Happiness Helps Reduce Stress

Good quality of life has health and happiness as two basic pillars. Happiness and health have been anecdotally linked for long and no doubt that a strong connection exists between them. All humans have an inherent tendency to ruminate more on negative experiences than positive ones. In fact, such behaviour is an evolutionary adaptation. Learning from the dangerous or negative situations we encounter through life, in fact, helps us avoid repetition in the future and react quickly in a crisis situation. 

Happiness has been positively associated with healthier behaviours.  And healthier behaviours in turn help control high blood pressure and excess body fat, resulting in lower risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease. 

Positive effects

Happiness is the experience of positive emotions, such as joy, contentment, and satisfaction. Research shows that being happier doesn’t just make us feel better but actually creates a host of potential health benefits both physical as well as mental.

Happy people practise a range of lifestyle habits that are essential for an overall healthier life. Happy people are likely to eat healthier diets that comprise higher intakes of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and engage in daily physical activity. Diets rich in fruits and vegetables have been linked to a range of health benefits that include lower risks of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, stroke, and heart disease.

A moderate level of physical activity helps build strong bones, increase energy levels, decrease body fat, and lower blood pressure. Happiness has also been associated with improved sleep habits and practices that are important for concentration, productivity, improving performance, and maintaining a healthy weight.

There is a proven relationship between happiness and a strong immune system that helps prevent illness and makes symptoms of diseases less severe. However, the effects of happiness on the immune system are still not completely understood. It was found in a study that a group of people who were exposed to a flu virus but had positive emotions were less likely to get sick. The same experience was repeated for people whose happiness level was enhanced before exposure to the virus.

The stress levels were significantly reduced among happy people. Typically, stress causes an increase in levels of cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone that results in many of the harmful effects of stress that includes lower-quality sleep, weight gain, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. Happy people tend to produce lower levels of cortisol in response to even stressful life events. There has been a proven relationship between happiness and the reduction of the risk of heart disease by reducing blood pressure, the biggest cause of death worldwide.

Happy people enjoy their life more and they are likely to live longer. The reason for their longevity may be because they engage in more health-promoting behaviours, such as regular exercise. The studies have found that on average people with a stronger sense of happiness and well-being live longer than people with lower happiness for both genders.

There is a strong association between optimism and happiness. Optimistic people are happier than pessimists. Research has proven that optimistic people have a reduced risk of heart disease, and stroke. They have better lung capacity and function. Optimism has been found to be associated with a lower risk of early death from cancer and infection. Thinking positive thoughts and staying surrounded by positive people really is a way to remain optimistic and happy. Optimism and pessimism are said to be infectious. So, it has been recommended to hang out with optimistic people to remain happy.

Approaches

There are scientifically proven ways to become happier. The most important is to express gratitude.  People can increase their happiness by focussing on the things they are grateful for.  Another way is to remain active.  Aerobic exercise has been proven to be the most effective type of exercise for increasing happiness. Walking, and playing badminton or tennis are not only good for physical health but also enhance mood. When people get up and move, they tend to be happier than when they are static.

Numerous studies support the fact that spending time in nature is good for a healthier life. We know that walking on quiet paths surrounded by greenery can result in significant improvements to mental health, and even has positive effects on the brain. Outdoor exercise for as little as a few minutes significantly improves mood. Sunlight also has a positive effect on mood and happiness. Natural light exposure either by spending time outside or living in a space with natural light is good for mood. 

Lack of sleep can have a negative effect on happiness levels and it has a hangover effect. People who struggle with falling asleep or staying asleep, then they are recommended to have a consultation with a therapist for a better night’s sleep. People who feel relaxed are happier than people who don’t. Similar effects are seen in relation to sex life. People who are happy with their sex lives are happier overall than those with less-than-satisfactory sex lives.

Yoga and meditation can increase happiness and also provide a number of other benefits that include reduced stress and improved quality sleep. Studies have shown that the more fruits and vegetables one eats, the happier he/she will be. Eating more fruits and fresh vegetables has been shown to improve overall health in the long term. Thus, carrying out activities that make one happy adds years to a quality life. 

(Dr. Lohani is the clinical director at the Nepal Drug and Poison Information Centre. lohanis@gmail.com)