What you need for happiness

 

The question of "how to be happy," worries us - the citizens. Worried about it, and scholars - social psychologists, who have spent the past few decades, many efforts to understand what affects the feeling of happiness.

Watching TV and other popular ways of killing time, clearly do not add to happiness.

What luck, brother?

The main problem with research on "happy" about the fact that it is considered good fortune, and the methods by which to measure its level. If tomorrow you read in the newspapers: "Scientists have found that of chocolate ice cream, women have become happier, do not hurry to take their turn to ice cream. Most likely, it will focus on short-term feeling of pleasure.

Under the happiness of understanding the inner state of man, and not some external factors (income level, for example). There are two components of happiness: positive emotions and the extent to which a person is satisfied with their lives.

Of course, the modern "study of happiness" does not give one hundred percent accurate results, or prescriptions for achieving it. However, a study of factors affecting happiness, you can take stock.

Money is not happiness ...

Although their number has played a role. Citizens of rich countries on average are happier than the poor.

Of course, the lack of shelter and lack of basic needs of happiness will not increase. And the opposite situation: from luxury no one is happier. Psychologist Ed Diener and his colleagues conducted a survey among the 100 richest Americans from Forbes magazine rankings. Their level of happiness was only slightly higher than the national average.
Worst of all have people who believe that to be happy first and foremost need prestige and costs. Psychologist Tim Kasser of the United States conducted a study among 800 former graduates of the same school. He found that for those in the first place put relationships, personal growth and benefit to society, characterized by very high life satisfaction. But those who most valued the higher income and careers, twice as often as others of his former classmates said they were "very" or "very" unhappy. "

As for the widespread dream to win the lottery a million, the science also have its say. Psychologists Smith and Razzell conducted a survey among the British who won the football betting very large sums. 70% of the "lucky ones" left the old job, moved to live in a prestigious area, resulting in lost neighbors, friends at work, and new neighbors in most cases negatively perceived "nouveau riche". In addition, most respondents indicated that after winning their disorder began in the family. As the most joy from a lot of money and the possibility to buy expensive things, it very quickly disappears.

True love - that's not happiness

Many equate the tumultuous love and happiness. However, even the most powerful romantic obsession does not live longer than three years. Proof - a longitudinal study of Huston and Horosta, published in 1994.

Love relationships are a source of happiness is mainly for those people who have a lot in common: a view of the world, life values and interests. Having established that the phenomenon of American scientist Hatfield, calls the love that comes in this case to replace the passions - love, friendship. It does not cause such intense emotions, but it is a deeper, more permanent and over the years only grows.

That is, happiness in marriage are those couples where both spouses are able to become true friends to each other.

Do you have a call to a friend

Communicating with others is very strong effect on happiness: what it is regular, the better. Some psychologists even suggest that social relations - the only true source of happiness.

At the same time (although the joy give friends of either sex) relationships with friends, on average, are more trusting and supportive than male friends. Moreover, the "bosom" friendship is more important for the psychological health of women, and big companies - for men.

One exemplary and well-known research in this area conducted in 2000, psychologist Taylor and her colleagues. She has proven that spending time with friends, women really neutralize the consequences of daily stress. And all thanks to the release of the hormone oxytocin, which is associated with feelings of love and care.

Exercise regularly

While most people begin to engage in sports, experiencing for its shape over time, they are discovering that physical activity improves their mood and self-confidence. Social psychologists Hsayao and Thayer in 1998, found that people are "experienced" in sports, noted among his motives increase the mood and just having fun.

Also, scientists have proven that regular exercise - the best tool for preventing and treating moderate depression. The fact is that physical activity contributes to the production of endorphins - the natural "happy drug".

For example, a British scientist Steptoe found that even the physical exercise alone (3-4 times per week) had a couple of months can steadily improve life satisfaction. Even more effective are exercises "in the company." This may be learning some dance form or joint trips to the pool - the main thing to combine two in one: communication and physical activity.

Find a hobby and like-minded

Studies confirm that the level of happiness strongly influences the way people dispose of their leisure time. Watching TV and other popular ways of killing time, clearly do not add to happiness. The most happy people, who devote their free time, meaningful and purposeful activity.

There is no equal to various clubs and hobby groups, which united people with a common passion. The study maitre in the field of psychology of happiness by Michael Argyle and his colleagues, people were asked to assess their mood after the meeting in his "club". The feeling of joy they have increased sharply, especially among those who attended dance clubs, helped in charitable organizations, or belonged to religious groups.

Begin to help others

Helping others can also make a person happier, increasing his self-esteem and making life more meaningful. In Europe, as part of the leisure distributed volunteer work - free help to any charitable organization. Our country is not yet caught on, but we have organizations that are struggling with violence, engaged in HIV prevention, help the homeless. And while the assistance of volunteers to be abandoned.

A survey of the National Center for volunteering UK, almost all of the volunteers reported that this work has helped them to reduce their number of psychological problems.

Should happiness be the end in itself?

Indeed, as to whether happiness to construct the rank of life's purpose? How many unfortunate people were the great composers, writers, scientists. Moreover, many people are willing to sacrifice personal happiness for the sake of other objectives: creative achievements in career, happiness of other people, finally. On the other hand, it is the people, leading a very active and active life, evaluate it as a happy one.

Although many philosophers and gurus recommend that you find happiness "within himself" happier than all the people whose goals are directed not at himself and the world around you and other people. According to many studies, the happiest people - sociable, socially active, having clear goals in life.