Men who enjoy art, ballet and other cultural activities
feel happier and healthier, according to a May 2011 study published in
the Journal of Epidemiology. The result held even after researchers
controlled for other happiness-influencing factors such as income. For
men, physical activity, outdoor hobbies and volunteer work were also
linked with happiness. The cheeriest women attended both church and
sports events. Cause-and-effect isn't certain (maybe happier people take
in more culture rather than the other way around), but the message is
clear: It can't hurt to get out there.
Get a Dog (Or a Cat)
Pet owners are another group that tends toward greater happiness. A survey of pet-owners and non-pet-owners published in July 2011 online in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that people who have dogs say their pets increase their self-esteem as well as their feelings of belonging and meaning. The research also found that pets had a similar ability as human friends to stave off feelings of rejection. In America, furry happiness boosters are all around: As of 2007, two-thirds of U.S. households had at least one pet.
The power of positive thinking
may really work, according to a 2010 paper reviewing 51 earlier studies
on increasing happiness. The researchers, who detailed their work in
the Journal of Clinical Psychology, found that people who get into the
habit of writing down three good things that have happened to them every
week show a significant rise in happiness. The review also found that
study participants who wrote letters of gratitude to others reported a
happiness boost that lasted for weeks. And no need for postage.
Participants didn't even have to send the letters to get the boost —
though who knows, dropping that thank-you note in the mailbox might
spread the joy around.
The same
2010 review found that giving back to others can pay happiness
dividends. And a 2008 study published in the journal Science found that
people who give money away rather than spending it on themselves get a happiness boost.
Not only that, but people who volunteer for selfless reasons live longer, according to a study published in August 2011 in the journal Health Psychology. Altruism is even linked to stronger relationships: A 2006 study found that the most altruistic people were also the most likely to have happy marriages.
Not only that, but people who volunteer for selfless reasons live longer, according to a study published in August 2011 in the journal Health Psychology. Altruism is even linked to stronger relationships: A 2006 study found that the most altruistic people were also the most likely to have happy marriages.
Social and
energetic, extroverts are also the happiest personality type. It's not
easy to blossom from wallflower to center of the party, but you can
steal an extrovert's happiness trick: Viewing the past through
rose-colored glasses.
Research published in June 2011 in the journal Personality and individual Differences found that extroverts owe their happiness advantage to their tendency to look back on the past with nostalgia. Savoring happy memories or putting bad ones in an optimistic light could help make life happier.
Research published in June 2011 in the journal Personality and individual Differences found that extroverts owe their happiness advantage to their tendency to look back on the past with nostalgia. Savoring happy memories or putting bad ones in an optimistic light could help make life happier.
This may
seem like a no-brainer, but satisfaction between the sheets seems linked
to happiness in daily life. Post-menopausal women with more satisfying sex lives
are also happier in general, according to a 2008 study published in the
Journal of Sexual Medicine. Likewise, newlyweds with neurotic
personalities find that their anxieties are soothed
when their sex lives are better, according research published in 2010
in the journal Social Psychological and Personality Science. Hugs and physical affection boost happiness in men, as well.
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