Talk About Living!
Suzanne Zoglio, PhD

At the heart of happiness

We’ve all heard how uplifting it can be to do something for someone else. Dr. Martin Seligman, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania, has proven it. Author of Authentic Happiness, Seligman  has been studying factors connected with happiness for years, and describes three major components of happiness: meaning (using your strengths and virtues to serve some good), engagement (being deeply involved in relationships, work, passions), and pleasure (sensory enjoyment). Meaning and engagement have a greater impact on our happiness than pleasure. Commit acts of kindness for others, and you take away a bump in happiness for yourself. 

Research also points out which factors do NOT lead to more happiness. It might surprise you that money, education, high IQ, youth, and sunny weather – all commonly believed to lead to a happier state- really don’t lift us up much. And while married people are slightly happier than singles, researchers aren’t sure  if being married makes you happier or being a happier person makes it more likely you’ll get married.

Also, we need to be realistic about how happy we each can be. According to Dr. David Lykken’s study of 4000 sets of twins (University of Minnesota,1996),  about 50% of a sunny disposition is genetic. The  range of happiness we experience is pretty much set at birth. So a glass-half-empty person is unlikely ever to  morph into a bubbly, life-is-always-grand person. We can, however, increase happiness within our  inherited range. Here’s how.

Enjoy simple pleasures like movies, good food, chocolate, pampering, or  favorite treats. Life’s pleasures make us happy – at least temporarily. But, there are more  powerful actions you can take. Expressing gratitude to another person is a long-lasting mood  booster. Seligman’s research showed people who wrote and delivered a letter of gratitude to a teacher, friend, grandparent, pastor, etc. were still at elevated happiness levels two months later. Research has shown that even longer-lasting happiness occurs if we keep a gratitude journal or take a gratitude walk every day. Focusing on things you appreciate boosts happiness. Your list can include things large and small. From avoiding an accident to spotting the first forsythia in bloom. A surefire way to lift your spirit is to focus on what is right with your life.

Practicing a religious faith and making time for family and friends have both been shown to boost happiness as well. A sense of community, connecting to others – no matter how busy we are – is critical to living a satisfied life.

Doing what’s meaningful to you, especially in the service of others, is also a happiness booster. If you’re funny, entertain others or hold a comedy night fundraiser. Use your strengths in unique ways to serve some greater good.

To add to the happiness factor that Mother Nature gave you, make time each day to enjoy life’s simple pleasures, show gratitude, connect with others, and do something meaningful to you. If you do, you’re likely to feel powerful, connected, appreciated, and strong. In other words, you’ll be happier. Talk about living!

Suzanne Zoglio, PhD is the author of Create A Life That Tickles Your Soul and Recharge in Minutes. Contact: swzoglio@verizon.net