Science and happiness don’t seem to mix too well, or at least not at first glance.
Certainly something as subjective as what to make it seem to be happy, seems difficult to measure, identify or analyze. But the truth is that, applying scientific research methods such as surveys and group studies, science has come to draw quite promising conclusions in this regard.
2016 was quite a busy year when it comes to happiness studies. During that busy and difficult year in the public arena, scientists, psychologists and social researchers decided to contribute their grain of sand regarding mental and social well-being.
Some of these discoveries are of a personal or sexual nature; others are of a labor nature. But all of them have answers and can give ideas for those who follow the path of personal discovery to reach happiness.
5 recent scientific discoveries about happiness
1. Being hard on yourself is counterproductive
When people want to start a path of self-knowledge to improve their physical and mental health or achieve any other significant change, they often think that a mandatory first step is to “be strict”, “be hard” on themselves.
Recent studies in this regard have pointed out that while discipline is always necessary to achieve a goal, a little self-understanding is helpful in helping us cope with dramatic events in our lives, such as changes.
In one study, researchers asked participants to write about events in their lives that caused them to regret. They divided the volunteers into two groups: one wrote about this from a self-pity perspective and the other simply without perspective. Those who were more considerate of themselves, emphasizing their good qualities, reported feeling better about it and feeling more willing to improve in the future than those who were not.
2. Excessive humility is very harmful
Humility is always seen as a virtue. This is understandable if we see how pleasant it is to see someone who does not show off his faculties and recognizes the merit of others.
But apparently there is a negative side to this much acclaimed quality, and that is that it has the ability to arouse collateral negative emotions in the person who focuses too much on it.
A survey of 1,500 people in Canada linked excessive humility with negative feelings such as shame, a feeling of worthlessness and discomfort in terms of health, among others.
A little joy for success and personal merits is therefore more than healthy.
3. Different types of meditation are better for different types of people.
Meditation is an almost miraculous relief for various ailments, from physical problems to memory lapses or excess stress.
Still, some studies indicate that a more specific approach to meditation can better benefit each person.
There are about four types of meditation -in terms for beginners-, from the traditional one that focuses on the breath, to the one that focuses on each part of the body separately or two others that pay more attention to emotional and intellectual aspects.
Do some research on this with experts and you may find a branch of meditation that is right for you.
4. Prioritizing time over money has great benefits
This statement is becoming very obvious in our current, busier and busier world, but it’s always good to point out every new study that points to this idea.
A comparative study published on the matter, indicates that people who affirm that they give more importance to the time they dedicate to themselves than to the money they spend, tend to feel greater independence and personal well-being.
5. Worrying about masculinity stereotypes often seriously affects men.
Obviously, women are not the only ones concerned about social and cultural stereotypes about gender roles.
Recent studies show that men are also affected by what society has told them about their masculinity.
Affirmations such as: “be strong”, “be rude”, “do not be weak” and many others, result in a lower emotional evolution, loading the person with anxiety, depression and other unpleasant symptoms.
The important thing is to know which ideals of masculinity should be embraced: some male stereotypes such as those of hard work or courage do not seem to be harmful if they are carried with a certain maturity, but others are, such as those that say that you have to be aggressive to win. respect or those who embrace excessive introversion.
Reference
- Stillman, Jessica. 5 Things Science Learned About Happiness Last Year. For INC. [Revised February 2017].
