6 Secrets To Being Happy According To Harvard
One of the most famous Roman emperors, the one who was able to abolish gladiator fights, once said: “The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts.” His name was Marcus Aurelius. Do you know how to make your thoughts quality? The answer is given by Harvard University, which has disclosed the six secrets to being happy.
You may be led to think that this is just another of the countless studies that say the same thing. Before judging, however, we ask you to read the next paragraph. If you are not convinced, you can change your reading.
Harvard University is considered the center of excellence for those who want to study psychology and has professors of the caliber of Tal Ben-Shahar or Howard Gardner. Furthermore, the study that we present to you began in 1938 and ended in 2012, after years of research and investigations. If this information has not convinced you, we understand if you will not continue further. If, on the other hand, curiosity has tickled you, stay with us.
How to be happy according to Harvard
It took exactly 75 years and $20 million for Harvard University to shed light on the 6 secrets to finding happiness. Below we reveal them to you.
1. Love can do anything
According to Dr. George Vaillant, one of the guidelines of the research spanning 75 years is that love is indispensable to be happy. It is necessary to be aware of this, learning to also deal with the moments when love is not present or seems to disappear.
In any case, Vaillant has very clear ideas: the doctor, in fact, firmly affirms that “happiness is love”. Now you know, if you want to be happy with all of yourself, you have to open your heart.
2. Relationships and interpersonal connections
The second point that emerged from the study is related to meaningful relationships and interpersonal connections. In this sense, it is good to keep in mind that family, friends and social circle play a vital role in our happiness and well-being.
According to science, building intimate relationships in the workplace helps reduce stress and can help resolve complex situations. Interpersonal relationships in any area are therefore fundamental to finding happiness.
Alcohol as a negative point
Do you think the joy and excitement you feel when you drink alcohol are positive? Nothing could be more wrong. According to what emerged from the study, alcoholic substances are not only harmful to physical health, but are also the basis of serious emotional problems and depression if taken in excess.
Furthermore, research links alcohol intake with tobacco consumption, a habit that not only carries a high risk of mortality, but also causes negative effects on the well-being of the person. As when, for example, in moments of tension in which one cannot consume tobacco, the person becomes much more vulnerable and anxious.
4. Money is not the solution
This research supports the well-known phrase according to which “money does not bring happiness”. For this reason, working for maximum results doesn’t seem to be a wise alternative. According to Vaillant, what matters is that you feel fulfilled and happy with your job, regardless of the remuneration.
In fact, the study has shown that money makes people worse: it leads to corruption, it can go so far as to alter a man’s principles and make him lose sight of his own values.
5. The importance of optimism
According to the study, the optimistic children who underwent the research lived longer and had happier lives. However, optimism must be accompanied by a good deal of responsibility and common sense.
6. Our life is always open to change
Do you think your life is a total disaster? Do you think you have wasted time for nothing? Do you think there is nothing more to be done to improve? Well, you are wrong. According to the research, any time is a good time to change and start being happy.
It is essential to change your way of thinking and your attitude. Begin to value the little things, to acquire healthier habits, not to blame yourself for the mistakes of the past and, ultimately, to be more optimistic and positive.
After 75 years, 20 million dollars and 268 individuals analyzed, the one proposed would seem the perfect picture regarding the fundamental conditions for being happy. Do you have the courage to put it into practice? On the march then, brace yourself and enjoy what you have around you.
