In Pursuit of Happiness

Being happy could add years to your life. While happiness doesn't cure illness, it does help healthy people live about 7.5 to ten years longer, according to an analysis of more than 30 studies. "The size of the effect is comparable to that of smoking or not," says lead researcher Professor Ruut Veenhoven from the Erasmus University Rotterdam.
Researchers don't know for sure how happiness fosters physical health, but happy people may be more likely to watch their weight and be more perceptive of symptoms of illness. The research is encouraging for those who are upbeat, but if happiness seems elusive, the study might be all the more depressing. The good news is that Australian psychologist Timothy Sharp says that happiness is something that can be learnt, much like healthy eating habits.

Ways to get happy

• Set aside a worry time, such as half an hour after work. If worries come up at other times, put them out of your mind until worry time

• Practice random acts of kindness. Research shows altruism is a powerful catalyst for happiness

• Redefine happiness. Some people think happiness only means pure joy, but it also includes emotions such as contentment. Work out what happiness means to you

• Be curious. Set aside time to do something new, such as taking up a new sport or visiting a different town

The article was adopted from Readers Digest (Jan 09), my monthly bread.

It is easier to say than done. However, try to be positive, because our thought can change our feeling and action.