A recent study out of Britain confirms what I think the wellness community already knew: Happiness suggests and actually contributes to well-being. The opposite is also true: A lack of happiness can predict illness and death. The later statement I think contains a little more shock and awe.
There are over 7 billion people living today on planet earth. How much of this population is actually happy? This is probably an impossible question to answer. Does money buy happiness? I think most of us would agree money is not the key to happiness. Money does buy us comfort and freedom which can lead to less stress and more happiness. The key with money is to use it as a tool and as a means and not become a slave to it. Yet money it seems makes the world go around. According to globalissues.org almost half the world — over three billion people — live on less than $2.50 a day. At least 80% of humanity lives on less than $10 a day! Can you believe those statistics?
Still, those in poverty may be lacking important social attributes like education, proper healthcare and adequate water and healthy food. Still despite these challenges, happiness can be found anywhere; even in poverty. Some of my fondest days were back in college when I was cash strapped and working my way through school.
So if happiness leads to wellness and longevity; what is it that makes people happy? According to Joyfuldays.com here is the Top Ten things that lead to happiness:
- Family and Relationships
- Meaningful Work
- Positive Thinking
- Gratitude
- Forgiveness
- Giving to Others
- Religion or Spirituality
- Personal Freedom
- Good Health
- Watching TV
Watching TV? Watching the boob tube goes against conventional wisdom, yet studies by psychologists and economists confirm that this simple activity increases our enjoyment and happiness in the moment. I find it interesting that “Family and Relationships” is number one because that can transcend poverty which is encouraging. I am a little surprised “Meaningful Work” is number two – I guess having a rewarding job is important. My favorite: “Positive Thinking”…. I am a huge advocate for positive thinking and recent studies in quantum physics shows that we are all connected to energy and having a positive outlook creates positive energy which can govern wellness, karma and even positive manifestation. Having a positive outlook is important.
So, according to this study, the more happy you are the less of a chance you will be sick, depressed and or dead. So get out there and be happy. Need help? I wrote a book on the subject….
John C. Bader
Great Post! I especially enjoy how you emphasized the idea that money can bring comfort if used positively and not for enslavement purposes! Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts : )
Many try to minimize finances in relationship to happiness. If you have the ability to put finances aside because, you are financially privileged, it is one more subject that does not have to be addressed. If you must constantly focus on how to have enough, it is a drain on your energy, and tends to weaken someone as they try to focus on life’s other trials.
One thing, I have learned to focus on, and it has helped me maintain as a happier person, are the finances, I do have, and what I can do with what I have to create more. Paying one bill with two to go is, better than three unpaid bills, and you can be happier.
Yes! Finances are a way to comfort if, used properly. Finances are not evil, and what the majority of the world population uses for exchange. Embrace your finances.
Keeping in mind finances are truly not the be-all, end-all to happiness. Only a facet.
Thankful for what I do have, and what I can, and will do.
I think a place you can observe this principle is on facebook. The people that seem to post negative and complaining statii also seem to have more health issues.