Study says Happy = Healthy. What makes you happy?

[Greg]

Reuters reports happy people are healthier than those who are chronically stressed, hostile or pessimistic. That's not really surprising.

What made me sit up and notice was the answer Dr. Andrew Steptoe gave when asked " How do you become happier?"

What we do know is that people's mood states are not just a matter of heredity, but depend on our social relationships and fulfillment in life.

We need to help people to recognize the things that make them feel good and truly satisfied with their lives, so that they spend more time doing these things.

1. People's moods can be hereditary??

2. Yes! We should spend more time doing the things that are satisfying. Good advice dude.

One joy I've recently discovered is eating what I just made. Cooking and eating their own food is a small, insignificant event for most people, but I'm damn proud of my lopsided, misshaped cookies.


What are the things you do that make you "feel good and truly satisfied"?

[Will]

Originally Posted by Greg

Yes! We should spend more time doing the things that are satisfying. Good advice dude.

That is really the heart of the problem. People don't spend time doing the one thing that makes them truly happy--spending time with their loved ones.

Instead, they try to fill their empty souls with material things which give them happiness for a little while. In order to afford these things, people have to take on more demanding jobs, which takes them away from their families and making them even sadder.

It is a vicious cycle.

[Joanne]

Living a joyful life, doing what speaks to our soul and continually purging what doesn't, has become a way of life for our family over the last few years. Trusting ourselves and each other, honoring our passions and living and learning in freedom has replaced a lot of what used to be there.

[Gootsy]

for the last 3 months I've been going to the library at least once a week. This does make me pretty happy when I get movies that I can't get at the video store(because they don't carry it), and the movie's free! Course I get books as well hehe.

Being able to relax on a rainy day with some warm coffee/hot chocolate in front of the TV/book, knowing that I have taken cary of all my cleaning/sorting/bills for the week, is pretty awesome.

[VaranusK]

my kids. as simple as that. They make me laugh, play, run, sleep... what else could I need?

[breadandbutter]

I totally agree with you people that time for oneself is really essential to make a person happy deep inside. Other things which makes me happy and healthy would be eating, reading books and watching great movies.

[Julie Rains]

Originally Posted by Greg

One joy I've recently discovered is eating what I just made. Cooking and eating their own food is a small, insignificant event for most people, but I'm damn proud of my lopsided, misshaped cookies.

Lopsided, misshapen cookies would be an improvement for me. I have never mastered the art of baking cookies despite my skill at cheesecake, sweet breads, brownies, and cakes. My last batch (made from a cookie jar present my son received) just spread all out and I could barely scrap them from the pan.

[rolltimer]

I may be the exception to the rule. I find a great deal of unhappiness in my life yet I am as healthy as I've ever been. Maybe the thing is not to define yourself by your moods, by what you own or what you lack. Just because there is not always happiness doesn't mean I don't have joy. Joy and happiness are not the same. Joy can be had despite one's circumstances. Joy is the river always running while happiness is the wind that is always changing.

[amandajane]

1. People's moods can be hereditary??

Yup, it's true, mood disorders can be hereditary, and I guess positive moods could be too, it's the nature/nurture debate again :0)

Personally, it's study that makes me happy, most of the time. I get such a sense of fulfillment from it, mostly because I returned to study at 40 and it's something I've always wanted to do.

Other things make me happy too though. My son, friends, being outside in the lovely summer weather, the more simple things in life.

Simplicity and frugality have caused a huge turnaround in my life. It's like the extraneous is gradually being purged (nice word Joanne) and my life just keeps getting better and better.

[boba1212]

Originally Posted by cmartinrg

my kids. as simple as that. They make me laugh, play, run, sleep... what else could I need?

That's very touching and beautiful

Playing with my nephews and niece makes me inexplicably happy. I want to laugh at almost everything they say or do.

Being outside, walking or running, always puts me in a good mood. must be a combination of the exercise, endorphin release, and sunlight...