The Science Behind Happiness

People often say that success will bring you happiness, but what about the other way around? (Rhetorical question; we have an answer.)

There's proven research that happiness doesn't just make us feel good—it can also make us more successful in our endeavors.

The Harvard Business Review cites studies showing that physicians who are in a positive mood diagnose 50% faster and have 3 times more intellectual flexibility, students perform better on tests when happier, and 4-year-olds asked to stack LEGO's together complete their tasks 50% faster and more accurately when primed to be positive.

So, don't just passively allow your mood to be swayed by the vicissitudes of life. Take action by priming yourself for happiness, no matter what may come! Here are some easy and realistic suggestions to make yourself happier.

1. Give compliments.

Being happy doesn't just mean focusing on yourself. Pay it forward! Did your colleague do some solid work on a recent project? Tell them how great of a job they did! End each day knowing you made at least one person's day better by complimenting them.

2. Spend money on others.

Here's a piece of advice you don't hear everyday.

Try giving small, spontaneous gifts to the people you love and care for, like friends and family. "I bought this keychain for you because it reminded me of you!" "Are you feeling down? Let's go out for coffee—my treat!"

This isn't just limited to people whose love language is gift-giving, by the way. According to a study conducted by Harvard Business School and University of British Columbia professors, once you've pulled yourself out of poverty, spending money on other people around you actually gives you more joy than if you were to spend money on yourself. Even minimal amounts can make a huge difference.

3. Remind yourself of happy moments.

Studies have found that reminding yourself of joyful times increases happiness. So savor those memories as often as you can! Keep mementos, create photo albums, hang up framed pictures on the wall of your home. And, actively recall those happy moments in your gratitude practice.

When Soul sends you a prompt like, "Who made your day better?", we're nudging you to remind yourself of a positive moment in your day that makes you smile when you think back on it, thanks to whomever created that moment for you. So be mindful and specific in the answer you write back. (Did you know? Writing helps people absorb things way better than just thinking them in their head.)



Is happiness a matter of choice, or is it a matter of perspective? One might say it's a combination of both. Luckily, most of us have the agency to guide the direction of our lives and subjective experiences, whether it's our daily decisions or our long-term plans. So do good things and savor the good memories!