Why Is It Important to Be Happy? 8 Top Reasons!
At a little dose of happy, we often get asked, “Why is it important to be happy?”
Does happiness have some magical power that makes the world a better place? Will we be healthier and more successful when we’re happy?
Unsurprisingly, the answer is a resounding yes!
It’s not just us saying so. Science (such as this study) has proven the power of positive emotions.
Happiness positively impacts us, our mental health, and those around us. Happiness is a lighthearted matter that should never be taken lightly!
This post will inspire you to be happy. You’ll learn why bringing more happiness into your life is important.
So, Why Is It Important to Be Happy?
Happiness is an emotional state that includes joy, contentment, and fulfillment.
There are so many reasons why it’s important to be happy:
Watch this video to learn about the top 5 reasons, or continue reading about all eight!
1. Happiness Makes Us More Positive
When we’re happy, we’re naturally more optimistic. We’re more likely to see the best in people and situations.
Does that dark storm cloud on the horizon look threatening? Not when we’re optimistic and able to see the positive side of life!
With positive thinking, we’re ready to tackle the day, and any challenges, without slowing down. If something goes wrong, we shrug it off, knowing it won’t last forever. Our resilience lets us bounce back with even more enthusiasm.
2. Happiness Leads to Better Physical Health
Happiness helps us to live! It improves our overall health and well-being. Let’s chat about how.
Happiness Improves Heart Health
Happiness directly impacts our heart health. One study found that happy people have a lower risk of developing heart disease. Another study found that people who are happy and have a positive outlook on life are less likely to have a heart attack or stroke.
Happiness Reduces Stress
What’s the link between happiness and heart health? Researchers believe it has to do with the stress-reducing effects of happiness.
When we’re stressed, our bodies go into fight-or-flight mode. This means that our heart rate and blood pressure increase, and we release stress hormones like cortisol. These physical changes can lead to heart disease, high blood pressure, and other health problems.
But when we’re happy, our bodies are more relaxed. We breathe more easily, and we don’t release cortisol. As a result, our heart rate and blood pressure decrease.
Happiness Reduces Pain
Happy people experience less pain. They feel fewer unpleasant physical symptoms in chronic conditions. They also tend to be less distressed overall.
One study found that happy people with arthritis reported less pain than unhappy people with arthritis. The researchers believe that happiness may help reduce pain by releasing endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers.
Happiness Leads to a Strong Immune System
Happy people tend to have stronger immune systems. One study found that people who reported the most positive emotions were less likely to get sick after exposure to a virus.
The researchers believe that happiness may help to boost the immune system by reducing stress. Stress hormones like cortisol can suppress the immune system, making us more vulnerable to illness.
Being happy reduces stress and boosts our immune system, protecting us against illness!
Happiness Promotes Healthy Habits
Happy people tend to lead healthier lives. They’re more likely to adopt a healthy lifestyle with a positive attitude.
One study found that happy people were more likely to exercise regularly and eat healthily. The researchers believe that happiness may lead to healthy habits because happy people have more self-control and are more motivated to care for their health.
Happiness Increases Life Expectancy
It’s not entirely understood how happiness leads to greater life expectancy. But all of the above health benefits must play a role!
One study showed that the happiest people have a 35% lower risk of dying than the least happy people. Knowing this, it’s clear that happiness is essential for a long and healthy life!
3. Happiness Improves Relationships
Happy people have better relationships. The happier we are, the more readily we can cultivate relationships with people around us.
Happy people tend to radiate their good moods and positive dispositions, making them more likely to attract others to them. Happiness improves the quality of social interactions, deepening connections between people.
Becoming happier can make our relationships stronger, more intimate, and more fulfilling. If we’re happy, we’re more likely to be in a happy relationship and have more friends!
4. Happiness Can Make Us More Successful
Did you know that happiness is essential for productivity and performance?
Studies have shown that happy people are more likely to get promoted and receive raises than their unhappy counterparts! Happy people are more likely to ace those job interviews and earn higher incomes. Their employers notice them as a positive addition to the team.
Happiness also lowers the risk of burnout and disruptive behavior. Happy people work longer and faster and find it easier to stay in control under stress.
Happy people are more likely to achieve their goals and dreams because they persist longer and are more resilient in the face of setbacks. They are optimistic, look at mistakes as learning opportunities, and maintain a positive outlook even when things are tough.
5. Happiness Fuels Creativity
Have you ever had a creative block? Perhaps you’re stuck on those last words of a poem you can’t finish? Try doing something that you know makes you happy!
A happy and cheerful mood helps us to be more productive and creative. It’s like a mental state that allows us to think outside the box.
Creativity allows us to develop new ideas and solutions to problems more easily. When we’re stuck, being creative can help us find a way out. And when we’re happy, being creative comes naturally!
6. Happiness Encourages Us to Help Others
Happiness increases our generosity and willingness to help others. Happy people find ways to be kind – they are more likely to volunteer, donate money, or help a stranger in need. They’re also more likely to care for friends and family members.
Doing good for others has a solid link to feeling happy. Positive psychology research shows that when we do something nice for others, we experience an immediate boost in happiness.
And it’s cyclical! Helping others makes us happy, and being happy makes us more likely to help others.
Happiness is also contagious. People subconsciously copy positive emotions and negative emotions from people around them. When we’re happy, those around us are more likely to be happy too, and the world becomes happier.
7. Happiness Helps Our Communities Thrive
Happy people tend to look after their communities. They’re more likely to do favors for their neighbors. They’re more willing to donate their time and energy to spreading kindness to those around them.
Kindness is contagious! When we’re happy, we’re more likely to be kind. When we’re kind, those around us are more likely to be kind too. This creates a ripple effect of positivity that can make our communities better places to live.
8. Happiness Makes Our World Richer
We aren’t talking about financial wealth. We can be happy without money.
Happiness invites new experiences into our lives. We have more adventures, make new connections, and discover things we otherwise would have missed out on.
A happy life is a meaningful life. Happiness gives us the courage to take risks. We’re more likely to try new things and step outside our comfort zones when we feel good. This results in personal growth and a richer life experience.
Final Thoughts
So, why is happiness important? Because happiness makes everything better! It has positive benefits in all aspects of our lives, including our physical health, mental health, relationships, and communities. The best is brought out when we’re happy!
Being happy, and living with a positive attitude, is a lifelong commitment. Learn to always choose kindness and happiness. Soon happiness will become a habit that will positively change your life and the lives of those around you.
The a little dose of happy blog is filled with helpful tips and information to help you create and maintain more happiness in your life. Take some time to explore the blog page, browse through the articles, and use the information to help you reach your own happiness goals.
Remember, happiness is a choice, and it’s up to you to make that choice every day. Choose happiness!