| According to a Yale University survey, being optimistic in middle age increases life span by at least 7.5 years, even after accounting for age, gender, socioeconomic status and physical health. |
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| There's an old saying: "If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself." In many ways, happiness is no different. You have the power to make yourself happy. Try these seven simple ways to enhance the quality of your life — starting now!
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- Why Does Happiness Matter?
Beyond the obvious — it feels good to be happy — having a positive attitude actually has health benefits. According to a Yale University survey, being optimistic in middle age increases life span by at least 7.5 years, even after accounting for age, gender, socioeconomic status and physical health. And the benefits don't stop there — happiness also may spur on your success! In a study published in "Psychological Bulletin" of more than 275,000 people, researchers found that happy people are generally successful in work, relationships and health.
Seven Ways to Make Yourself Happy
1. Socialize. Make an effort to connect with your friends on a regular basis. According to Teresa Seeman, Ph.D., a professor of medicine and epidemiology at UCLA, people who socialize at least once a week are more likely to live longer, have decreased risks of heart attacks, and lower their blood pressure and cortisol levels. In other words, they feel better! Talking on the phone is good and personal contact is even better, so pick up the phone and make a lunch date for next week with a good friend.
2. Practice gratitude. Gratitude breeds joy. According to a study at the University of California, Davis, people who make a list of things they're thankful for feel more optimistic about the week ahead and are generally more satisfied with their lives. Try recording happy events and things you're grateful for once a week. "It's hard to be bitter and mad when you're feeling grateful," says Sonja Lyubomirsky, Ph.D., author of "The How of Happiness: A Scientific Approach to Getting the Life You Want." Want to feel happy? Give thanks.
3. Get moving. Physical activity releases endorphins that can boost your mood. It doesn't take a marathon or even more time on the treadmill to feel happier. According to researchers at Northern Arizona University, just 10 minutes of aerobic activity improves your mood. Let your inner child out to play. Try popping in an upbeat CD and dancing around the room, taking a quick walk to the store or hitting a tennis ball against the garage; then watch your spirits rise.
4. Spend money on other people. Want to feel happier? Skip the purchase for yourself and buy something for someone else. In a study of 632 Americans who were asked to rate their general happiness, spending money on other people or charities made them feel better than splurging on themselves. According to one of the researchers, the happiest people were the biggest givers, no matter what they earned. "Regardless of how much income each person made, those who spent money on others reported greater happiness, while those who spent more on themselves did not," said researcher Elizabeth Dunn, Ph.D., of the psychology department at Canada's University of British Columbia. So pick up a gift for someone or make a donation.
5. Appreciate the small stuff. A sunny day, lunch with a friend … practice appreciating the little things and you'll find yourself happier in general. According to Lyubomirsky, there is a correlation between appreciation for the small stuff and happiness. Regularly pause and take note of a good thing you’re experiencing in the moment to find yourself happy more often.
6. Forgive someone. Holding onto grudges may be holding back your happiness. Bitterness can compromise your sense of peace and negatively impact your health. On the other hand, according to Katherine M. Piderman, Ph.D., staff chaplain at Mayo Clinic, forgiveness leads to improved psychological well-being. If joy is what you’re after, forgive others.
7. Do good deeds. Performing random acts of kindness actually boosts your sense of well-being and happiness. Researchers found that performing five random acts of kindness in a given day gave people the maximum "happiness boost." Tomorrow, why not try yielding to another car in traffic, doing volunteer work or buying a stranger’s coffee? Come up with a couple of other ideas that fit your schedule and you could hit the magic number five in no time.
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