For many, happiness is an ultimate goal, but it seems increasingly difficult to achieve. A recent study by researchers at the University of Bristol in the UK reveals that happiness can be learnt – but it needs to be worked on every day.
The researchers – who are also behind the “Science of Happiness” programme, launched in 2018 and based on the study of “scientifically validated strategies for living a more satisfying life” – even say it should be approached like a fitness regime, requiring training and determination.
This is a positive finding, given that it suggests happiness is well and truly within everyone’s grasp.
“It’s like going to the gym – we can’t expect to do one class and be fit forever. Just as with physical health, we have to continuously work on our mental health, otherwise the improvements are temporary,” lead author Bruce Hood noted.
Published in the journal Higher Education, the study tracked and assessed the wellbeing of students who had taken the happiness course, long after they had finished the programme. The results showed that these students observed an improvement in their wellbeing, on average of a scale between 10% and 15%, in the short term.
But when they were surveyed again two years later, only those who continued to apply what they had learnt during the programme retained these benefits.
“This shows that just doing a course is just the start: you must commit to using what you learn on a regular basis,” Hood stressed.
“Much of what we teach revolves around positive psychology interventions that divert your attention away from yourself: by helping others, being with friends, having gratitude, or by meditating.”
Indeed, turning one’s attention towards others is one of the keys: the study recommends engaging in various social relationships, as well as making conversation with strangers to help combat loneliness, and prioritising acts of kindness. Hood points out that giving gifts to others “activates the reward centres in our brain, often providing more of a happiness boost than spending money on oneself”.
Other points to work on include focusing on the positive events of the day, or the positive aspects of one’s life; getting enough sleep; and getting a dose of greenery.
“Walking in nature deactivates part of the brain related to negative ruminations, which are associated with depression,” the study added.
On a general note, the researchers point out that “kindness and happiness are correlated” – all good advice to put into practice daily for better wellbeing.