Things that Unexpectedly Makes Us Happy

Lisa Franchi April 14, 2014

Happiness – it is something we all chase. Something we all dream of. Something we all pray hard to get. Many people believe that happiness is having huge money in the bank, a fleet of luxurious cars, a new home, several real estate properties, and the like. However – often, the things we expect to make us happy fail to achieve that end. Numerous studies reveal that whilst these earthly possessions promote happiness, their effect is only temporary.

For instance, in a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, in which researchers surveyed winners of the Michigan state $500 Million Power Ball about their satisfaction with life, it was found that in the short term, lottery winners were indeed slightly happier. But their levels of happiness soon returned to the same level with that of other Michigan residents.

Below are things that we don’t normally associate with happiness that in fact, could make us happier in the long run.

· Doing things that make us a little uncomfortable

You know that exercising can be quite difficult and feel pretty miserable at first. But after 30 minutes or so on the treadmill, you will start to experience a significant improvement in your mood and well-being. There are tasks that give us a little discomfort but are really worth the effort once done. Yes, taking risks brings us happiness. That’s probably why many people are hooked into roller coaster rides. At first you are overwhelmed with fear (your hands are cold and your heart’s beating fast). But after the ride, you can’t help but smile. Oh yes, you did it! Looking at a greater picture, being able to handle bigger responsibilities, surviving challenges, and obtaining our goals come with difficulties and discomfort too. But at the end of the day, we feel happy knowing that despite everything, we did it.

· Giving to others

Sure thing – receiving a gift from someone can really cheer you up. But giving could bring you more happiness than receiving. Studies where participants were asked to distribute their prize winnings on others tend to be happier than those who didn’t share their rewards. In 2008, researchers from the University of British Columbia in Canada and Harvard Business School found that how people spend their money may be at least as important as how much money they earn. Specifically, they hypothesised that spending money on other people may have a more positive impact on happiness than spending money on oneself. So the next time you found a few pounds in your pocket, buy your friend a coffee or donate it to charity.

· Finding opportunities for fun and pleasure

Do you find your usual house chores boring? If you can find joy and fun out of everything you do, life becomes more exciting, happier and fulfilling! Turn the music loud whilst you clean your room or wash the dishes, chat with a friend over the phone whilst you clear the clutter from your desk. Savour a scoop of your favourite ice cream on a Sunday, or watch a movie with your spouse. Pleasure doesn’t have to be grand or expensive. You can find happiness right from where you are!

· Delaying gratification

Early booking doesn’t only save you money – it also makes your vacation more enjoyable. That’s because the act of spending what feels like a lot of money for hotel accommodations and plane tickets can feel really uncomfortable, thus, lowering your happiness. In fact, such feeling is similar to actual, physical pain, brain scans suggest. In 2010, a study by the Erasmus University in Rotterdam and NHTV Breda University of Applied Science found that vacationers tend to be happier than non-vacationers in the lead up to their break, but once they are back; there is very little difference between the two groups’ levels of happiness. Published in the journal Applied Research in Quality of Life, the research suggests that happiness may not be the vacation itself, but looking forward to it. So don’t let the threat of spending huge cash spoil your next vacation trip. Pay up front with your credit or debit card so by the time comes, you’ve got to think of nothing and concentrate on the enjoyment.

· Enjoying the game, even if you don’t win

Most of us are too focused on winning that they often forget to enjoy the experience and have fun. They say happiness is not a destination. It is the journey. In competitions, winning is only a secondary source of happiness. It’s the experience that is really worth looking forward to. An analysis of the facial expressions of Olympic athletes on the medal stands by Cornell University and University of Toledo shows that, on average, bronze medalists actually appear happier than silver medalists. They found that bronze winners were just glad to be on the podium and to have participated in the Olympics, while the silver medalists were focused on the gold medal that had slipped through their fingers. Its okay to aim for the best, but whatever your sport, task or activity, don’t get stuck in the mindset of those silver medalists. Play to beat your own best performance, not of the others, and for the enjoyment of the game.

· Living with less

Having too many options often cause complication and sadness. In one study, college students who were given a large stash of Hershey’s Kisses start to enjoy chocolate less than students who are only given one. In another experiment, shoppers who are asked to sample one flavour jam felt it tasted better when there are six flavours to choose from, rather than 36. You need not have all of everything to be happy in life. Keep life simple and less complicated. That’s where you can be truly happy.

· Getting older

Studies involving brain scans show that as we get older, our neurons react less intensely to the negative things we see and hear. Why? Positivity reveals. Research suggests that 42 per cent of people over the age of 50 are optimistic about life’s next chapters, whilst 60 per cent thought they looked at least five years younger than their driver’s licenses said they were.

How about you, what are the little things that make you happy? We’d love to hear from you. Feel free to post a comment below.