How to Reduce Stress Wit Happiness Research

How to Reduce Stress Wit Happiness Research Happiness Print 15 Surprising Things Happiness Research Uncovered The Happiness Research You Should Know About By Elizabeth Scott, MS twitter Elizabeth Scott, MS, is a wellness coach specializing in stress management and quality of life, and the author of 8 Keys to Stress Management. Learn about our editorial policy Elizabeth Scott, MS Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on August 05, 2016 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on February 11, 2018 Mint Images - Tim Robbins/Mint Images RF/Getty Images More in Self-Improvement Happiness Meditation Stress Management Spirituality Holistic Health Inspiration Brain Health Technology Relationships View All With the relatively new field of positive psychology growing, a wealth of new happiness research helps explain what and how of the emotion. All this new science also gives insight into what makes life worth living, and how to combat stress by promoting its opposite: serenity. Below are some interesting findings in happiness research. While each study alone may not be definitive â€" each study is a small piece of a larger picture, and its always good to have research replicated by more than one researcher â€" these studies on happiness provide useful information on what promotes happiness, health, serenity and meaning in life. Youll also find opportunities to comment and add your own thoughts on the happiness research. Read on, and find tools to build a happier you! If you want even more info, take this quiz to find out if your lifestyle is actually making you happy! 1. Kindness Is Contagious When people see others doing something kind, theyre more likely to do so as well, which can lead to other great benefits for the givers. And just think: if we were all a little more kind, how much less stress would there be in the world? 2. Weekends Really Are Good for Us Workers, even those with interesting, high status jobs, really are happier on the weekend. How might this knowledge help you relieve stress during the week? 3. Winning the Lottery Wont Keep You Happy Thats right, winning the lottery may make you happy in the beginning, but that happiness dissipates pretty quickly. Lots of money doesnt create lasting happiness (or, for that matter, lasting relief of stress). 4. Positive Affirmations Work â€" And Dont Theres a trick to using positive affirmations; they need to fit certain criteria to be effective. Be sure youre not wasting time and energy on repeating positive-sounding phrases to yourself that actually backfire and make you feel more stressed! Read the research on positive affirmations. 5. Happiness Involves Having What You Want... and wanting what you have! Thats right, researchers found that people are happy when they get what they want (not surprisingly) and when they appreciate what they already have. Use this information in your life to promote contentment and relieve stress, read more about this gratitude-happiness research. 6. Botox May Soften Emotions as Well as Wrinkles Researchers found that those who have been injected with Botox to mute expression lines may feel decreased emotional responses as well. This may bring insight into how we can relieve stress, even if were not Botox users. Read on to find out why. 7. Feeling In Control Doesnt Just Make You Happier... it makes you healthier as well! Researchers linked focus of control with more positive health outcomes. Learn more about what this can mean for you. 8. We Really May Eat More Chocolate When Feeling Depressed Researchers found that those who are depressed consume a greater amount of chocolate than those who dont. How can this impact you? Learn more about the research, and the link between  chocolate and depression. 9. Friends and Sleep Are Good for Us Researchers found that getting more sleep and having more social support in your life were both good for your health. Interestingly, they can both help you feel less stressed as well. If you have difficulty sleeping, check out these  stress and sleep resources. 10. Happy People Are Resilient People Those who seed their life with frequent moments of positive emotions increase their resilience against challenges. Its also a great way to relieve stress and enjoy life more. Learn more about happiness, resilience, and the good life. 11. Grateful People Sleep Better at Night Those who journal about the things they appreciate before they go to sleep actually do have better sleep! What kind of gratitude journaling works best? Read more about gratitude and sleep, and find resources for both. 12. Better Posture Translates Into Greater Confidence Researchers found that those who purposely sat up straighter in their chairs tended to have a greater belief in their own abilities. (And as we saw earlier, greater confidence and belief in your ability to have control in your life can relieve stress!) Learn more about posture and self-belief. 13. You Can Talk Yourself Out of Feeling Stressed Thats right â€" simply reading certain words can help you feel more serene and less stressed. Read on to see what they are! 14. Laughter Is the Best Medicine Laughter, or even the anticipation of a good laugh, can actually lower your stress hormones significantly! Looking to get more laughter (and less stress) into your life? Learn about the benefits of laugter. 15. Positive Emotions Can Lead to a  Better and More Satisfying Life Being sure you have a dose of positive emotion every day can do more than make you feel good for a few minutes. Regular positive emotions can carry far-reaching benefits for many areas of your life, so focusing on the positive and enjoying things that get you into a good mood can be especially beneficial. Read more about the far-reaching benefits of positive emotions, and find ways to get more of those good feelings in your life.