Considering the latest state of fear and concern of people around the world I thought this article about happiness was appropriate.
Research suggests that surrounding yourself with friends and family who are happy can actually increase your own happiness.
Scientists at Harvard University and the University of California, San Diego, found that emotions, particularly happiness, have a viral effect in how they spread from one person to another. For every happy person in your physical social network, you have a 9 percent chance of increasing your own happiness. The effect is more pronounced the closer someone is to you geographically, and it does not seem to include electronic communications. The study, “Dynamic Spread of Happiness in a Large Social Network,” can be found here.
It’s crazy to say, but you know what made me extremely happy this morning? When I found a toilet paper on amazon. Not just a regular toilet paper, they were all sold out of regular paper. I got myself a 9 inch roll, case of 12.
I know that being from Armenia I was used to not having toilet paper on a regular basis, especially after the earthquake we used newspaper, magazine, leafs but I’ve been in the US for 28 years and I’m spoiled, I do want my toilet paper, soft, 2 ply.
OMG, I think I got a year supply of toilet paper. 
The above study is especially good news considering the potential health benefits of happiness and positivity. A study published in Stroke magazine has indicated a “significant association” between optimism and a reduced risk of stroke. This is in addition to studies that have linked optimism to a healthier immune system, faster wound healing, and a lower risk of heart disease.
While the exact cause of the benefits is not clear, one theory is that optimistic people are more likely to take care of their health. In addition, there is hope that teaching optimism could become part of a preventative program for various conditions.
Besides above mentioned social interactions and being around positive people, here are few suggestions that may make you happy:Â Â
- Massage – Exposure to stress, a contributing factor to unhappiness, over a long period of time can increase the rate of neural degeneration and increase the risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Luckily, a study from Umea University in Sweden has shown that just five minutes of massage has the potential to lower stress, and 80 minutes of massage has a tremendously positive effect on stress levels. Get massage, get happy, and cheer up your friends and family!
- 7 minute exercise has such a profound effect on our happiness and well-beingÂ
- Game night with friends and family
- Being outside
- Helping others/volunteering
- Meditate see below for a free meditation, compliments of The Mindful Soul Center
- Practice gratitude daily
