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How Being Happy Makes You Healthier

Being happy may also improve physical functioning in people with arthritis.

One study in over 1,000 people with painful arthritis of the knee found that happier individuals
walked an extra 711 steps each day — 8.5% more than their less happy counterparts.

Happiness may also help reduce pain in other conditions. A study in nearly 1,000 people
recovering from stroke found that the happiest individuals had 13% lower pain ratings after three
months of leaving the hospital.
Researchers have suggested that happy people may have lower pain ratings because their
positive emotions help broaden their perspective, encouraging new thoughts and ideas.

They believe this may help people build effective coping strategies that reduce their perception
of pain.

SUMMARY:Being happy may reduce the perception of pain. It appears to be particularly effec-
tive in chronic pain conditions such as arthritis.

Other Ways Being Happy May Make You Healthier

A small number of studies have linked happiness to other health benefits.
While these early findings are promising, they need to be backed up by further research to
confirm the associations.

May reduce frailty: Frailty is a condition characterized by a lack of strength and balance. A
study in 1,500 elderly adults found that the happiest individuals had a 3% lower risk of frailty over
the 7-year study period.

May protect against stroke: A stroke occurs when there is a disturbance in blood flow to the
brain. A study in older adults found that positive well-being lowered the risk of stroke by 26%.

SUMMARY:Being happy may have some other potential benefits, including reducing the risk of
frailty and stroke. However, further research is required to confirm this.
Ways to Increase Your Happiness

Being happy doesn’t just make you feel better — it’s also incredibly beneficial for your health.

Here are six scientifically proven ways to become happier.

Express gratitude: You can increase your happiness by focusing on the things you are grateful
for. One way to practice gratitude is to write down three things you are grateful for at the end of
each day.
Get active: Aerobic exercise, also known as cardio, is the most effective type of exercise for
increasing happiness. Walking or playing tennis won’t just be good for your physical health, it’ll
help boost your mood too.

Get a good night’s rest: Lack of sleep can have a negative effect on your happiness. If you
struggle with falling asleep or staying asleep, then check out these tips for getting a better
night’s sleep.

Spend time outside: Head outside for a walk in the park, or get your hands dirty in the garden. It
takes as little as five minutes of outdoor exercise to significantly improve your mood.