RESEARCH

How science says you could be happier

Happier people were less prone to cardiovascular disease.

In Summary

•Some experts believe that having experiences outside of our comfort zones can also help improve overall happiness.

• Happier people were less prone to cardiovascular disease.

How Science Says , You Could Be Happier.'Newsweek' reports that scientists and researchers agree that there are clear steps people can take to improve their happiness.

Emiliana Simon-Thomas, science director at the Greater Good Science Center (GGSC), helps define happiness for readers.

The way that researchers usually define happiness is as a more broad characteristic of a person's life. It's generally feeling good and having a sense of purpose, Emiliana Simon-Thomas, science director at the Greater Good Science Center (GGSC), via 'Newsweek'.

A 2018 study in the 'Journal of the American College of Cardiology' found that happier people were less prone to cardiovascular disease.

The 2022 'World Happiness Report' found that positive emotions make a big difference when predicting longevity or resistance to the common cold.

According to Simon-Thomas, developing mindfulness can contribute to self-knowledge, insight and the ability to avoid becoming overwhelmed by outside events.

Some experts believe that having experiences outside of our comfort zones can also help improve overall happiness.

Researchers suggest that confronting fears can help lower stress levels, playing a huge roll in increasing happiness.

If you are thinking of difficulties as threats or sources of harm or pain, that will disrupt or take away your resources, Emiliana Simon-Thomas, science director at the Greater Good Science Center (GGSC), via 'Newsweek'.

Your ability to relate to that challenge is not as functional if you think of it as a threat versus taking a challenge mindset, Emiliana Simon-Thomas, science director at the Greater Good Science Center (GGSC), via 'Newsweek'

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