The 10 keys to be happy, according to science
Scientists have spent decades trying to decipher the keys to be happy . Traveling often, surrounding yourself with positive people, listening to music or exercising, are some of the conclusions that can be drawn from the scientific studies that have been carried out so far. If you want to be happy, apply in your life the list that we present below.
What science says: 10 keys to be happy
The science is very clear: there are activities, behaviors, attitudes and gestures that can make us happier . What are we waiting to start putting these keys into practice in our daily lives?
1. Travel often
Travel always brings us new experiences and moments to remember, but According to scientists, traveling also makes us happier . A study by Dr. Jeroen Nalwun, a professor at the University of Breda (Netherlands), "People who travel frequently are happier". According to the study, planning the holidays causes a higher degree of happiness due to the effect of anticipating the good times that await us.
On the contrary, it is important to note that the subjects of the study did not show significant differences once they had returned from their vacations. This seems to indicate that one of the keys to be happy is the planning of the trip, not the trip itself.
2. Send thank-you messages
Gratitude is a powerful emotion that gives us psychological benefits . Being grateful by sending an email, text or letter to someone who has helped you in some way is positive. In addition, being grateful is easy and quick and a study has found that the practice of gratitude can increase happiness by 25%.
On the other hand, another study showed that only three letters in a period of three weeks was enough to reliably increase the happiness and life satisfaction of the subjects participating in the research.
3. Live the present
We have already commented in our article "What is Mindfulness? The 7 answers to your questions "the importance of living in the present. According to a study Sciencemag, people who spend the day ruminating lose 47% of their time. Living constantly in the future creates expectations that can make the person who is not in the present moment unhappy.
Further, fantasize or worry about things that have not even happened yet, it's unnecessary suffering . But living in the present does not mean you should not have goals, but you have to be realistic and go step by step to get them. In fact, a study from the University of Wisconsin found that working for a goal suppresses negative emotions , in addition to activating positive feelings.
It may interest you: "25 short positive phrases to focus better day to day"4. Spend more time with friends and family
Spending time with family and friends is one of the keys to be happy that we should always keep in mind . In fact, not having spent enough time with friends and family is one of the main regrets that most people express before they die. Therefore, spending time with those who appreciate and appreciate us positively affects our mood.
An investigation that collects the bookThe Longevity Project, concludes that relationships with others are essential to live a long and happy life.
5. Listen to music
Number four on the list of keys to be happy is: listen to music. In our article "3 curious effects of music on your behavior" we already discussed some consequences that listening to music has in our mind and our behavior. In addition, the world of science has investigated how music will influence our mood. A study by Saarikallio and Erkkila in 2008, concludes that listening to good music positively affects our mood and our mood .
Another study by Lonsdale and North (2010) states that listening to music provides multiple psychological benefits, including: managing and controlling negative emotional states.
6. Live happiness and stop looking for it
One of the keys to be happy, and that is important to keep in mind is: stop looking for happiness . There are several experts who warn that the obsessive pursuit of happiness produces the opposite effect, that is, unhappiness.
According to a study by Yale University, constantly seeking happiness can generate anxiety and anguish. This obsession to be happy at all costs seems to produce little tolerance for frustration if the results are not achieved immediately. Happiness are moments, and moments of "no happiness" should not be seen as failures.
Extra help: "20 phrases about life that will help you to be happy"7. Practice exercise
Practicing exercise is one of the keys to be happy that we have already commented on in previous articles. The continuous practice of physical exercise will make you feel better, it will increase your energy levels and will reduce your stress levels. Further, physical exercise will help you to release brain chemicals such as endorphins, which will make you perceive reality in a positive way . You can read more about this topic in our article "The 10 psychological benefits of practicing physical exercise".
On the other hand, it is not necessary to run a marathon to benefit from physical activity. For example, practicing yoga will also provide psychological benefits and will help you improve your mood.
8. Surround yourself with positive people
According to an investigation of BMJ Group, the happiness of one, depends in large part on the happiness of the people with whom he has constant contact. In other words, happiness can be contagious . Being with people who breathe a positive and enthusiastic attitude on all four sides, has a positive effect on your well-being.
9. Live near work
What one takes to get to work should not last more than 20 minutes. According to a study by Yeo Valley, the happiest subjects of his research were those who did not take more than 20 minutes to get to his place of work . This study states that employing more than 20 minutes to go to work, has a negative effect on the physical and psychological well-being of people.
10. Go outside
Many studies show that going out on the street, especially on sunny days, is positive for our body and mind . The sun is a fantastic natural antidepressant, stimulates endocrine functions and increases the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter related to mood.
A study by the School of Economic and Political Sciences of London concluded that spending time outdoors to increase joy and good humor. Passing study revealed that spending 20 minutes on the street when the weather is fine not only promotes good humor, but can also improve memory.
