The study of happiness, also known as positive psychology, gained a lot of attention in recent years.
With the goal of improving people’s well-being, researchers are constantly uncovering new information about what makes us happy and how to lead a fulfilling life.
What is happiness?
Happiness, or subjective well-being (SWB) as per positive psychology, is having positive emotions as well as a sense of overall life satisfaction. It involves having a sense of well-being, a purpose and meaning in life, and positive relationships with others. Happiness is not just the absence of negative emotions or the presence of happy expressions.
Positive psychologists research what makes happy people happy and then help us cultivate these factors into our lives so that we can be happier.
Top Happiness News From Past, Still Relevant In 2023
We pick some of the top happiness news articles from the past to bring you groundbreaking insights that will shift your outlook on happiness.
1. The Benefits of Mindfulness
One of the most talked-about findings back in 2019 was the link between mindfulness and happiness.
According to a study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology, individuals who regularly practice mindfulness are more likely to experience greater well-being, life satisfaction, and happiness.
The study suggests that by paying attention to the present moment, individuals can reduce stress and anxiety, leading to an overall increase in happiness.
2. The Power of Gratitude
Another important thing happiness researchers found out was the impact of gratitude on happiness.
According to a study published in the Frontiers in Psychology, individuals who regularly express gratitude report higher levels of well-being and life satisfaction.
The study authors wrote:
“The gratitude intervention managed to increase positive affect, subjective happiness and life satisfaction, and reduce negative affect and depression symptoms.”
This is because gratitude helps us to focus on the good things in our lives, rather than dwelling on the negative.
By focusing on what we have to be grateful for, we can increase our happiness and overall well-being.
3. The Benefits of Self-Compassion
Self-compassion has also been found to be an important factor in happiness.
According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, those who practice self-compassion are more likely to experience greater well-being and happiness.
This is because self-compassion helps us to be more accepting of ourselves, including our imperfections, leading to an overall increase in self-esteem and happiness.
4. The Importance of Sleep for Happiness
Happiness researchers also highlighted the importance of sleep for happiness.
According to a study published in the journal Health Psychology, those who get enough sleep are more likely to experience higher levels of well-being and happiness.
The study found that getting more sleep the night before may help you appreciate positive events more. While lack of sleep may increase the loss of positive affect on stressful days, and also reduce positive responses to positive events.
This is because sleep is essential for physical and mental restoration, allowing us to face each day with renewed energy and a positive outlook.
5. The Benefits of Spending Time Outdoors
Also in 2019, research revealed the benefits of spending time outdoors for happiness.
According to a study published in the International Journal of Environmental Health Research, individuals who spend time in nature are more likely to experience higher levels of well-being and happiness.
This is because being in nature helps to reduce stress and increase feelings of peace and calm, leading to an overall increase in happiness.
Further Reading
- Giving thanks can make you happier
- 10 Happiest Countries In The World In 2019
- What is ‘nunchi’, the Korean secret to happiness?
- What Millions of Books Reveal About 200 Years of Happiness
- Having kids makes you happier, but only when they move out
- Valuing Time Over Money Predicts Happiness After a Major Life Transition
Positive Psychology Journals:
- Journal of Happiness Studies. Link: https://www.springer.com/journal/10902
- Journal of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing. Link: https://journalppw.com/index.php/JPPW
- International Journal of Applied Positive Psychology. Link: https://www.springer.com/journal/41042/
Final Words
We suggest you start with gratitude practice and see your daily happiness and overall well-being rise.
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Author Bio: Collected and created by Sandip Roy—a medical doctor, psychology writer, and happiness researcher. Founder and Chief Editor of The Happiness Blog. Writes on mental health, happiness, positive psychology, mindfulness, and philosophy (especially Stoicism).
