Being happy is good for the mind and body. There are so many amazing health benefits of being happy.
Researchers have found that happier people tend to live longer and healthier lives, are less likely to get sick, and have more energy.
Studies show that positive emotions are associated with increased mental and physical health, while negative emotions are associated with the opposite.
Of course, it’s not just about being happy; it’s about finding ways to bring happiness into your life. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to boost your happiness — and improve your health.
Here are the top 8 reasons why happiness is so crucial for your health.
1. You’re more likely to live longer
One of the major health benefits of being happy is living longer. A British study found that people who were happiest when they were young lived an average of seven years longer than those who weren’t happy until later in life.
According to a study published in the journal Health Psychology, people who had experienced positive emotions throughout their lives were more likely to live longer than those who had not.
2. You’ll sleep more soundly
A University of California study found that people who experienced more positive emotions during the day slept better at night. When you are happy, you have a lower chance of having insomnia or paralysis, which may affect your sleep.
In addition, when you’re happy it is easier for you to fall asleep.
3. You’ll have less stress
Several studies have linked happiness with lower levels of cortisol, a hormone released by the adrenal gland during stress or anxiety.
Cortisol also suppresses immune function and increases appetite, which can lead to weight gain — both things you want to avoid if you’re trying to stay healthy!
It’s also been proven that happy people have lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels than those who are unhappy. Happier people will be less likely to develop chronic diseases like hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease than unhappy people.
4. Happiness can also help prevent depression
One of the mental health benefits of sleep is that it fights depression.
Research has shown that happiness increases the amount of dopamine in the brain, which helps with memory, learning ability, motivation, and focus.
Dopamine is also responsible for regulating moods; too little dopamine can cause depression, while too much causes anxiety or hyperactivity.
5. Improved immune system
A positive outlook on life has been linked with improved immune system function and increased energy levels.
A study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that happier people had stronger immune systems than those who weren’t — regardless of whether they were sick or healthy at the testing time.
6. Better physical health
Happy people have better physical health than unhappy people do.
A 2009 study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that negative emotions like anger or anxiety were linked with poor overall health.
On the other hand, positive emotions like joy or enthusiasm were linked with better overall health, and positive emotions like joy were linked with lower blood pressure levels over time (and therefore better cardiovascular health).
This is an obvious health benefit of being happy because your happiness can play a role in your overall physical health.
Furthermore, being happy can also improve your skin.
7. Better relationships
Happy people tend to have better relationships than unhappy people: They’re less likely to be problematic, worrisome, and more optimistic and understanding.
Maintaining good relationships is essential for your mental and social health.
8. You will get sick less often
Research has shown that people with higher levels of positive emotions tend to get sick less often than those who aren’t as happy — even if they have other risk factors such as smoking or obesity!
Other health benefits of being happy include:
- Happy people have lower blood pressure than unhappy people
- Happy people have lower rates of heart disease than unhappy people
- Happy people are more productive at work than unhappy workers
- Happy people are more likely to exercise regularly.
Conclusion
Happiness is a state of mind. It’s how we feel, how we think, and what we do daily. The good news is that it’s also a choice. The health benefits of being happy prove that it is important to always do wholesome things that make you happy.
Happiness can be found through healthy eating and exercise, practicing gratitude, and making time for self-care. When you’re happy and healthy, you’ll find great success in all areas of your life.
