Most people want to live a long, happy life, and lots of us think we know what will make us happy, like more money and a bigger house. But those things aren’t likely to deliver lasting happiness, according to one expert, Arthur Brooks. And he should know, he’s made a career out of studying happiness.
The behavioral scientist, happiness expert, and professor at the Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Business School has seen what works and what doesn’t in his research. He recently shared what people who are happier and healthier do daily, based on data from the Harvard Study of Adult Development, an 85-year longitudinal study.
Brooks says the first three habits are obvious, but the others are often overlooked.
- Follow a healthy diet - Research has shown that eating a nutritious, balanced diet is good for both long-term physical health and mental well-being, and happier, healthier people do.
- Exercise frequently - While being physically active is essential for a long healthspan, Brooks says working out too much can actually backfire. He warns that people he describes as “exercise maniacs” can risk doing “mechanical ill” to the body.
- Limit smoking and drinking - He says happier, healthier types are “very moderate on substances” and none were addicts, or if they had trouble with alcohol or cigarettes, they quit.
- Never stop learning - Continuing to learn is key, as Brooks says those who are lifelong learners tend to be happier and healthier. Curiosity keeps them on a quest for knowledge, which he says is “really, really important.”
- Become a skilled problem-solver - Your technique for dealing with problems that come up in life makes a big difference here. “You’ve got to get good at dealing with life’s problems,” the happiness expert shares. “If you don’t get good at it, you’re going to be bad when things actually crop up.” Happy, healthy people are highly skilled at this, whether they cope with therapy, meditation, prayer, journaling or some other method.
- Love - “People who have the best lives, who are happy and well when they’re older, have a strong marriage and/or close friendships,” Brooks explains. “That’s it. There’s no substitute for love. Happiness is love – full stop.”
Source: NY Post