We chase happiness in all kinds of ways — through success, self-improvement, or sometimes just the perfect morning routine. But nearly a century of research, including the longest-running happiness study in history, points to a surprising truth:
The strongest predictor of long-term happiness isn’t money, fame, or achievement. It’s relationships.
In 1938, researchers at Harvard set out to study what makes people thrive. They followed hundreds of men for over 80 years, recording everything from cholesterol levels to emotional wellbeing. The results were striking: those with the strongest, most supportive relationships at age 50 were the healthiest and happiest at age 80.
Not just marriages, but all kinds of relationships mattered — friendships, family ties, community connections. The common thread? Feeling deeply connected to others.
Psychologist Sonja Lyubomirsky’s work echoed this finding. She showed that even small changes — like writing a thank-you note or performing a random act of kindness — made people happier. Why? Because those actions created a sense of connection.
And researchers like Julia Rohrer and Nicholas Epley have since confirmed that even brief conversations with strangers can lift your mood — often more than you expect.
The good news is that happiness isn’t just a trait — it’s a practice. And it doesn’t require a complete life overhaul. Here are 6 research-backed ways to start boosting your happiness today:
Call a friend, video chat with a sibling, or strike up a real conversation in line at the store. It doesn’t have to be deep. It just has to be human.
Once a week, take a few minutes to reflect on what you’re thankful for. Write a note to someone who made a difference in your life — whether you send it or not, you’ll feel the boost.
Hold the door open. Compliment a stranger. Help a neighbor. Small acts of kindness ripple out, building connection and increasing your own sense of meaning.
Instead of another 30 minutes of social media, call a friend or walk with someone. Real-time, real-world connection fuels lasting happiness.
We often say family and friends are important — but does your calendar reflect that? Try setting one non-negotiable weekly meet-up or call.
Talk to your barista. Say hello to someone at the park. These micro-moments can become major mood-shifters — and you never know where they’ll lead.
If you want to feel happier, start by looking around you — not within. The path to joy doesn’t come from perfecting yourself. It comes from reaching out, being kind, and sharing life with others.
Take our “Are You Nurturing the Kind of Connections That Boost Happiness?” quiz to find out where you stand — and get personalized suggestions to bring more joy and connection into your life.
© 2024 Everhealth. All Rights Reserved.