Most people think of themselves as either a glass half-empty or half-full type of person, but researchers at the University of Bristol in the U.K. say you can actually train yourself to be happy.
The university teaches a class on happiness, in fact, and it has analyzed graduates’ responses as to how they’ve been doing. Long story short, their study found just attending the class wasn’t enough to keep them grinning.
However, if they applied what they’ve learned in the class on the daily, they can stay happy.
“It’s like going to the gym — we can’t expect to do one class and be fit forever,” says study author Professor Bruce Hood. “Just as with physical health, we have to continuously work on our mental health, otherwise the improvements are temporary.”
Further, he explains in a media release, “This study shows that just doing a course — be that at the gym, a meditation retreat or on an evidence-based happiness course like ours — is just the start: you must commit to using what you learn on a regular basis.”
To that end, the Science of Happiness course has learned a thing or two about keeping people smile. Here are some of the science-backed information they’ve found:
- Talking to strangers makes us happier.
- Social media isn’t necessarily bad, unless you’re the kind of person who focuses your attention on your reputation.
- Loneliness impairs the immune system, while optimism increases life expectancy.
- Giving gifts to others activates the “reward centers” in our brains — more so than spending money on oneself.
- Get sleep: Sleep deprivation affects how much — or how little — people like us.
- Walking in nature deactivates the part of the brain that leads to negative thoughts.
- Be kind: Can’t be happy if you’re not kind.