17 Jul Happiness, positive psychology and living longer
A recent article in one of the Sunday papers referred to research that identified factors associated with living longer. Among other things, it was relatively clear that many of the factors are the same as many variables identified by the positive psychology research and known to be associated with happiness. So happiness and longevity are clearly related.
Here are some of the happiness variables positively associated with living longer:
– laugh a lot
– exercise
– have spiritual beliefs
– find a good work/life balance
– have good quality relationships (and have sex often!)
In our positive psychology happiness coaching we encourage clients to priorities happiness because it seems like a good goal in and of itself. It now appears that even more so, happiness is part of a positive path towards living a longer (and better) life.