The Science of Happiness

It seems that Happiness has attracted attention of scientists and even the governments in some countries. As you probably know, some countries are having Ministers of Happiness and their job responsibilities are no laughing matter. Since 2011, on 20 March, the world is celebrating International Day of Happiness.

Jeffrey Sachs, director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University’s Earth Institute said “Happiness is of interest right now, because there is better and better evidence that it can be meaningfully measured and meaningfully affected.”

It is interesting to know what makes people happy. Researches have been working hard to find the answer. Based on surveys, researchers found that quite a few people don’t know what makes them happy.

Among those who knew the answer, the following replies were most common:

• Solid relationships – healthy family, romantic involvement, or friendship;
• Engaging ways to spend time – interesting work, hobbies, volunteering, and even challenges associated with these activities;
• Social behavior – participation in the community events, caring about other people, active lifestyle.

It is confirmed that being 69 and older is the happiest time for many people. It can be explained that the people in their 70s have solid life experience and good knowledge about themselves, and can enjoy different events at most.

Positive thinking substantially contributes to happiness: being grateful, optimistic, kind, and considering yourself a lucky person – all this creates the flow of positive energy and supports well-being and overall joy. It is so simple and natural, and it does not require many resources. What we need is to remember and practice it. And we all will be much happier.