Former Director Grade Scientist, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, India
www.daylife.page
Everyone wants to remain happy and search for happiness, but where can we find it and how do we achieve it? Let's see what scientists have done for us...
The Harvard Scientist started the study on three generations (grandparents, parents, and children) way back in Boston in 1938 and has analyzed more than 2000 people throughout 85 years of longitudinal study.
In January, 2023, Robert Waldinger and, Marc Schulz published the book The Good Life: Lessons From the World's Longest Scientific Study of Happiness,
Most Important conclusions from the book
First of all, one should understand that “Happiness is Not Constant for everyone”.
Though social media almost always shows the positive side of people's lives and suggests that everyone lives worry-free. However, the truth is that no one's life is free of difficulties and challenges.
The study's happiest participants had two major factors in common throughout its 85 years: taking care of their health and building loving relationships with others It is never too late for a turnaround and for people to change their lives through new relationships and experiences. Those who think they know everything about life are very mistaken. The study showed that good things happened to those who had given up on changing their situation, and good news appeared when they least expected it.
Being in good health is essential to living well. However, good relationships were the most significant predictor of health and happiness during aging.
Professional Success is Insufficient to remain happy. Professional success on its own does not guarantee happiness, even though it may be gratifying. The study revealed that those who were happiest were not isolated. In fact, the happiest people valued and fostered relationships. Levels of education and cultural awareness, which tend to be higher among those with higher salaries, were also important factors for adopting healthy habits (promoted more often as of the 1960s) and for better access to healthcare.
Practicing good social skills makes you happy. The importance of having social skills and always cultivating our relationships to help us become healthier, overcome challenging moments, and achieve the happiness that we all desire.
Loneliness is increasingly common and creates challenges when dealing with stressful situations. It is essential to have someone with whom we can vent. Therefore, it is recommended that assess how to foster, strengthen, and broaden relationships. Maintaining social connections and, just as with physical fitness, it also requires constant practice. Friendships and relationships need regular commitment to keep them from fizzling out. A simple telephone call can help. Participating in activities that bring joy and encourage camaraderie, such as sports, hobbies, and volunteer work, may broaden the relationship network.
This study highlights the importance of having social skills and always cultivating our relationships to help us become healthier, overcome challenging moments, and achieve the happiness that we all desire. (The author has his own study and his own views)
