Everyone wants happiness. It doesn’t come in the form of things but in the form of emotional satisfaction and in how you see life. Although various studies tell of various benefits of happiness, a new review indicates that subjective well-being factors such as life satisfaction, enjoyment of life, and happiness influence physical health.
Scientists examined the reasons behind it. They also observed conditions where it is most likely to occur.
Subjective well-being, like happiness, influences physical health via health behaviors and the immune and cardiovascular systems. Although scientists are still exploring and debating when happiness most affects health, it can certainly do so.
According to scientists, further research could one day inform clinicians about monitoring individuals’ subjective well-being, just as other factors are currently assessed.
They suggest that individuals can also take responsibility for their health by developing happy mental habits.
Prof. Ed Diener, co-author of the Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being article, said, “We now have to take very seriously the finding that happy people are healthier and live longer, and that chronic unhappiness can be a true health threat.”
“People’s feelings of well-being join other known factors for health, such as not smoking and getting exercise. Scores of studies show that our levels of happiness versus stress and depression can influence our cardiovascular health, our immune system strength to fight off diseases, and our ability to heal from injuries.”
Other benefits of Happiness:
Happiness can make you more successful:
You might have considered that success makes you happy, but psychologists report that happy individuals are successful across multiple life domains, including marriage, friendship, income, work performance, and health.
People with positive emotions are also more trusting, allowing for more creative and beneficial negotiations.
Creates optimistic outlook:
It gives you a positive attitude that makes life easier and eases pain, sadness, and grief. Your happiness also creates a positive influence on your loved ones. Happy energy is contagious and affects one another.
Protects your Heart:
Happiness may not originate in the heart but is good for it. Happier people were less likely to develop coronary heart disease and tend to have great immunity.
Makes performance better at the workplace:
In the workplace, happy teams communicate, cooperate, and perform better. They are also more productive, better corporate citizens, take fewer days off and change jobs less often.
Happy people are regarded as more physically attractive, intelligent and competent, friendly, warm and assertive, and less selfish.
Journal Reference
- Diener, E., Pressman, S.D., Hunter, J. and Delgadillo-Chase, D. (2017), If, Why, and When Subjective Well-Being Influences Health, and Future Needed Research. Appl Psychol Health Well-Being, 9: 133-167. DOI: 10.1111/aphw.12090