What’s the connection between health and happiness?
Well, from what I can see from the studies I’ve read there is definitely a correlation – in other words, they often go together. But the exact nature of the connection is complex. For example, it’s pretty much common sense to think that when you’re sick you’re not happy, and when you’re feeling healthy, you are more likely to be feeling happy. But then there are thousands of people with long term ill health who experience happiness frequently, and there are plenty of happy people who get sick!
However, what I find really interesting when thinking about health and happiness, is that the activities and practices which are conducive to good health are also the ones which are most likely to make you happy.
I referred to the graphic below in a previous post about happiness, but let’s take another look.
Think about the characteristics of those who live in the “blue zones“, those areas where a high percentage of people live to a 100 and beyond. Remember the “power 9”?
Well, look at that chart above and see the references to movement – walking, strolling in the park, going for a run; and the ones about “down time” – take a nap, enjoy a cup of tea, meditate. And those about connecting to others – acts of kindness, volunteering, praying and sex!
There’s a lot of evidence about the importance of a Mediterranean diet and good health, and who isn’t happy on vacation on the Med?? And there are the references above to gratitude, smiling, laughing, music and play (and in fact there is a lot of evidence about “positive emotions” like these, and both reduced levels of heart disease, and better recovery from heart attacks and strokes.
So, on a day to day basis, there is plenty you can do to increase your chances of health AND happiness!
[…] with all the serious advice around about happiness, health, flourishing, etc, here’s an additional piece with quite a different flavour – play […]