Tuesday 20 August 2013

The science of happy


BELLE BETH COOPER's article, Ten Simple Things You Can Do to Be Happier, Backed by Science, says that the things you can do are simple, but some of the things in the list aren't so easy. The one thing she doesn't list, but is the easiest to do is just getting older. Older people are happier. Getting older makes you happier. 

So, I'm on the right track, then! In fact, looking at this list, I understand why I'm such a happy person already. I've got 9/10! Two things I'm doing right now are working at home and being outside on my back porch. And, I'm in the process of planning a trip to go and spend more time outdoors with my family hiking at Letchworth Park in NY. This time, we're going to stay in a motel instead of camping, so we'll actually sleep. Thank God! Here, I've covered 6/10 and that makes me smile! There, I've got 9/10 covered right now :)

I've summarized her list, below. But, go have a look at her article. I especially like the pictures of brain activity, so I copied one below. 

Quick Fact: Getting Older Will Make You Happier


  1. Exercise
  2. Sleep
  3. Stop Commuting
  4. Spend time with Friends and Family
  5. Spend time Outdoors
  6. Help People
  7. Smile
  8. Plan a Holiday
  9. Meditate
  10. Be Thankful