What must we do to be happier?

According to studies from around the world, compiled by the World Database of Happiness in Rotterdam, the secret of happiness is in our hands and not in the places where we used to look.

Studies found a slight negative correlation between the several times participants in the study spontaneously related “targets” and “happiness”. Usually people assume that having goals are necessary to lead a happy life, but the evidence is not conclusive. The reason seems to be that unhappy people are more aware of their own goals and they seek to improve their lives.

“The purpose of our lives is to be happy.” Dalai Lama

In fact, studies show that an active life has the strongest correlation with happiness. “To lead a happy life, a fulfilling life, you need to be active,” said Ruut Veenhoven, director of the Word Database. ” Having participation (in activities) is more important that knowing why we are doing it”.

“Research has shown that we can get ourselves happier because happiness changes over time,” says Professor Veenhoven, “and these changes are not only related to better circumstances, but with a better way to deal with life . Older people tend to be more wise and, for that reason, more happy. ”

“There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will.” Epictetus

What must we do to be happier? Question is very ambitious and very subjective, but studies compiled by the database indicates that people tend to be happier if:

• They are in a long-term relationship.
•  Are actively involved in politics.
•  They are active at work and in their free time.
•  Go out to dinner.
•  They have close friends (although happiness does not increase in relation to the number of friends you have).

There are some other surprising findings:

• People who drink alcohol in moderation is happier than people who do not take at all.
•  Men tend to be happier in a society in which women enjoy greater equality.
•  To be considered physically attractive increases happiness in men much more than it does in women.
•  Tend to be happier if you think you’re attractive or attractive, whether you’re objectively.
•  Having children reduces the levels of happiness, but your happiness increases when they grow up and leave home.

What you think about this new findings? I really love knowing that happiness is in our hands and sometimes people and even I forget this. We try to find happiness in other places. Some people move, get a new job, a new car, but forget that happiness comes from within.

If you want to read more about happiness, check this other articles: Happiness is the way and The Power of the Smile .

Thank you for reading! Wish you a happy weekend, full of activities 😉

xoxo,
Cristina