Americans are deeply invested in the ideal of happiness. But what actually defines happiness and how people are supposed to seek it out is an entirely different question. It’s one that researchers have spent a great deal of time analyzing and certainly an idea that remains elusive to many.
Dr. Robert Waldinger, director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, has spent his entire life’s work looking at these issues. In a study started in 1938, he found that the main key to happiness boils down to relationships. He has coauthored the book The Good Life: Lessons From the World’s Longest Scientific Study of Happiness and shares many of the findings from this study there.
Waldinger outlines five essential tips for achieving a happier life:
- Prioritize Physical Health: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking or excessive drinking are vital. Those who take care of their physical well-being not only live longer but also enjoy more years free from illness.
- Nurture Social Connections: Invest in relationships by actively seeking out connections. Whether through community activities, hobbies, or volunteering, expanding your social circle can improve your overall well-being.
- Maintain and Strengthen Relationships: Small, consistent actions like regular check-ins with friends or shared activities help keep relationships vibrant and prevent them from fading due to neglect.
- Express Core Values: Identify and express what truly matters to you, whether it’s authenticity, family, or other values. Engaging in activities that align with these values enhances life satisfaction.
- Embrace Change: Relationships and personal circumstances evolve. Accepting and adapting to these changes, rather than resisting them, leads to healthier, more supportive connections.
Waldinger emphasizes that while happiness fluctuates, focusing on these areas can lead to a more fulfilling life overall. He also explains that one of the most fascinating findings of the study was that people who were connected to others not only found happiness – but that they lived longer.
