Finding Happiness Is Key To A Healthy Life

If you’re someone who spends a considerable part of their day looking at graphs, numbers, and PowerPoint presentations, you might think that happiness at the workplace is an elusive concept. 

High-pressure work environments with poor work-life balance, increased responsibility, isolation due to the hierarchical structure in an organisation, and corporate politics are just some of the reasons why a state of happiness might feel evasive at higher echelons of a corporate career. But why is it important to find happiness? 

Happiness For Health 

Scientific literature has extensively documented the detrimental effects of negative emotions on the body. Prolonged stress, fear, chronic anger, and anxiety can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Additionally, negative states of mind, including depression, anxiety, loneliness, and chronic stress, have been associated with an increased risk of heart disease over time.

It is essential to recognise that happiness plays a pivotal role in combating these health issues. Research indicates that happier individuals tend to adopt healthier lifestyles, engaging in regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, and improving sleep patterns. 

The mind-body connection is profound, with happiness being linked to lower blood pressure, reduced cardiovascular risks, and enhanced stress management. Happiness is also associated with a fortified immune system, minimizing the risks of hypertension and respiratory infections. Prioritising happiness and maintaining a positive outlook can be powerful tools for leading a longer, healthier life.

While happiness alone is not a cure for all health conditions, consciously cultivating happiness can have significant health benefits. 

How Can You Find Joy At Work?

1. Clear boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between your work and personal life. Make time for family, hobbies, and activities that bring you joy. Learn to disconnect from work when necessary to recharge and maintain your overall well-being.

2. Positive mindset: Focus on the positive aspects of your career and life, and practice gratitude. Develop resilience by reframing challenges as opportunities for growth.

3. Supportive network: Cultivate strong relationships with colleagues, mentors, and a supportive network. Having a strong support system can help you navigate challenges and share your successes. 

4. Workplace culture: Encourage open communication, support diversity and inclusion, and foster a sense of belonging among team members.

5. Celebrate achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Reflect on your successes and take pride in your contributions. Share recognition with your team and create a culture of appreciation within your organization.

Happiness As A Habit

Practicing happiness involves adopting habits and activities that contribute to a positive and fulfilling life. In addition to workplace strategies, here are some practical tips that you can incorporate in everyday life. As with everything else, the more you practice, the better you get at it. 

1. Regularly express gratitude for the positive aspects of your life. You could keep a gratitude journal and write down things you are thankful for each day.

2. Incorporate mindfulness exercises or meditation into your daily routine. Savour positive experiences. Whether it's enjoying a meal, spending time in nature, or celebrating achievements, be present and fully engage in the moment.

3. Exercise releases endorphins, which are known as feel-good hormones. Engage in regular physical activity to boost your mood and overall sense of well-being. Find a physical activity you enjoy such as walking, playing a sport or yoga.

4. Foster strong connections and build meaningful relationships with positive and supportive people from your family, friends, and colleagues.

5. Perform random acts of kindness for others. Helping others can create a sense of purpose and increase your happiness.

6. Happiness and laughter go hand in hand. Incorporate laughter and fun into your life by playing fun games, watching funny movies, stand-up comedy acts or just watching members of a laughter club in your neighbourhood.

7. Take breaks from technology and social media. Constant connectivity can contribute to stress and negatively impact one’s mental well-being. Immerse yourself in non-screen activities from time to time such as cooking, gardening, playing music, etc.

Don’t wait for the big promotion, the two-week-long international holiday or any other big life event to experience happiness. A collection of small joys from everyday life can provide ample daily doses and enable you to reap the health benefits of a happy mind. 

It could be your favourite home-cooked dish, a much-loved song coming up on the radio, a workout well done, or mindful moments of play with your child– these are all reasons to feel joy and an easy way to a healthier life.