Did you know that happiness can also host a lot of health benefits? Yes, a positive well-being is not only the whole aim of existence but also a way to enhance our physical and mental health. In fact, positive emotions like joy, satisfaction and contentment were linked to lower risks of diabetes and heart diseases.
Curious how being happy can help you become healthier? Let’s explore together the potential health benefits of a happy lifestyle.
Several studies have suggested that happy people usually tend to have a healthier diet, mostly based on whole-grains and plant-based foods. In fact, a study made on 7000 individuals proved that those who consume more fruits and veggies are 47% more likely to have a better mood. Also, they are 33% more likely to exercise and have better sleep practices and habits.
We already know that physical activity is important to decrease our body fat, increase our energy levels and help our body build strong bones but did you know that exercising can also boost those happy hormones? Sleep can have a great impact on our daily performance, productivity and concentration but it can also enhance good mood, as well. It appears to be a link between happier people and a healthier lifestyle that includes a balanced diet and physical activity.
Being Happy Can Boost The Immune System
Studies have shown that happy people tend to have a stronger immunity and to be resistant to developing colds or chest infections. In fact, a research made on 300 individuals who received a common cold virus via some nasal drops proved that those who were happier were less likely to develop that common cold compared to the less happy counterparts. In short, happier people tend to have a better antibody response.
Happiness may impact the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis which is involved in regulating the stress levels but also the immune system hormones and the digestion. So, the less stressed people are, the more they can keep their immunity strong and their health intact.
Helps Combat Stress
Happy people have a lower level of cortisol- the stress hormones that causes so many health problems from sleep disorders to weight gain, high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes. A study made on 200 adults that received several stressful lab-based tasks suggested that the cortisol levels were 32% lower in the happy participants compared to their unhappy counterparts. More than this, happy people tend to produce less cortisol to stressful situations over time.
May Protect Your Heart
Blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart diseases seems to be reduced in people who are mostly happy. A research made on 65000 individuals over the age 65 proved that happy people have a 9% lower risk of high blood pressure that leads to several heart diseases.
Other studies linked happiness with 13-26% lower risk of heart disease. It seems that this connection persists even when other factors like age, blood pressure and cholesterol levels are taken into consideration. Since happier people have healthier eating habits and heart-healthy activities, it makes sense that they have a lower risk of heart disease as well.
May Lengthen Your Life Expectancy
Happy people live longer. In fact, it seems that the risk of death is with 14% higher among unhappy people compared to the ones that experience positive well-being. A study made on 32.000 people supported this association between longevity and happiness in both people who suffer from a pre-existing health condition and healthy ones.
Happiness has a great effect on survival and reduces the risk of death with 18% among healthy people and 2% among those who suffer from a chronic disease. Good sleeping patterns, physical activity, medication compliance and a healthy diet help people live longer.
May Help Reduce Pain
Arthritis is one of the conditions that involves painful, stiff and inflamed joints. Usually it gets worse with age but several studies have shown that being happy can reduce some of the pain and stiffness that are associated with this condition.
In fact, happiness makes people with arthritis functional broaden their perspective and find new strategies to cope with pain or to reduce the perception of pain. A study made on 1000 people who suffer from arthritis of the knee showed that happy people were able to walk with 8.5% more than their counterparts.
Other Ways Being Happy May Make You Healthier
There are more health benefits linked with happiness and although we need further research to confirm these associations, the early findings are promising.
It seems that happy people have a 3% lower risk of developing frailty and a 26% lower risk of experiencing a stroke. Since happiness was associated with a lower risk of blood pressure and a stroke occurs when there is a disturbance in that blood flow to the brain, being happy may reduce the risk of having a stroke.
Ways to Increase Your Happiness
You can learn to enhance your mood every day by:
- Expressing gratitude: Try to focus on the things that you are grateful for every day instead of your worries and you will learn to always see the good part in every situation.
- Getting active: Exercising is good for your physical health but it also boosts the dopamine levels, enhancing your good mood.
- Getting a good night’s rest: Sleep problems have an effect on your overall health so if you struggle staying asleep, try to find ways better ways to rest and it will also affect your happiness.
- Spending time outside: A walk in the park or outdoor exercising can significantly boost your mood, reduce stress and even improve sleep.
- Eating a healthier diet: A plant-based diet will improve your health, will balance your microbiome and make you feel happy.
Considering that being happy promotes a healthy lifestyle, extending your life, you should start prioritizing your happiness right now. Focus on everything that brings a smile on your face and how Charlie Chaplin was saying: smile through your fear and sorrow/smile and maybe tomorrow/you’ll see the sun come shining through/ for you.
