Happiness: The Best Medicine on the
Planet
Find
happiness,
Eat happiness,
Breathe happiness,
And live happiness,
Happiness is one of the greatest
gifts of nature — free, abundant, and available to everyone, regardless
of financial or social status. It has immense healing power and is a powerful
tool for overall well-being. With a happy mind and a healthy soul, even life’s
toughest problems become easier to face.
Happiness is a deeply personal
experience. It’s not one-size-fits-all — what brings joy to one person may not
affect another the same way. You could say it's a beautiful mix of emotions,
joy, and positive feelings. It is closely linked to mental and emotional
well-being, and people who report higher levels of happiness often show more
compassion, optimism, and resilience in their daily lives.
In this age of science and
technology, it has become a bit harder to meet loved ones in person or maintain
connections in a natural way — but on the bright side, technology also opens
new doors. It allows us to connect with like-minded people, form
supportive communities, and share emotions across borders.
One of my favorite books, the
international bestseller “Ikigai,” explores the secrets to longevity
among the people of Okinawa, Japan. One key factor? Happiness — rooted in
strong social connections and a sense of purpose.
Benefits of Being Happy
“Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end
of human existence.” — Aristotle
Happiness brings countless benefits — a happy mind can truly work wonders.
More than just a feeling, happiness is both a psychological concept
and a healthy state of mind.
When we're happy, the brain releases dopamine
— a "feel-good" chemical that plays a key role in overall well-being.
Positive emotions like joy, love, or gratitude trigger this release, which in
turn reinforces the behavior, making us more likely
to repeat it and stay motivated toward meaningful goals.
Research shows that happiness offers far more than just a good mood — it
supports better health, stronger relationships,
higher productivity, and resilience in the face of stress.
6 Proven Health
Benefits of Happiness
With so much research showing the multiple positive benefits
for our health when we’re happy, here are the top six proven health benefits:
1. Improved Heart
Health
Several studies have linked happiness with improved heart
health and lower risk of heart disease by 13-26% (Kim, Smith & Kubzansky,
2014, Boehm et al, 2011, Kubzansky & Thurston, 2007, Davidson, Mostofsky
& Whang, 2010).
2. Ability to Combat
Stress More Effectively
Excess stress causes higher levels of cortisol – the stress
hormone – which can lead to a number of health conditions. Multiple studies
have found that individuals who are happier have consistently lower cortisol
levels in their blood (Smyth et al, 1998, Davydov et al, 2005, Steptoe et al
2008).
3. A Stronger Immune
System
Some research has indicated that being happier can support a
strong immune system, leading to greater health all round, and the ability to
fight infections or disease more effectively (Stone et al, 1987, Cohen et al,
2003, Marsland et al, 2006).
4. Overall Healthier
Lifestyle
Happiness has also been linked to several positive and
highly beneficial health habits, that promote a greater sense of wellbeing.
This includes eating a healthier diet (Dubois et al, 2012), engaging in more
physical activity (Sapranaviciute-Zabazlajeva et al, 2017), and overcome poor
sleeping habits (Steptoe et al, 2008).
5. Can Help Reduce
Pain
Researchers believe that individuals who are happier, have a
better perspective and are able to accept new thoughts easily, which can lead
to a lower experience of pain especially connected to chronic conditions such
as arthritis (Fredrickson, 2004, Berges, Seale & Ostir, 2014).
6. Increased Life
Longevity
One of the most interesting finds from the research for
health benefits of happiness is its connection with life longevity. Researchers
believe that because of the impact happiness has on all of the above health
benefits, it can ultimately help you live a longer life (Carstensen et al,
2011, Lawrence, Rogers & Wadsworth, 2015, Chida & Steptoe, 2008).
(Adapted from an article on
The https://positivepsychology.com/benefits-of-happiness/)
Other
Benefits
Motivation and Productivity
Happiness is closely linked to productivity. People in a good mood tend to enjoy what they do and approach their work with creativity and enthusiasm. Research shows that happier individuals are more satisfied with their jobs, make faster and better decisions, and often perform at higher levels. Simply put, a happy mind gets more done — and enjoys doing it.
Improved Social Connections
Happy people tend to build stronger, more meaningful relationships. Their positive energy makes them easier to approach, and others naturally enjoy being around them. A warm smile, a lighthearted attitude, and emotional openness all contribute to better communication and deeper bonds — whether with family, friends, or the wider community.
