Why should I be happy? It’s an important question that many people ask themselves daily, and it’s easy to find numerous reasons why you shouldn’t be happy. While some of these reasons may be valid, there are also many valid reasons why you should be happy, as well. Happiness is a choice. This list of 13 reasons to be happy will help you make the decision that’s right for you. Here are the top reasons why being happy is worth it in every way imaginable.
1) Happiness is Infectious (in a good way)
Numerous studies show that happy people can spread their mood to those around them, and happier individuals are seen as more attractive social partners. So, in a way, happiness is contagious! Whether you’re helping others get better or they’re doing it for you doesn’t matter: The result is that you can influence someone else.
2) Happiness Boosts your Immune System
Have you ever heard the saying, "Happiness is the best medicine?" Turns out, this is true. Research consistently shows that happiness has impressive medical benefits including improvement of the immune system. Happiness Makes You Live Longer: A positive outlook on life not only improves your mental health, but it also boosts your physical health and longevity. It's a scientific fact - happy people live longer! Happiness Boosts Your Energy Levels: It’s easy to assume that being happy will make you tired or worn out. But research proves otherwise! Studies show that people who are in a good mood have more energy than those who aren't.
3) Happiness can help your Body Heal Faster
A positive attitude can help improve recovery from illness or injury, reduce stress-related illnesses like heart disease and depression, decrease pain levels and even increase bone density. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health—and having a happy outlook on life may contribute to better overall health. Research has shown that happiness boosts overall well-being by contributing to lower blood pressure, a healthier immune system and improved sleep patterns.
4) Happiness can help with a Longer and Healthier Sleep
How can happiness help with a Longer and Healthier Sleep? Happiness is often associated with positive emotions, but there are also many physical and mental health benefits that come from being happy. Taking care of your body can help you enjoy life more, and one of those benefits is a longer and healthier sleep. When you’re happy, it’s easier to fall asleep at night because stressors in your life aren’t keeping you up. Since we spend roughly a third of our lives asleep, making sure you have healthy sleeping habits is another key point in trying to be happier in your everyday life.
5) Happiness can help you Relax more Deeply
Happiness is more than just a fleeting feeling. It has significant benefits for our physical health. Research suggests that happiness can help us relax more deeply, sleep better, and reduce stress—all of which have been linked to improved heart health. In addition, research shows that people who describe themselves as happy live longer than those who do not. Yet another science-backed reason why you should put more effort into making your life joyful!
6) Happiness Reduces Stress in your Body
Happiness is more than a smile; it also reduces stress in your body by lowering cortisol levels. During stressful situations, your hypothalamus responds by releasing corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and arginine vasopressin (AVP). These hormones cause an increase in blood pressure, heart rate, and your body’s sensitivity to stress. With time, chronic stress can lead to high blood pressure, obesity, depression, anxiety disorders and cardiovascular disease.
Another study found that positive emotions help control weight gain by reducing activity in the subgenual prefrontal cortex of our brain. This region controls cravings for sugary or fatty foods.
7) Happiness can lower the Risk of Depression and Anxiety
You can fight the blues with a dose of happiness. Research shows that positive emotions can lower the risk of depression and anxiety and may even reduce physical pain. Plus, feeling joyous can help improve physical health by lowering blood pressure and reducing stress hormones. Spending time with friends and family also helps ward off negativity. When you’re in good company, you tend to feel more upbeat about life. And when you’re happy, your brain releases dopamine—the same feel-good chemical it releases when you eat chocolate or have sex!
8) When you're happy you're self-esteem increases
When you're happy you're self-esteem increases. That means you'll have more confidence and self-worth and it's easier to attract people. If you are happy then it makes sense that other people will be attracted to your happy aura. Also, happiness is infectious so if you're happier with yourself then others around you will be happier because of it. When you are happy you live a healthier life, and there's nothing better than being in top shape!
9) Happiness leads to better decisions
People that are happier tend to make better decisions than those who are stressed or depressed. But it’s more than just feeling good and making good decisions—happiness can lead to better physical health, too. That could lead to living longer, which means more time making smart decisions! So how can you boost your happiness? Start by surrounding yourself with positive people, exercising regularly, sleeping well, and eating healthy foods. Life is too short not to be happy! 🙂
10) Happiness lends to Emotional Stability
While some may not believe happiness is a state of mind, research shows that it is critical to achieving emotional stability. According to scientists, emotional stability can have a positive impact on well-being, improving your physical health and decreasing your risk for depression or anxiety. While there’s no magic formula to achieving emotional stability, practicing gratitude and other mood-boosting activities have been shown to help in even small amounts.
11) Happiness makes it less likely to Overeat or Binge
Studies show that people who are happy tend to make healthier food choices. When your brain feels satisfied, you’re less likely to obsess over sugar and carbohydrates, meaning you can eat what your body wants (i.e., more veggies and lean proteins) instead of shoving in unhealthy foods just because they’re available. We also know that when we feel sad or lonely, we want to seek comfort through our sense of taste—and oftentimes, sugary or salty foods seem like a great option for a little pick-me-up. In fact, researchers at Princeton University found that when we feel lonely or rejected by others, our brains respond similarly to when we consume high-calorie junk food.
12) Happiness leads to More Energy
There's no doubt that exercise is one of the easier ways to boost happiness. Although scientists are hesitant to say that a causal relationship exists between endorphins and happiness, there is a large body of evidence to support their connection. When you're happier, you're better at dealing with stress, and depression often results from chronic stress [source: WebMD]. Increased levels of endorphins also have a direct effect on mood, which can reduce anxiety and help ward off depression. Exercise also boosts serotonin levels in the brain, which may improve your mood and alleviate symptoms of depression [source: National Institute of Health].
13) Happiness helps People view you as Confident
Happiness is the key to confidence. It's hard to be happy when you are surrounded by people who make you feel insecure, inadequate, or just plain bad about yourself. And it's impossible to gain a sense of self-confidence if all your happiness relies on what others think about you or your work. With confidence comes strength; truly confident people are strong and powerful. They are energetic and passionate about what they do, inspiring others to be great too.
As we've seen, being happy is not just a matter of feeling good. It also has profound health benefits. These benefits can be seen at every stage of life, from infancy to the golden years, so anyone can reap the rewards of happiness. The first step in getting happier is to re-examine your day and look for things to laugh about or find joy in. Even if your day hasn't been perfect, you can still find something to smile about. Once you start looking for things that you are grateful for each day, happiness will come easier and more frequently than before.