You CAN Develop a Happiness Habit [Here’s How...]
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted May 8, 2024
Life can be a total dumpster fire sometimes.
We’ve all been there. Losing friends, arguing with family, and don’t even get me started on the whole money situation.
Life’s challenging moments are enough to make anyone want to curl up into a ball and binge-watch Netflix for eternity.
But wait, there’s a plot twist!
Apparently, happiness is something you can actually learn. Who knew?
It turns out there’s a “science” to happiness.
In fact, according to new research published in the journal Higher Education, the key to keeping the happiness train chugging along is to make it a habit.
More specifically, it’s to adopt a few of what they refer to as “evidence-based” techniques.
The researchers found that there were at least four of these happiness-supporting habits that were effective:
- gratitude,
- exercise,
- meditation,
- and journaling.
So, the secret to happiness is basically a combination of being thankful, sweating it out, sitting quietly, and scribbling in a diary.
It sounds strange, but research proves it works.
But there’s a catch.
You can’t just do these things for a day, a week, or even a year and expect to be happy forever. This is where the habit part comes in. The study found that you’ve got to keep at it, day in and day out if you want to maintain happiness.
When the researchers followed up with the study participants who tried practicing happiness, they discovered that the initial happiness boost didn’t last for those who didn’t stick with the program.
Only the dedicated folks who kept practicing their “happiness habits” remained more content.
The bottom line is happiness takes work. You must put in the effort and keep at it even when you’d rather be doing literally anything else.
But the payoff is well worth it—a lifetime of happiness.
P.S. Check out these five easy mood boosters to get you into the “Swing of Spring.”
Source:
Hobbs, C., Jelbert, S., Santos, L.R. et al. Long-term analysis of a psychoeducational course on university students’ mental well-being. High Educ (2024). [doi. org /10 .1007/s10734-024-01202-4]
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
The Secret Ingredient to a Longer, Happier Life
Let’s face it. We’re all in need of an attitude adjustment from time to time. After all, when you turn on the news these days, the world can seem pretty dark. That is unless you make it a practice to look for the silver linings. In fact, Harvard researchers say when you do, something quite...
Do You REALLY Need All Those Skincare Products?
I often get questions about skincare products—and here’s what I’ve learned. In today’s beauty-obsessed world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of spending hundreds every month believing you need countless products to fight aging and achieve healthy, glowing skin. However, many dermatologists argue that LESS is MORE when it comes to skincare. Simplifying your...
“Ebb and Flow” Technique TRANSFORMS Senior Brain Health
You know by now that exercise is good for you. It keeps your heart healthy, your muscles strong, and your waistline trim. But what if I told you that a trendy “ebb and flow” workout technique—often associated with young fitness enthusiasts—could actually be a game-changer for us “oldsters” when it comes to brain health? And...
Mailbag: Slash Your Risk of Bone Fractures as You Age
“My doctor recently told me that I have osteoporosis. What can I do to reduce my risk of fractures and maintain strong bones as I age?” – Margaret Hi Margaret, Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I’m sure it was a shock. Osteoporosis is a serious condition that affects millions of people, and it’s not...
Household Favorite EXPOSED as Cancer Risk?
We all want to believe that the products we use daily are safe. After all, if they weren’t, they wouldn’t be on store shelves, right? Well, I hate to break it to you, but sometimes, the truth is far more alarming than we’d like to admit. The World Health Organization (WHO) has just dropped a...
Hidden Heatwave Threat REVEALED
Heat waves can have serious consequences. After all, staying cool isn’t just a comfort issue. When the mercury soars, it threatens your health—especially when you’re a senior. There are various reasons for this, including chronic medical conditions and bodies that just don’t regulate temperature as well as they once did. But there’s another heat-linked threat...
The Hidden Threat Behind Your Achy Joints
Picture this… You’re trying to enjoy a leisurely stroll in the park, but each step sends a jolt of pain through your knee. Or maybe you’re attempting to open a stubborn jar lid, only to have your fingers refuse to cooperate, leaving you feeling frustrated and helpless. Perhaps you’re simply trying to get out of...
Parkinson's Signs You Can't Afford to Miss
Imagine waking up one day to find your body betraying you. Your hands tremble as you try to button your shirt. Your feet shuffle when you want to walk with purpose. Once strong and clear, your voice now barely reaches above a whisper. This is the reality for those living with Parkinson’s. But what if...
Do Protein Needs Drop with Age? The SURPRISING Answer
I had a patient ask me the other day if they needed as much protein now as when they were younger. After all, we aren’t quite as active as seniors compared to when we were spring chickens. It’s a good question. And the answer might surprise you… Remember when you could devour a whole pizza...
Follow Your “Gut Feeling” to Reduce Diabetes Risk
It seems like every day we learn something new about the incredible influence our gut has on our overall health. From mood to immunity, and even to how well we sleep, the community of microbes in our digestive tract is pulling the strings behind the scenes. So, it should come as no surprise that researchers...