Top 10 Ways Happiness And Joy Can Boost Your Mental Health

As humans, we are all on a perpetual search for happiness and joy, like bees seeking nectar from flowers. After all, who wouldn't want to experience the blissful state of euphoria that comes with being happy?

But alas, despite our best efforts, happiness often seems like an unattainable goal, a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow that we can never quite reach. We are left wondering why we can't seem to find the secret formula for joy, while others seem to have found it effortlessly.

The truth is, happiness is not like a race where there is a finish line, nor is it like climbing a mountain where we can reach the summit and be done with it. Instead, our emotional, social, and psychological well-being is more like a garden that we must tend to and nurture, like a delicate flower that requires constant care and attention.

Just like a gardener must water their plants, pull out weeds, and make sure they get enough sunlight, we too must take care of our emotional and mental health. This means engaging in self-care practices, such as exercise, meditation, and therapy, to cultivate a sense of inner peace and happiness.

The investment of our time however will ultimately pay dividends on our health.?

In Australia for example studies have shown that being happy can lead to improved cardiovascular health, a lower risk of stroke, and reduced mortality. A 2018 study by Deakin University found that people who volunteered for two hours per week had higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction than those who didn't.

Similarly, in England, research conducted by the University of Warwick found that happiness led to a 12% increase in productivity, while unhappy workers were 10% less productive. In addition, another study found that taking regular breaks to do things that make you happy or practicing mindfulness for just 10 minutes a day can have positive effects on mental health.

Here are ten ways happiness and joy can boost your mental health:

Increased Positivity: According to a study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology, cultivating positive emotions can enhance well-being, improve relationships, and increase resilience to stress. Positive emotions can also lead to improvements in physical health, including reduced cardiovascular risk and increased immune function.

Help Others: A study published in the Journal of Health Psychology found that people who engaged in acts of kindness and compassion towards others experienced an increase in positive emotions and a decrease in negative emotions. Helping others also has been linked to improved mental health and reduced stress levels.

Set-Up A Vacation: Research published in the journal Applied Research in Quality of Life found that people who plan and anticipate vacations experience higher levels of happiness and lower levels of stress. Even the act of planning a vacation can create positive emotions and provide a sense of excitement and anticipation.

Achievement & Gratitude Journal: A study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology found that keeping a gratitude journal can improve mental health and increase feelings of well-being. Another study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that reflecting on achievements can increase self-esteem and promote positive emotions.

Lead with Strengths: According to research published in the Journal of Positive Psychology, focusing on personal strengths can enhance well-being, increase motivation, and promote goal attainment. Identifying and using personal strengths can also lead to improvements in relationships and career success.

Try Something New: A study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies found that trying new experiences can increase feelings of happiness and improve overall well-being. Engaging in novel experiences can also lead to increased creativity and a sense of personal growth.

Laugh: Laughter has been linked to numerous health benefits, including reduced stress and improved immune function. Research published in the journal Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine found that laughter can also decrease feelings of depression and anxiety.

Movement: Regular move and exercise in its many formats has been linked to numerous mental health benefits, including reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety, improved mood, and increased self-esteem. A study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies found that exercising outdoors can provide additional mental health benefits, including increased feelings of vitality and well-being.

Practice Mindfulness: Research has found that mindfulness-based interventions can lead to improvements in mental health and well-being. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep breathing, can reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and enhance cognitive function.

Connect with Others: Social support has been linked to numerous mental health benefits, including reduced stress, increased feelings of happiness, and improved coping skills. Research published in the journal Social Science & Medicine found that having strong social ties can also lead to increased longevity and a lower risk of developing mental health problems.

In the end, happiness and joy are not just about fleeting moments of pleasure, but rather a state of being that we can cultivate within ourselves. So let us continue on this journey, like intrepid explorers on a quest for treasure, knowing that the greatest reward is not the destination, but the journey itself.

Let's bring to the table the conversation of mental health beyond Mental Health week.