A few weeks ago, at one of my speaking events, I was asked “Why should I be happy? Why is that so important?”
In all my years of teaching, I have never been asked that question but in today’s world, I wasn’t surprised to hear this question. For anyone who is wondering why happiness is so important, I wanted to give you the benefits of happiness and some quick ways to cultivate your happiness.
The benefits of happiness:
Happiness strengthens our immune system. People who felt a daily dose of positive emotions (hope, inspiration, pride, awe, love, etc.) were healthier and lived longer.
*Remember stress lowers our immune system which leads to benefit # 2
Happiness combats stress. Happier people report lower levels of stress. That’s a good enough reason to be happier.
Moods and emotions are contagious. We can spread our happiness. Think of it as a parent, Happy Parent=Happy Kids. What moods/emotions are you bringing home with you?
It increases your productivity -happiness increases your mental capacity and gives you the energy and drive to complete your work. When you’re not happy, you have problems focusing and concentrating which lowers your productivity.
We live longer – In a famous study of happiness and longevity, the life expectancy of nuns was studied. The nuns who felt positive emotions, happy and positive lived longer. In the end, the happiest nuns lived 7-10 years longer.
Cultivating Happiness
Gratitude – write or say 2-3 things that your grateful for that happen today
Altruism – do random acts of kindness
Listen to music – listening to a happy song can shift our mood.
Socialization – enjoy time with your friends/family.
Have good relationships – spend time nurturing your relationships.
Diane’s Website- About Diane
Diane Lang, a national speaker, educator and certified positive psychology coach, has her Master’s degree in counseling and is an adjunct at Montclair State University in the Undergraduate Psychology Department.