Better Coping with Daily Challenges
Life presents daily challenges — big and
small. A happy, calm mind tends to see the positive side of difficulties
and handles them with patience, optimism, and resilience. Instead of reacting
impulsively, happy people are more likely to respond thoughtfully and constructively.
Happiness isn’t just a feeling — it’s a foundation for a healthier, more
fulfilling life. From improving your heart to strengthening your relationships
and mindset, the benefits of happiness ripple into every area of your
well-being.
“The most important thing is to
enjoy your life — to be happy — it’s all that matters.” — Audrey Hepburn
A happy life doesn’t mean a perfect one — it means choosing joy, gratitude, and connection even in the imperfect moments.
How to Be Happy
“Happiness is not something
ready-made. It comes from your own actions.” — Dalai Lama
Ever wondered if happiness is a
secret ingredient only some people possess, or something you can simply buy off
a shelf? The truth is, happiness isn't a marketable commodity; it's a profound
skill that can be learned and cultivated. Think of it not as a fleeting
emotion, but like a personal "well-being index." Just as a skilled
trader learns to navigate market fluctuations, we too can develop strategies to
influence our internal happiness levels. It's about building resilience and
actively fostering positive states.
So, if happiness is a skill, how do
we learn it? The answer lies within our own amazing brains, thanks to a
remarkable concept known as neuroplasticity. As observed by Richard J. Davidson,
neuroplasticity is the brain's incredible ability to change its form and
function. This means your brain's structure and how it operates can literally
be modified in response to new experiences, learning, and even intentional
interventions like mindfulness training. This groundbreaking scientific
discovery is the very reason why you can actively rewire your brain for
more positive states and cultivate lasting happiness.
How
to Be Happy: Practical Habits That Make a Difference
Happiness is not just a result of chance — it’s
something we can actively cultivate through simple, daily practices. Here are
some science-backed habits and timeless lifestyle changes that can help you
feel more balanced, content, and emotionally well:
Practice Gratitude
Start your day by being thankful — for your
health, your breath, and your life. Gratitude has been shown to shift your
mindset toward positivity. Every morning, take a moment to thank life (or God)
for what you have. When someone helps you — no matter how small — don’t forget
to say “thank you.”
Gratitude creates emotional warmth, and that warmth feeds happiness.
Move Your Body
Exercise is one of the most effective tools
for boosting mood and reducing stress. It doesn’t have to be intense — a walk,
light yoga, or stretching counts too. The old saying “a healthy mind lives in a healthy body” still holds true.
Physical activity releases endorphins, the brain’s natural feel-good chemicals.
Eat Healthy
What you feed your body feeds your brain too. Focus on foods that nourish and energize you — fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and enough water. If you’re following a specific diet plan, be mindful and consistent. A healthy gut has been linked to better emotional health, so what you eat truly matters.
Follow Your Passion
Doing what you love is one of the deepest sources of joy. Whether it's music, writing, gardening, or art — make time for it. Even taking a small step each day toward your passion creates meaning and motivation. As the Japanese concept of ikigai teaches us — purpose is powerful.
Spend
Time with Loved Ones
Happiness grows in connection. Make time to meet your friends, family, and people who uplift you. Laugh, share your wins and lessons, and have real, informal conversations. According to researchers at Harvard, strong social relationships are one of the biggest predictors of long-term happiness.
Prioritize Good Sleep
Quality sleep is essential for emotional
resilience. When we’re well-rested, we’re better able to handle challenges,
regulate our mood, and maintain mental clarity. Try to get 7–8 hours of uninterrupted sleep
and keep a calm bedtime routine.
Cultivate a Positive Mindset
A positive mindset doesn’t mean ignoring
problems — it means choosing to focus on what you can learn, solve, or
appreciate. Positive thinking helps reduce overthinking, anxiety, and emotional
fatigue. It’s a daily choice that rewires your brain toward optimism.
Happiness is not something we wait
for — it's something we build, through small, consistent choices every day.
From practicing gratitude to nurturing real-world relationships and
disconnecting from digital noise, happiness thrives in intention and balance.
The more we align with what truly matters, the more joy we invite into our
lives.
“Almost everything will work again
if you unplug it for a few minutes… including you.” — Anne Lamott
So take a breath, take a step, and
make space for happiness — it's closer than you think.
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