Today I heard Dacher Keltner, PhD, Professor of Psychiatry, U.C. Berkeley speak on this topic. He talked about the science of compassion and the physiology of altruism amongst other things related to the subject of happiness as humans. Happiness at age 70 adds almost 2 years to our lifespan he explained. "Happiness is associated with good health."And, happiness at work leads to more successful performance, boosts creative thought, and enhances negotiating skills. Research has shown that of 15 countries studied, the U. S.-with all of our freedom and physical comforts, and educational opportunities, is the 2nd least happy country in the world, at least at the age of 18.
How to be happier and healthier:
- Be trustworthy and try to trust others: It signals safety.
- Give: If you want to be happy, practice compassion.
- Touch. Emotions can be accurately communicated by touch.
- Play: Laugh often, use your imagination, create nicknames.
- Practice gratitude: Develop reverence for what has been given to you.
(Credit: Much of the above was gleaned from a talk entitled Born to Be Good: Lessons From the Science of a Meaningful Life. For more information go to the Greater Good Science Center website and to the book Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers
Related posts: From the Outside In. Harvey. Happiness. The Easy Way. Happiness and Preferences. Success. Happiness Note. More On Happiness. Spring. Children Full of Life. Nourishment to the Soul. Your Aliveness. Just for Fun. A Little Lottery Win Each Day, and more. Peruse the blog, there are a number of posts on this topic.
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