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14 Scientific Findings That Just Might Lead To Happiness

You have scientists' permission to go out with friends tonight.

14 Scientific Findings That Just Might Lead To Happiness

November 08, 2021

Look, here at Cracked, we can't promise that you'll be happier by reading our site. But we can find scientific research on happiness and present it to you. Here are 14 scientific findings regarding happiness that we hope help you turn a bad day around.

14

LAUGH AT YOURSELF People who use self-defeating humor were shown to have higher levels of psychological well-being, in one study. Maybe not taking yourself seriously will have some serious benefits. CRACKED.COM — Source: ScienceDaily

13

VISIT A PARK If you live in a city, researchers have found that just 20 minutes in an urban park (whether or not you exercise) can increase your happiness. CRACKED.COM — Source: Taylor & Francis Online

12

MAINTAIN RELATIONSHIPS The most consistent predictors of happiness are social relationships. Focusing on social goals over individual goals leads to more life satisfaction. CRACKED.COM — Source: Berkeley

11

LEAVE YOUR COMFORT ZONE Having new and diverse experiences increases happiness. This has something to do with increased activity in your brain. So, do something nice for your brain and mix up your routine. CRACKED.COM — Source: Nature Neuroscience

10

SPEND MORE TIME WITH FRIENDS Researchers discovered that people have higher levels of happiness after spending time with their friends.... even more than with their spouse or children. CRACKED.COM — Source: APA PsycNet

9

USE SOCIAL MEDIA INTENTIONALLY Passive scrolling and social comparisions have negative effects on your well-being. The most beneficial use of social media is to directly connect with others (and ideally make in-person plans.) CRACKED.COM — Source: UBCO

8

MAINTAIN HOPE FOR THE FUTURE Believing your situation in life is worse than others and not having hope for change can result in risky behaviors, like drinking and gambling. CRACKED.COM — Source: ScienceDaily

7

DECORATE YOUR SPACE LIKE YOU People whose homes match their personalities report higher levels of well-being. This is especially important among older people. CRACKED.COM — Source: ScienceDaily

6

And then there's the karma of it all

PERFORM RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS Intentional acts of kindness reduce anxiety and depression. Varying those actions can have a longer term positive affect on your mental health CRACKED.COM — Source: CNet

5

PLAN A TRIP In one study, people who frequently traveled far from home were found to be 7% happier than those who traveled little to none. CRACKED.COM .COM — Source: ScienceDaily

4

BE RICH Having more money gives you more control over your life, leading to happiness. However, it depends where you live. People where money plays less of a role report higher happiness, regardless of income. CRACKED.COM — Source: ScienceDaily and PLOS ONE

3

VALUE YOUR LEISURE TIME Research shows that those who think leisure is wasteful may be unhappier and have higher levels of stress and depression. CRACKED.COM — Source: ScienceDirect

2

BE EVEN A LITTLE GENEROUS Researchers consistently find that people who are focused on others are happier than those who only focus on themselves. But you don't know need to be a martyr to experience the benefits of generosity, even a little bit makes a difference. CRACKED.COM — Source: ScienceDaily

1

SPEND MONEY ON OTHERS CHARITY In one study, people were significantly happier when they spent a work bonus on gifts for others or charitable donations instead of one themselves. CRACKED.COM — Source: ScienceDaily

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