Here’s Part Five. Enhance your happiness now by incorporating one of the five strategies into your life today. Even if it’s a simple, easy start—it is a start—and it’ll make a big change.
The Back Story
Two years ago, research psychologists compiled data gathered from a national study in Great Britain focused on improving human well-being and mental capital into the 21st century, and the “Foresight Programme” [http://www.bis.gov.uk/foresight] was published. Results from the study collect under five headings for “Here’s How to Activate Happiness” in your life: Connect, Get Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning and Give.
Part Five: Give
Research confirms that happiness depends on your ability to Give. The most gratified people approaching and over 50—people who express the greatest amount of personal happiness, the most satisfaction in their relationships and interactions in the wider world—are people who Give.
Respondents who rated themselves as happy also report a greater interest in helping other people (Lyubomirsky et al, 2005). Across all age groups, people express value in giving of their time, compassion and talents, making themselves happier and affirming their virtue. Particularly for older adults and retirees, however, giving and sharing are important to their sense of purpose and significance within their communities. Evidence shows that giving seems to have such a significant impact on adults and retirees that active volunteering can improve a person’s positive mood and demeanor, add more meaning to someone’s life and measurably reduce mortality rates (Huppert, 2008). Amazing.
People quote parables and stories from folklore, mythologies and religious texts that demonstrate the values of sacrifice and selflessness. Imagine that to Give—to do something nice for a friend or stranger, to thank someone, to volunteer in your community or just to share a smile—will enhance the quality of your life and extend it at the same time.
I know this for sure: I want to live with a greater level of awareness, looking for ways that I can give and give more. I hope you’ve enjoyed this five-part series as much as I have and that you’ll take a step closer to happiness today by starting one new habit from the Five Simple Strategies
All the Best to You Always,
Doctor Mell
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Huppert F (2008). Psychological well-being: evidence regarding its causes and its consequences (London: Foresight Mental Capital and Wellbeing Project).
Lyubomirsky S, Sheldon KM, Schkade D (2005). Pursuing happiness: The architecture of sustainable change. Review of General Psychology 9: 111-131.
Did You Enjoy Part Five: Give? Then, Please Don’t Miss Parts One-Four. Thanks!
