What Does the Most Costly Research on Happiness in the World Indicate
Claims that money and achievements make people happy have long been debunked. There are many rich and famous people who admit that it has affected their happiness in no way. A large-scale study carried out on that subject showed the deception that we need to dedicate ourselves to work in order to succeed and feel happy. The conclusion is very important for Gen Z, who are about to build their lives.
More than 80 years ago, in 1940, a unique long-term study was initiated and its purpose was to answer the question of what makes a happy life. A team of Harvard researchers followed the lives of 724 men, some of whom are still alive.
They were divided in two groups – one group –students in their second year at Harvard University, who then took part in World War II, and the other - people from the poorest neighborhoods in Boston. The scientists interrogate the participants in detail; and their partners in life and people from their environment answered questions, too. They were also surveyed how they reacted to stress, their genes, were analyzed and their brains were scanned.
They watched their ups and downs, their physical and mental health, their marriages, their children, their professional lives. Some participated in World War II, others became doctors, lawyers, drivers, and one of them was the president of the USA in the 1960s - John F. Kennedy. Some of them developed schizophrenia, others suffered from alcoholism.
By following the lives of these people into adulthood, the team of researchers formulated the most important factors for a happy life.
1. People who have stronger connections to their family, friends and community are physically healthier, happier and live longer. It has been proven that lonely people are less happy, their health and memory deteriorate earlier, and in general, they live shorter.
2. The quality of close relationships is essential to happiness. Frequent scandals in the family are even worse than a divorce. A harmonious marriage is like a shield for your health. This also applies to older people who admit that their mood is excellent even when they are in physical pain.
3. Good relationships are good not only for the body, but also for the brain. People who have always been able to rely on their partners have better memories as they get older.
4. Do not underestimate casual and occasional relationships. If you have colleagues you like, you will go to work light-heartedly. Random encounters with people at the coffee shop, at the gym or at the store are short, but if they are pleasant, they give you positive energy.
Interestingly, the happiest person in the Boston Happiness Study was Leo, a teacher who taught history. He was neither rich nor famous. He had a wife and three daughters. He loves his students very much and got on very well with his colleagues.
His strength lied in the fact that his contacts with other people often touched topics that he was interested in. He enjoyed teaching and talking to other teachers about the lessons.
Many of the participants in the study lied about their experiences. However, with Leo, whom scientists had met year after year, there were no inconsistencies. He hardly thought about himself, his mind was occupied with his surrounding - his family, his colleagues. In general, people are happier when they are concerned with things outside of themselves, according to Harvard researchers.
