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Happiness and Health –The Link is Strong

Posted March 24, 2008 at 12:00 PM by Kathleen Blanchard

Section: Her Health, Her Motivation, Her News

Stress and anxiety seem to be an all too common part of life – we take them for granted. Periods of depression are usually viewed as normal: “Everybody gets depressed from time to time”. All too often, we ignore our own happiness, assuming that we’re supposed to handle whatever comes our way. Research has proven that unhappiness has a negative impact on health. Unfortunately, it seems that modern life has placed great emphasis on quantity rather than quality. 

Our current state of affairs does little to promote true happiness. We face constant demands in terms of job stress and financial responsibility, and seem driven toward productivity.  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.  According to statistics, the incidence of cardiovascular disease increased by 53% following 9/11, in a group of online study participants.

More than ever, science is recognizing the need for lifestyles that provide true happiness as a means to good health. Our current path has not been fulfilling, or so it would seem.  Researchers have well documented the fact that the happiness of Americans has been steadily one the decline, in spite of greater wealth.

Information acquired over the years regarding good health is valuable, but without authentic happiness, we remain at greater risk for the development of illness and disease - something that cannot be combated by exercise and good eating alone. 

The good news is that happiness has also become a science – the more we study and promote happiness, the healthier we can become as individuals and as a society. It’s important to look inside yourself to see what changes you might make to bring a true sense of happiness and well being into your own life.

Here are some happiness facts, according to scientists:

Women are generally less satisfied with life until they reach age 50.  Dissatisfaction contributes to unhappiness.  After age 50, men catch up.
Happiness is measurable in the brain.
No single thing can make you happy.
Strong social relationships contribute to happiness.
Excessive consumerism, that is, “I want”, does not make one happy.
Happiness has magical qualities.
Wealth does not produce happiness - there is always someone richer for comparison.
“Buying” into advertising induces unhappiness by demanding that we “measure up”.
Long journeys to and from work cut us off from happy social connections.
Happily married couples are healthier – a very recent study reports that happily married couples experience lower blood pressure.
Deep friendships and trust in others seems to have a positive effect on health.
Those who have found a meaning in life, through religion, spirituality or strong philosophical beliefs, are happier.

It’s important to accept the fact that genuine happiness positively impacts health and longevity. We all need to think about what makes us happy and pursue it. It might be as simple as eating a piece of chocolate, learning something new or adopting a pet. Maybe it’s time to downsize, find a less stressful job, or one with a shorter commute. 

Remember that all things are possible. Change is sometimes difficult, but genuine happiness, leading to a long and healthy life, is nothing short of fantastic. Give it some thought and see if a little light begins to shine. 

Kathleen Blanchard is a Registered Nurse. For more health news and articles visit her blog, Health Matters.

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Tags: happiness advice, happiness and health, happiness and life expectancy, kathleen blanchard, positive thinking, positivity, women's empowerment

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