5 Things Your Grandmother Told You About Happiness - Does Science Agree?

Do you remember what your grandmother told you about happiness? Science proves that she was right! Let’s take a short trip back to the past so you can be happier using your grandmother’s advice.

#1 Happiness is a Journey

If you view happiness as the end goal of your life, you will look for ways to achieve the happiness. However, happiness is the way. It’s not about the pursuit of happiness, but the happiness of a pursuit. This means that happiness is a by-product - it’s the process of doing something makes you happy.

#2 Happiness Lies in Random Acts of Kindness

Showing kindness to another individual can help you feel happier. Studies have shown that ‘random acts of kindness’ can increase your sense of well-being and happiness. Doing good helps you feel good by improving your social relationships, increasing your gratitude, and boosting your self-esteem. This also means that when you share your happiness with others, you are likely to increase your own happiness.

#3 Happiness Comes When You Least Expect it

If you consciously make an attempt to seek happiness, you are less likely to find it. Happiness is something you experience as you go about your day to day life. When you focus doing what you find enjoyable and purposeful, you are likely to feel happy.

#4 More Choices Don’t Always Mean More Happiness - Appreciate What You Already Have

While the freedom to choose amongst options can make you happy, studies show that too many choices can overwhelm you and lead to what is called “choice paralysis” - a state where you freeze and are unable to make a decision. Even if you do select an option, you may find yourself comparing it with every new choice, feeling less satisfied and possibly regretting your choice. This can make you unhappy. On the other hand, being grateful for the good things in life and appreciating what you have can help you feel happy. It’s the little things in life - for example, spending time with your dog, watching a movie with a loved one, celebrating a festival with your family - that contribute to your happiness by helping you feel grateful.

#5 Money Can’t Buy Happiness

While money can help you buy things that make you happy, studies show that wealthy people often experience unhappiness. Beyond a certain level, more money does not necessarily translate to greater happiness. You are more likely to feel happy when you focus on getting new experiences (for example, travelling to a new place or spending a day with your partner) instead of having more money in life.

The next time you want some advice on happiness, just open this article and remind yourself of the things that your grandmother told you.

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Keep these 5 simple truths in mind to live happier! After all, grandmothers are always right.