We all experience emotional highs throughout our lives -- with a job promotion, on our wedding day, with the birth of a child. But these moments only yield temporary feelings of elation, and experts say that they alone are not enough to achieve true happiness. Happiness isn't just an emotional state. Decades of research proves it goes much deeper. In fact, science shows people who are happy live longer and healthier lives. The good news is that generating better bliss is something we can all do regardless of our environment or genetics.
Here are seven ways you can boost your happiness:
1. Changing your attitude
A Harvard University study found that optimists are not only happier but are 50% less likely to have heart disease, a heart attack or a stroke. It turns out that keeping a positive outlook actually offers protection against cardiovascular disease.
2. Learn from people are already happy
According to the U.N. World Happiness Report, which ranked Denmark as the happiest nation in the world, the overall level of happiness in Denmark is due to the generosity that's common among citizens, their freedom to make life choices and a strong social support system.
3. Work less
Don't overwork and strike a good work-life balance.
4. Focus on experiences
Pay more attention to your experiences and spend more time building memories. It gives you a greater sense of vitality or "being alive" during the experience and afterward and also brings you mentally closer to the people around you, which may contribute to your happiness boost.
5. Volunteer
Experts say we are all inherently compassionate. Performing acts of kindness, volunteering time and donating money increases happiness by improving your sense of community, purpose and self-image.
6. Build up your social network
Having at least one close friend helps to boost your happiness level and health.
7. Just start laughing
Research shows that laughing doesn't just signal happiness, it produces it. When we laugh, our stress hormones decrease and our endorphins rise.
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Category(s):Happiness
Source material from CNN
