Cultivating social relationships and talking to strangers are just some of the habits you need to develop – and practise on a daily basis – to achieve happiness. — AFP
HAPPINESS is often seen as the ultimate goal, but it seems increasingly difficult to achieve. According to the latest data from the World Health Organisation (WHO), some 970 million people worldwide suffered from a mental disorder in 2019, a number that has risen considerably since the Covid-19 pandemic.
The global health authority defines mental health as “a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realise their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community. It is an integral component of health and well-being that underpins our individual and collective abilities to make decisions, build relationships and shape the world we live in.”
Daily training
A description that shows just how important it is to put in place actions to foster fulfilment – as well as turn to science to try to understand what may – or may not – contribute to it.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Bristol in Britain, who are also behind the “Science of Happiness” programme, launched in 2018 and based on the study of “scientifically validated strategies for living a more satisfying life,” reveals that happiness can be learned but needs to be worked at every day. The authors of this research even outline that it should be approached like a fitness regime, requiring training and determination – a positive finding, given that it suggests that is well and truly within everyone’s grasp.
“It’s like going to the gym – we can’t expect to do one class and be fit forever. Just as with physical health, we have to continuously work on our mental health, otherwise the improvements are temporary,” says Professor Bruce Hood, principal author of the work.
The specialist is also the author of The Science of Happiness: Seven Lessons for Living Well, which summarises the main findings of the study, as well as the tips and tricks to be applied on a daily basis to achieve ultimate well-being.
Turning your attention to others
Published in the journal Higher Education, the study tracked and assessed the well-being of students who had taken the happiness course, long after they had left the programme.
The results showed that the students concerned observed an improvement in their well-being, on average of a scale between 10% and 15%, in the short term. But when they were surveyed again two years later, only those who had continued to apply what they had learned during the program retained these benefits.
“This study shows that just doing a course – be that at the gym, a meditation retreat or on an evidence-based happiness course like ours – is just the start: you must commit to using what you learn on a regular basis,” continues Prof Hood. “Much of what we teach revolves around positive psychology interventions that divert your attention away from yourself, by helping others, being with friends, gratitude or meditating.”
The habits to develop
The study and book by the University of Bristol professor recommend turning one’s attention towards others (as one of the keys to achieve happiness).
“Has individualism gone too far? Why is the high street full of tattoo parlous, nail bars, aesthetic practitioners, botox clinics etc? People prioritise identity and self-care but I think this level of vanity fuels negative social comparisons,” he posted on X.
In regard to this aspect, the study recommends engaging in various social relationships, as well as making conversation with strangers to help combat loneliness, and prioritising acts of kindness. In this respect, it is pointed out that giving gifts to others “activates the reward centres in our brain – often providing more of a happiness boost than spending money on oneself.” Social media is not necessarily bad, provided your focus isn’t on your reputation.
Other points to work on include: focusing on the positive events of the day, or the positive aspects of one’s life, getting enough sleep, and getting a dose of greenery.
“Walking in nature deactivates part of the brain related to negative ruminations, which are associated with depression,” says the study. On a general note, the researchers point out that “kindness and happiness are correlated.” All good advice to put into practice on a daily basis to achieve better well-being. – AFP Relaxnews
