Highway to Happiness - What Science Tells Us

Written by: Nicole Teague
CIGNA Behavioral Health

Most of us want to be happy. But what is happiness? Is it something that you feel at a fleeting moment or does it have to last a certain amount of time before it can officially be called "happiness"? While the thought of blazing through the sky after jumping out of a plane may spell utter bliss for some, others may shiver at the mere mention of it. What one person defines as something that keeps them smiling may be just the thing that makes another person miserable.

Typically, the field of psychology has focused on negative emotions and mental illness. However, recently a more optimistic outlook has been taken which focuses on well-being, and the result is the relatively new field of Positive Psychology.

After years of researching what makes us happy and what doesn't, scientists finally have it all figured out - if you want to be happy, simply follow this formula:

Do this, and you will be well on your way to achieving a life filled with pure enjoyment ("The formula," 2003). Sounds pretty straightforward…right?

What the experts say
Happiness is an emotion, and just like any emotion, it comes and goes. Also like any emotion, some people simply seem to experience it more than others. It is even believed by some that everyone has a "happiness baseline." If this is true, then no matter what happens in our life, we will always return to our original level of happiness after a certain amount of time. For example, after experiencing the initial feelings associated with either positive (e.g. winning the lottery) or negative (e.g. being diagnosed with a chronic illness) situations, we will eventually find ourselves back at our happiness baseline (Houston, 2004). However, researchers on happiness are not always in agreement. While some say that we are biologically predetermined to have a set level of happiness, others believe that we have the power to change the amount of happiness in our life.

How to get there
Ruut Veenhoven, one of the most prominent researchers on happiness, has identified factors that he believes contribute to our happiness (Stuart, 2005):

• Location, location, location! - Overall, the happiest people are found in countries with a large amount of freedom and a moderate climate. Also, small town dwellers are typically happier than those who make a life in the big city.
• Companionship is crucial - Our relationships with our loved ones have a considerable effect on our level of happiness.
• Taking care of ourselves - Exercise and eating healthy not only keeps our bodies in good condition, but also our minds. Many find that relaxation techniques such as meditation and yoga provide them with a sense of peacefulness and contribute to their long-term happiness.
• Helping others - Those who volunteer their time to help others appear to be happier than those who do not.

Of course, there are many other things that can contribute to our happiness other than those listed above. Although this may come as a surprise to many, money does not account for much when it comes to happiness. Once people accumulate wealth, they are not any more satisfied with their life than those who can only afford to meet their most basic needs. Additionally, although buying power has more than doubled over the last few decades, individuals remain at the same level of happiness (Myers, 1996)!

You can never get enough of what you don't need to make you happy. - Eric Hoffer

In the search for happiness, we often look to others to make us happy. Then when we find ourselves anything less than pleased, we play the blame game and hold them responsible for the cause of our feelings. However, only we can be held accountable for our own happiness because only we have the power to change the situation we are in.

When it comes to achieving happiness, it's important not to forget the small stuff. By concentrating too much on being happy, you may be missing out on the "little things" that are right in front of you every day that can cause enjoyment. Simply appreciating the little things in life and learning to love, forgive, laugh, and live can lead to lifelong satisfaction.

Why be happy anyways?
So when it's all said and done, can we really make ourselves happier? It certainly can't hurt to try! Along with lifting our spirits, being happy has many other beneficial factors. In general, happy people:

• Are more healthy
• Live longer
• Are more creative and productive employees
• Are more likely to help others
• Cope better with difficult situations
• Are more successful in social, professional, and intimate relationships
• Have better judgment and decision making skills

(Diener, n.d.)

Of course, we can't always be on cloud nine. Not only is it is normal to feel negative emotions, but it's also necessary - not allowing ourselves to do so could potentially result in more harm than good.

You want a functioning gas gauge - you don't want a gas gauge stuck on full.
Edward Diener

Now that you're armed with the map to happiness, you may be wondering where to start. As with anything, happiness does not magically appear overnight. However, by beginning to take steps to strengthen relationships, maintain a positive outlook, reduce stress, and increase our overall well-being, we just may find ourselves well on our way to living a life of eternal bliss.

References:
Diener, Ed. (n.d.) FAQ's About Subjective Well-Being (Happiness and Life Satisfaction: A primer for reporters and newcomers. Retrieved November 9, 2005 from
http://www.psych.uiuc.edu/~ediener/faq.html

Houston, Elisabeth. (2004, January 29). Nobel winner Kahneman explains happiness. [Electronic Version]. Yale Daily News. Retrieved November 8, 2005 from
http://www.yaledailynews.com/articlefuntions/Printerfriendly.as?AID=24715

Myers, David G. (1996). The Study of Happiness. Exploring Psychology, 3rd Ed. pp.346-350. Retrieved November 4, 2005 from
http://www.hope.edu/academic/psychology/myerstxt/happy/happy2.html

Stuart, Julia. (2005, January 3). Dr. Feelgood. [Electronic Version]. The Independent Review, pp. 2-3. Retrieved November 7, 2005 from
http://www2.eur.nl/fsw/research/veenhoven/index3.htm

The formula for happiness. (2003, January 6). BBC News. Retrieved November 9, 2005 from
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/2630869.stm

This material is provided by CIGNA Behavioral Health, Inc. for informational/educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical/clinical advice. Only a healthcare provider can make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment plan. For more information about your behavioral health benefits, you can call the member services or behavioral health telephone number listed on your healthcare identification card.