People who are happier live longer, and science backs it up! Those in better moods are 35% less likely to die in the next 5 years. How? Happiness can increase our longevity by lowering inflammatory levels and decreasing our risk of cancer. It is not simply measured by financial success, having more things, or being the life of the party. Instead, happiness is purposeful and is driven by our actions. This week on Fox 17, Dr. Bitner shares how the pursuit of true happiness can have a powerful impact on our health.
Fact #1
Happiness is defined by:
- Feeling and having a purpose
- Having curiosity
- Positive internal talk
- Positive relationships
- Having home be the easiest part of your day
Fact #2
Individuals who express true happiness are found to be healthier. They have lower levels of inflammatory markers, sleep better, eat with intention, are less likely to have cancer, and are less afraid of death. When individuals pursue their passions and find fulfillment in the things that truly matter, their bodies and minds are drastically influenced.
Fact #3
Examine how you talk to yourself. At the start of the morning and throughout the day, it’s essential to speak positively and uplift ourselves. If you constantly tell yourself things you want to fix or dislike, this will affect your mood and weigh on you. Flip the narrative and practice daily gratitude, and identify things you love about yourself. When we talk positively and focus on gratitude, we have the power to build our self-esteem, improve resilience, and decrease stress and anxiety in our lives.
Fact #4
Stay connected to the “why” of what you are doing. Pursuing a career you love and are passionate about can help keep you motivated, even during stressful periods or long hours. When you’re grounded in your “why,” it becomes easier to push through doubt, frustration, and fatigue. Whether you’re inspired by the mission of your work or you’re driven to provide for your family, keeping that reason at the center of your focus brings clarity and fulfillment.
Fact #4
Stay connected to community. As humans, we crave connection and need people who make us feel safe and supported in hard times. Being present and intentional with your community can look like unplugging at dinner, laughing with your children and spouse, calling your family and friends that live out of state, or saying hello to the people you interact with in passing, like the waitress or cashier. Harvard researchers conducted a study over a 70-year period following male graduates in the late 1940’s. Researcher, Dr. Robert Waldinger found that the number one predictor of longevity was positive close relationships. He theorized that the relationships were stress regulators, helping reduce cortisol spikes and providing a sense of belonging that leads to better choices and reduced disease.
Patient story:
Jane, 37, worked long hours, felt disconnected from her kids and husband, and never saw her friends. She wanted to live a long, healthy life, but felt guilty for not doing better or spending enough time with her loved ones. When Jane was at a regular check up with her doctor, she broke down and shared the guilt she was carrying. Her doctor helped her walk through practical steps to plan intentional time with others and build her self-esteem.
Jane began to change the way she talked to herself and showed herself compassion. She agreed to start scheduling one-on-one time with the people in her life. She planned to be fully present with them during that time. While some days were still hard, Jane was happy she was taking steps to nurture her relationships and shed the stress she was holding.
Takeaway tip:
Take a moment now or sometime this week to reflect on your “why.” Are you investing in community? Are you talking positively to yourself? Take small, practical steps to build healthy habits that will remind you of the important things in life and bring you joy throughout the day. Start with positive self-talk today!
