Everyone dreams of a happy life, but few people know how to achieve it. Scientists are also very interested in this issue and conduct many experiments in search of the cherished recipe. And as always it turns out that happiness lies in the small details of everyday life. We have collected seven scientifically proven ways to help you become a little happier. Your task is to learn how to apply them in practice.
Help others
An easy way to get happier is to make other people happy.
The next study was published in one magazine. The participants were divided into two groups. The first was to remember buying things for other people, the second was to remember buying things for yourself. Scientists found that people in the first group showed a higher level of happiness. The participants were then given a monetary reward and asked to think about what they would do with the money. Those who remembered shopping for others were more likely to spend money on friends this time as well. It turns out that the more you help others, the happier you are and the more you want to help again.
Smile and think about something positive
A smile on its own can make you feel better. But it will be even more effective if you accompany her with positive thoughts.
Also, a smile affects productivity. It improves concentration and helps to cope with cognitive tasks.
Plan more often than not
It works even if you don't do it later. Research has shown that anticipation is more fun than the event itself. Scientists have measured the level of happiness from the moment you plan your vacation to its end. They found that the effect of anticipation increased the level of happiness for 8 weeks before the trip. After returning home, this indicator quickly returned to its basic values.
Practice your gratitude
In one experiment, the participants were divided into three groups: the first one recorded unpleasant things, the second one was neutral, and the third one was the one for which they were grateful. The study showed that people from the third group demonstrated the highest level of mood and general well-being.
There are many ways to practice gratitude:
-Keep a diary of things you are grateful for.
-Share three good things that happen every day with a friend or partner.
-Show gratitude to others.
Do it regularly to get all the benefits of gratitude.
Don't expect you to change
The way we think about our future directly affects our sense of satisfaction with life.
Scientists at the University of California have studied the data set for over 10 years. They found that people who expected to get better or worse in the future reported less satisfaction 10 years later. However, people who expected to stay the same were usually the happiest after 10 years.
This does not mean that you should not think about the future. You need to set goals and go to them. But do not expect anything. Concentrate on your way and then you will become happier.
Find your faith in the unity of the universe
If you believe that everything in the world is interconnected and interdependent, you will be more satisfied with your life. This is evidenced by the results of research carried out by German scientists.
The subjects were asked to respond to a number of statements intended to measure their belief in unity. They were also asked to pass the tests for general satisfaction with life. A total of about 75,000 people were interviewed.
Researchers found that people who believe in the idea of unity are generally more satisfied with their lives and feel happy. Believing in unity in this context can mean anything from religious belief to scientific belief that everything is interconnected in nature.
Be more likely to be in nature
Numerous studies confirm the usefulness of this practice for happiness. For example, the University of Alabama has found that only a 20-minute walk in the city park will make you happier.
British scientists also confirm this thesis. They found out that walking in warm sunny days near the sea was the most useful for happiness. At the same time, the test subjects felt happier in any natural locations compared to the urban ones.
So far, no one has found the main factor on which happiness depends. But there are many small things that day after day can give you more satisfaction from life.