from developing diseases such as diabetes, and work to maintain good health overall. Studies have also shown that happier people are more physically active, which further contributes to a healthier you.
3. Boosts Productivity
Happiness fuels creativity and increases your productivity. When you show up to work filled with positivity, you are more likely to want to help your coworkers and perform at your best.
Brainstorming ideas and solutions will come naturally because of the positive emotions that give you the spark you need to work with your team.
4. Can Increase Your Lifespan
Feelings of stress and anxiety can often lead to illnesses and reduce your overall wellbeing. A happy person is able to manage and overcome stress and keep a strong mind when it comes to it.
Happy people also follow healthier lifestyles and are satisfied with their lives. Studies have shown that people who practice positive thinking during an illness were able to overcome their conditions, as compared to those who did not have a positive outlook on life.
The connection between happiness and life expectancy is still being studied, and we are still learning more about how this works, so while happiness can increase your lifespan, maintaining a good diet and exercise also plays a large part in your health.
Choosing to be happy can go a long way in improving your health and help you live longer.
5. You Enjoy Life More
People that pursue the path of happiness tend to enjoy the little things. They forget about jealousy and stop comparing themselves to others because what they have is enough for them.
If you find something that makes you happy, hold on to it. You will much rather benefit from what you care about than chasing something that doesn’t matter to you.
6. You Make Other People Happy
Not only does happiness benefit you, but it also affects the people you surround yourself with. Ever start a chain of laughter? Well, happiness has the same contagious effect among people.
7. Strengthens the Immune System
Happiness works towards keeping us healthy and can even ward off illnesses. Believe it or not, positive emotions work towards protecting us from colds and enhance our immune system.
Studies have proven that patients who portrayed feelings of positivity had a reduced chance of developing a cold.
Choose What Makes You Happy
Happiness is a choice you can make towards how you live your life. You can always start by practicing feelings of gratitude and positive thinking every day. Complimenting your colleague, or even holding the door open for a stranger can really go a long way in boosting one’s happiness levels.
The content of this Website is for is for informational purposes only, is general in nature and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and does not constitute professional advice. The information on this Website should not be considered as complete and does not cover all diseases, ailments, physical conditions, or their treatment. You should consult with your physician before beginning any exercise, weight loss, or health care program and/or any of the beauty treatments.
References:
Six Ways Happiness Is Good for Your Health. (n.d.). Retrieved April 04, 2018, from https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/six_ways_happiness_is_good_for_your_health
How Being Happy Makes You Healthier. (n.d.). Retrieved April 04, 2018, from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/happiness-and-health#section2
What’s So Great About Happiness, Anyway? (The Answer: Plenty!). (n.d.). Retrieved April 04, 2018, from https://www.happify.com/hd/whats-so-great-about-happiness/
