“It’s just like cigarettes: We don’t know why some people live to 100 even though they smoke, while others die of cancer at 50 and never smoked a day in their life,” said Diener. “Being happy certainly isn’t a guarantee that you’re going to be healthy, and it’s true that some studies haven’t found an effect.”
“People are doing a lot of things to stay healthy; they’re jogging, riding their bikes, eating fruits and vegetables,” he continued, of how the happiness research may have implications on the general public. “We want to remind people that there’s one more thing you need to work on that can also have a big effect on your physical and emotional well-being.“
Although there’s ample advice out there for combating everyday stressors, Diener explains that achieving real happiness goes beyond reducing stress and anxiety. “Learning to enjoy your work, being more grateful and having really positive relationships are important, too,” he said.
Here are four fool-proof ways to practice a little happiness:
Be grateful: Start a “gratitude diary.” Experts suggest writing down 3 to 5 things that you liked about your day. You can also try a gratitude jar.
Be gracious: Gift your time to at least three different people this week. It’s no secret, that recognizing someone’s need and wanting to support them, is a major mood booster in itself.
Be mindful: Science shows that the more your mind wanders, the more miserable you are. Set a goal, track it and pay better attention to your intentions for the day. A little focus goes a long way!
Be realistic: Know that life hurts, but that happy and unhappy people share many of the same life experiences – pain, trauma, guilt, grief. The key is to remember that bad things pass and are seasonal. Good things are soon to come.