Earlier researchers had suggested that happiness is primarily determined by genetics, health and other factors, mostly beyond our control, reports the China Daily.
Psychologist Sonja Lyubomirsky of the
"Despite the finding that happiness is partly genetically determined, and despite the finding that life situations have little bearing on our happiness than we think they do, we argue that there is still a large part of happiness is in our power to change. "
After an analysis of 51 studies testing that attempts to increase happiness, Lyubomirsky has written down five things that can improve happiness:
1. Be thankful - Some study participants were asked to write letters of gratitude to those who had helped them in one way or another. The study found that these people reported a lasting increase in happiness - for weeks and even months - after the implementation of the habit.
2. Be optimistic - Survey participants were asked to visualize an ideal future - for example, living with a loving and supportive partner, or find a job that had to meet - and describe the image in a journal entry. Once you've done this a few weeks, these people reported an increased sense of well being.
3. Count your blessings - People who practice to write down three good things that have happened to them each week, show significant strengths in happiness, studies have found. It seems to be about focusing on the positive helps people to remember the reasons to be happy.
4. Use your strengths - Another study asked people to identify their greatest strengths, and then try to use those strengths in new ways. For example, as someone says that they have a good sense of humor to try to tell jokes to brighten up business meetings or cheer up sad friends. This habit also seems to increase happiness.
5. Commit acts of kindness - to help others are also helping ourselves. People who donate time or money to charity or selfless help people in distress, report improvements in their own happiness.
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