“I believe that the very purpose of life is to be happy. From the very core of our being, we desire contentment. Everything we do is to be happy.” Dalai Lama
I love that quote. It is without question one of my favorite quotes ever, and helps me to understand people who do things that make me angry. With this knowledge, we can even understand why people become murderers or do horrible acts. In their own, very dysfunctional way, they seek happiness. The world generally seems to be striving for happiness, but often in totally the wrong way.
Happiness and Health go Hand in Hand
Research has proven that unhappiness has a negative impact on health. One recent health study found that stress has a delayed impact on cardiovascular health, while another found a link between depression and the formation of atherosclerosis. Statistics show that the incidence of cardiovascular disease increased by 53% following 9/11.
More than ever, science is recognizing that happiness and peace are keys to optimum health.
So it is not hard to believe that with so much suboptimal health in the world, there is also far too little true happiness. Researchers have well documented the fact that the happiness of Americans along with most Europeans has been steadily on the decline, despite an increase in overall material wealth.
Everyday we learn about ways we can be healthier through diet, super foods, and exercise. Yet without authentic happiness, we remain at greater risk for developing illness and disease.
The Science of Happiness
Are you aware that there is actually a science of happiness? We can look inside of ourselves and discover the changes that can bring us further down the road of to true, authentic happiness.
Here are some happiness facts, according to scientists:
Women are generally less satisfied with life until they reach age 50. After age 50, men catch up.
Dissatisfaction leads to unhappiness.
Happiness can be measured in the brain.
No one thing makes us ultimately happy.
Strong social relationships create better wellbeing and happiness.
Excessive consumerism, and wanting contributes to unhappiness.
Happiness is a magical feeling.
Wealth does give us true happiness because there is always someone richer to compare with. “Buying” into advertising induces unhappiness by demanding that we “measure up”.
Long commuter journeys to and from work cut us off from happy social connections and cause stress and anxiety.
Happily married couples are healthier. Study report that happily married couples experience lower blood pressure.
Yoga and meditation can help to quiet the mind and promote happiness.
Deep friendships and trust in others seems to have a positive effect on health and overall wellbeing.
Those who have a sense of spirituality, whether through religion, philosophical beliefs, or faith are happier.
And, as the Dalai Lama says, compassion and kindness lead to true happiness.
The bottom line is that happiness helps us experience less stress and better health and longevity. We all need to think about what can make us truly fulfilled, peaceful, and ultimately happy.
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