Happy. What does that mean? According to the dictionary, it’s a feeling or showing of pleasure, satisfaction, or contentment. How often do you hear people say they are happy? Many polls have been conducted, especially since the pandemic regarding happiness. The group IPSOS, a global marketing research company, did one world study on the global happiness of 30 countries in 2022. They broke happiness down by country, consumer confidence, and the source which brings happiness. The top five sources on the global level included physical health and well-being, mental health and well-being, relationship with partner/spouse, feeling that life has meaning, and children. 

The subject of happiness is an old one. It’s been analyzed over many years. One of the oldest studies began in 1938 where Harvard researchers examined what makes us happy in life and continued the analysis for decades. 

The researchers gathered health records from 724 participants living all over the world and asked detailed questions about their lives at two-year intervals. The most consistent finding they learned through 85 years of study is: Positive relationships keep us happier, healthier, and help us live longer. Surprised? Perhaps you thought it may be career achievement, money, exercise, or a healthy diet. In fact, the key is relationships and how they affect us physically. The study calls it “Social Fitness” and they lay out seven bullet points to focus on:

1. Safety and security: Who would you call if you woke up scared in the middle of the night? Who would you turn to in a moment of crisis?

2. Learning and growth: Who encourages you to try new things, to take chances, to pursue your life’s goals?

3. Emotional closeness and confiding: Who knows everything (or most things) about you? Who can you call on when you’re feeling low and be honest with about how you’re feeling?

4. Identity affirmation and shared experience: Is there someone in your life who has shared many experiences with you and who helps you strengthen your sense of who you are?

5. Romantic intimacy: Do you feel satisfied with the amount of romantic intimacy in your life?

6. Help (both informational and practical): Who do you turn to if you need some expertise or help solve a practical problem (e.g., planting a tree, fixing your Wi-Fi connection)?

7. Fun and relaxation: Who makes you laugh? Who do you call to see a movie or go on a road trip with whom makes you feel connected and at ease?

This leads me to how to live a long life. Dozens of studies have shown that people who have fulfilling relationships with family, friends and community members are happier, have fewer health problems, and live longer.

Blue Zones commonly have people with these types of relationships. What are Blue Zones? Blue Zones are areas around the world where people live the longest lives and consistently reach age 100. In the US, the average life expectancy is 77 years according to the CDC.

A common feature among Blue Zone groups is their strong social connections and close family ties. In particular, many residents have life partners, see wider family often and boast close friendships. The nine factors that are common with Blue Zone groups are:

·  Making movement a natural part of your day

·  Knowing your sense of purpose

·  Prioritizing stress relief

·  Eating until you’re about 80% full

·  Eating a largely plant-based diet

·  Drinking alcohol in moderation

·  Connecting with your community

·  Putting family (whether biological or chosen) first

·  Choosing social circles that support healthy behaviors

So, you want to be happier and live longer? Begin by developing “social fitness” and deeper relationships with all the family, friends, and social circles in your life. 

Don’t Worry Be Happy, Song excerpt by Bobby McFerrin 

Here’s a little song I wrote
You might want to sing it note for note
Don’t worry, be happy
In every life we have some trouble
But when you worry, you make it double
Don’t worry, be happy
Don’t worry, be happy now 

Robin Anne Griffiths–Founder of ReChargeMe Zone * Behavioral Change Specialist * Yoga Instructor * Meditation Facilitator * Personal Trainer * Author * Speaker * Helping people on a journey for change to live a fuller and healthier life. Find out more at www.rechargemezone.com.