Embracing Your Own Happiness with 7 Easy Steps

Did you know that August is Happiness Happens Month?

Find out why it’s important and 7 simple steps to achieve a happier frame of mind.

Although there is no formula for happiness we all know what it is and when we are experiencing it; and that it can come in many different shapes and sizes. But while happiness is a wonderful state to be in, many of us don’t share it with others – it seems to be something we keep to ourselves, especially for those 50 and older.

This is quite interesting because a recent U.S. survey has found that, on average, those 55+ are happier and more content than younger generations. There are many possible explanations for this, including being free from the 9-5 grind, the stresses of raising young children and achieving a sense of confidence that can only come from life experience.

So, you’re happy and you know it… but are hesitant to show it?

Maybe you don’t want to come off as bragging, maybe you are worried others won’t share in your joy, maybe you even feel guilty about being as happy as you are considering the state of the world.

This is where Happiness Happens Month comes in. Created by the Secret Society of Happy People, Happiness Happens Month was created to share happiness and encourage people to talk about it as well as think happy thoughts. It is so easy to get wrapped up in drama, the world’s problems and minor conflicts or irritations amongst peers and family members, but there are so many benefits to be had from simply being happy. And when you are happy with yourself, it is easy to be happy for others and from there, you can drive so much positive change in your social circles, your community, and even the world. We aren’t making this up, research has found that happiness doesn’t just feel good, it actually leads to a wide range of benefits for our performance, health, relationships and more!

Researchers have done a number of studies regarding the impact of happiness, here are a few of the findings:

Economists at Warwick University showed different groups of people either a positive film clip or a neutral film clip and then asked them to carry out standard workplace tasks underpaid conditions. Those primed to feel happy were 11% more productive than their peers, even after controlling for age, IQ, and other factors.
In healthcare, doctors who are happy have been found to make faster and more accurate diagnoses.
A review of more than 160 studies found “clear and compelling evidence” that happier people have better overall health and live longer than their less happy peers.
People who are happier are more likely to make a positive contribution to society. In particular, they are more likely to vote, do voluntary work and participate in public activities.
An extensive study in the British Medical Journal followed people over 20 years and found that their happiness affected others in their networks across “three degrees of separation”. In other words, how happy we are has a measurable impact on the mood of our friend’s friend’s friend.

Happiness Happens Month is all about recognizing and sharing your happy moments and encouraging others to do so as well. Remember, it doesn’t have to be large moments, it can be something as simple as sitting and watching the birds or cleaning your kitchen or cozily listening to a storm.