The Happiness Formula

Could there be a formula for happiness?  Can it be that simple?  Almost!  Science has been studying what makes people happy for over fifty years.  But it wasn't until the last decade, with the introduction of Positive Psychology, that the science of happiness really took off. 

Dr. Martin Seligman, founder of Positive Psychology, the study of positive emotions, strengths and healthy institutions, has discovered that it is possible to feel more satisfaction, meaning and higher hopes.  How?  By following a simple formula you can actually make yourself happier.  Sound too good to be true?

Why not try it?  The formula is this: H=S+C+V.

Happiness = Biological Setpoint + Conditions + Voluntary Activities

Conditions (C) are the conditions of your life.  They are those you don't have too much control over, like your gender, race and age and those you do have some control over, like where you live, your financial status or who you're married to. 

According to the equation if you increase the areas you can, for instance C or V,  your happiness quotient will go up.

Here are five conditions that researchers have found may increase your happiness:

1. Noise: Noise that is variable or intermittent throws our concentration off and increases stress.  Find some quiet time or make sure you aren't exposed to this kind of noise and you increase the value of "C".

2 Commuting: Who wants to get caught in a traffic jam every day? Traffic-filled commutes increase the release of stress hormones and lower your happiness.

3. Lack of Control: Both noise and a heavy duty commute are out of your control.  Researchers have found that  when people have control they are more likely to feel happy, while people who do not have control give up more easily and are less likely to feel happy.  If you are feeling out of control, find something that you can control, like going for a walk or calling a friend to say hello.  Even better make a list of reasons why you feel grateful for her friendship and then mail it to her anonymously! 

4. Shame: People who feel ashamed of how they look attempt to hide offending anatomical parts.  However, people who have had plastic surgery to augment the offending body part are more satisfied, happier and less likely to seek psychiatric interventions.  Does that mean you need to go out and get plastic surgery?  Only if you want to.  What it does suggest is that you need to accept what you've been blessed with.

5. Relationships: This one is a no-brainer!  Ever gone for a walk with a girlfriend and not felt happier?  Scientists have found that when a young girl talks on the phone to a girlfriend she gets a massive dose of oxytocin and dopamine.  The amount of neurochemicals released are more than what is released during an orgasm!  Friendships make us happy, period!

For more information on the happiness formula check out Dr. Seligman's website and take some of his questionnaires.  For some interesting BBC reports on the Happiness Formula click here.