We often think what we are doing is trivial or what we do for others is not enough. Nonetheless, we are undoubtedly contributing something positive when we help others, and this action can make us feel better. According to a study by the University Complutense of Spain, contributing a bit to build a solid and prosperous society has positive effects not only on the person receiving the help but also on the person offering it.
The university study reveals that in order to be happy we need to be optimistic. According to Serra Grabulosa, one of the study’s authors, “Being supportive and imitating the positive attitudes we see in others even in times of adversity” can help us become optimistic in these times of crisis and uncertainty. In addition, the study shares that “A very important aspect is the influence of family and friends in the process and that those who feel accompanied feel healthier than those with less support.”
According to the study, “The level of life satisfaction in people who had recently suffered a misfortune was significantly lower than that of people who had not experienced an event of this kind.” However, misfortunes should not determine a person’s mood, for good social support can be a great backing to tragic and unexpected events. If we have a strong circle of friends and family, the chances for us to feel better are going to increase significantly. This may explain why unemployed people are sometimes much happier than their employed counterparts. A common saying is that money brings happiness; however, the study reveals a minimum relationship between happiness and the material conditions of life.
Happiness will not magically appear. You need to look within yourself and find what you want or the incentive that will lead you to a happier life.
Author: Carlos F. Martinez
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Solidarity Makes Us Happier
We often think what we are doing is trivial or what we do for others is not enough. Nonetheless, we are undoubtedly contributing something positive when we help others, and this action can make us feel better. According to a study by the University Complutense of Spain, contributing a bit to build a solid and prosperous society has positive effects not only on the person receiving the help but also on the person offering it.
The university study reveals that in order to be happy we need to be optimistic. According to Serra Grabulosa, one of the study’s authors, “Being supportive and imitating the positive attitudes we see in others even in times of adversity” can help us become optimistic in these times of crisis and uncertainty. In addition, the study shares that “A very important aspect is the influence of family and friends in the process and that those who feel accompanied feel healthier than those with less support.”
According to the study, “The level of life satisfaction in people who had recently suffered a misfortune was significantly lower than that of people who had not experienced an event of this kind.” However, misfortunes should not determine a person’s mood, for good social support can be a great backing to tragic and unexpected events. If we have a strong circle of friends and family, the chances for us to feel better are going to increase significantly. This may explain why unemployed people are sometimes much happier than their employed counterparts. A common saying is that money brings happiness; however, the study reveals a minimum relationship between happiness and the material conditions of life.
Happiness will not magically appear. You need to look within yourself and find what you want or the incentive that will lead you to a happier life.
Author: Carlos F. Martinez