Harvard Research Reveals The #1 Key To Living Longer And Happier (2024)

FAQs

Harvard Research Reveals The #1 Key To Living Longer And Happier? ›

Contrary to what you might think, it's not career achievement, money, exercise, or a healthy diet. The most consistent finding we've learned through 85 years of study is: Positive relationships keep us happier, healthier, and help us live longer. Period.

Waldinger and his research team were amazed to discover that individuals who had the strongest bonds with others tended to lead happier, healthier, and longer lives as they aged. In turn, having good relationships was the most important factor in predicting who would enjoy a fulfilled and healthy life in old age.

It's the longest in-depth longitudinal study on human life ever done, and it's brought us to a simple and profound conclusion: Good relationships lead to health and happiness. The trick is that those relationships must be nurtured.

An 85-year Harvard study on the key to happiness could spell trouble for introverts—unless you know these 2 tricks. Forget money, a successful career or exercise: The No. 1 key to happiness comes down to positive relationships, according to an 85-year study from Harvard researchers.

So let's reveal. If people could change one thing in their lives to be happier, what should they choose, according to the data? WALDINGER: They should invest in their relationships with other people.

Contrary to what you might think, it's not career achievement, money, exercise, or a healthy diet. The most consistent finding we've learned through 85 years of study is: Positive relationships keep us happier, healthier, and help us live longer. Period.

While there has not yet been a singular source of lasting happiness defined, many have found that happiness can come from many sources—such as mindfulness, resolution of trauma and more. Addressing roadblocks that could be affecting your quality of life can be a helpful place to start for many.

Whether it's spending quality time with family members, friends, workmates, sports groups or local clubs, building a network of positive and meaningful relationships with others supports your wellbeing and happiness. Studies find close relationships, more than money or fame, are what keep people happy.

Do introverts have a higher IQ than extroverts? ›

On average, introverts and extroverts are the same in terms of intelligence. But statistics show that around 70% of gifted people are introverts. People are considered “gifted” when they exhibit above-average intelligence or a superior talent for something, such as music, art or math.

There is a link between introversion and creativity. If you look at some of the world's preeminent inventors, writers, and entrepreneurs, most of them are introverts. That's because introverts enjoy expressing themselves creatively through their work.

It's a common misconception that all introverts are shy and anxious: this isn't true. ALL personality types can be shy, anxious - or both. However, introverts are more likely to dwell in their own inner worlds and this means they are also more prone to experiencing mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression.

Exercise (even 10 minutes is enough)

But the release of these feel-good chemicals is not the only dramatic effect that exercise can have on your body. Getting moving also triggers the release of more happiness hormones, serotonin and dopamine.

As a psychologist, I've asked a lot of people over the years what they want most in life; it's part of nailing down their therapeutic goals. And the same answers keep rising to the top. Here they are, in no particular order, except for happiness. That always claims the top spot.

The biggest source of happiness is interpersonal relationships. Interpersonal relationships keep us happier and healthier across our lifespan (Waldinger & Schulz, 2023).

Recent research indicates that psychological flexibility is the key to greater happiness and well-being. For example, being open to emotional experiences and the ability to tolerate periods of discomfort can allow us to move towards a richer, more meaningful existence.

Research conducted by Harvard Business School professor Michael Norton and Ph. D. student Grant Donnelly found that self-made millionaires worth over $8 million are happier than less wealthy millionaires, and that millionaires who earned their wealth were happier than those who didn't.

Good self-care, like getting enough sleep and eating healthfully, complement a positive mindset when seeking happiness. Learning to step back from stressful events and recalibrate your attitude toward them plays a critical role in stress management.

Research suggests that happiness can be cultivated through conscious life choices in areas such as relationships, exercise and surroundings. However, a person's happiness may depend on their ability to make those choices, especially considering financial barriers and mental health.