In our current modern life, it seems that there are endless things to worry about. From footing the bills, pondering about career prospects to future finances, the list goes on and on. Accompanied by daily work stressors, both our health and happiness are pushed to the side-lines.
However, let’s not forget what the most important thing is – our health. And our happiness is closely linked with that as well. Read on to discover what you can do to regain both your happiness and health.
The happiness-health connection
There has always been a link between our physical health and our mental state and plenty of studies have also proved the existence of happiness-health connection. This article published by Social Science & Medicine[1] revealed that happiness is the strongest predictor of health.
So how does this translate to, being happy equates to being healthy? Turns out, being happy keeps your immune system strong[2] while reducing risks of us falling ill[3].
Another study[4] also revealed that when presented with objects that created pleasant emotions, the body increased the secretion of secretory immunoglobulin A, a crucial anti-body responsible for immune function in our mucous membrane and a decrease in cortisol (stress hormone) levels. So, being happy really does make you healthier by boosting your immunity, lowering risks of falling ill and even your stress levels.
[1] Sabatini, F. (2014). The relationship between happiness and health: evidence from Italy. Social Science & Medicine, 114, 178-187.
[2] Costanzo, E. S., Lutgendorf, S. K., Kohut, M. L., Nisly, N., Rozeboom, K., Spooner, S., … & McElhaney, J. E. (2004). Mood and cytokine response to influenza virus in older adults. The Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, 59(12), 1328-1333. [3] Cohen, S., Doyle, W. J., Turner, R. B., Alper, C. M., & Skoner, D. P. (2003). Emotional style and susceptibility to the common cold. Psychosomatic medicine, 65(4), 652-657.
[4] Barak, Y. (2006). The immune system and happiness. Autoimmunity reviews, 5(8), 523-527.
Re-aligning your mental attitude
This brings us back to the question – how can I be happier? For starters, you can re-adjust your mentality.
Were you ever upset over feeling down and that made you even more upset?
The idea that anyone or you needing to okay or happy all the time can actually stress you out even further. Realistically speaking, life has its ups and down and similarly, your emotions are the same. What’s unrealistic is the belief that one should always be positive and upbeat. Don’t let the idea of not being happy now, make you unhappier.
Re-align such mentality to one that recognizes that happiness is a cycle, and the next time you are feeling upset, just know that emotion will pass you soon and not to focus too much on it. Instead, distract yourself with activities that you enjoy, or have a cup of hot tea to soothe your feelings.
Learn to forgive
There is this saying that goes, “Holding onto a grudge is like letting someone live rent-free in your head.” This person will not do the dishes nor clear the trash, meaning it will not make your (head) space better. Instead, an extra space is being taken up by them when that space could be used for better things.
Being resentful means you allow yourself to re-experience the hurtful situation over and over again.
By learning to forgive, you can then spend the same energy and attention on other things and stop thinking about negative emotions. You can then free up your mental energy to be happier.
Learn to have fun
Being serious at work is only appropriate and being responsible. Yet, being serious 24/7 can really take a toll on your mental well-being, and even the ones around you.
Happiness can be fleeting, so learn to live a little and have fun! You can actively seek it out by cherishing and creating little pockets of happiness. It can just be as simple as having family dinner, or a weekly family game night. By living in the moment, you can then allow yourself experience the upbeat emotions that come with it.
Doing good
Donating to charity, or volunteer for a good cause, doing altruistic and charitable acts can also put you in a better mood. According this study published in International Journal of Behavioral Medicine[1], there is a strong correlation with our well-being, happiness and our life span of people who are more compassionate & giving.
Being happy is not all about receiving, by giving your time to someone who needs it can even make you happier!
[5] Post, S. G. (2005). Altruism, happiness, and health: It’s good to be good. International journal of behavioral medicine, 12(2), 66-77.
Living Healthy
If being happy keeps you healthy then, being and feeling healthy will make you healthier too. Remember the last time you fell sick? Fatigue, frustrated and grumpy, nobody enjoys falling ill.
Hence, a good diet will provide you with good nutrition, energy and will put you in a better mood. With proper nutrients, your brains will be working better too. A productive day leaves you satisfied, and happier. Look into getting a healthier diet and finding out the appropriate servings of fruits, vegetable and proteins you need to consume. A good guide would be that, leafy greens should take up a good quarter of your plate.
Complement your new healthy diet by exercising as well. The endorphins released after you exercise are an excellent mood booster, also leaving you more energized. Whenever possible, you can also squeeze in a quick workout during lunch for a quick endorphin boost to last through the rest of the day
Keep up this routine, and you will see welcoming physical and mental changes that will make you a happier and healthier person.
