Jayney's Blog

In this article, we will delve into the research surrounding happiness and uncover key insights that can positively impact our lives.

What Makes Us Happy?

Happiness, often described as a state of well-being and contentment, is a complex and multifaceted emotion. Research suggests that several factors contribute to our overall happiness, encompassing both intrinsic and extrinsic elements. Let’s take a closer look at some of these factors.

1. Positive Relationships:
Creating meaningful bonds with others is the foundation of happiness. Studies consistently prove that strong social support networks, nurturing relationships, and a sense of belonging are closely linked to happier and healthier minds. In complementary medical healthcare, building relationships is vital for remarkable reasons, empowering you to provide exceptional care. Here’s why it matters:

• Enhanced Patient Experience: When healthcare providers build strong relationships with their patients, it creates a positive and fulfilling experience. By establishing a personal connection, patients feel seen and valued, leading to higher levels of satisfaction and trust in the treatment journey.
  
• Trust Building: Trust is the cornerstone of healthcare. By nurturing relationships with patients, healthcare professionals cultivate trust, which is crucial for commitment, compliance, and cooperation. It lays the groundwork for extraordinary care and transformative outcomes.
  
• Better Communication: Strong relationships enable open and effective communication. Understanding a patient’s concerns, fears, and expectations empowers you to provide tailored and impactful care. By truly listening, you can address their needs and aspirations, sparking positive transformations.
  
• Community Engagement: Building relationships within the community establishes trust and demonstrates the value of their participation and opinions. It fosters an environment for optimal health education and proactive management of health issues. Together, we create healthier and happier communities.
  
• Enhanced Teamwork: Building relationships isn’t confined to patients alone. It’s equally vital within healthcare teams. Collaborative and respectful working relationships optimize teamwork, improve healthcare delivery, and amplify patient outcomes and satisfaction.
  
• Patient Retention: Positive relationships positively impact patient satisfaction and loyalty. When patients have a reliable source of healthcare, they are more likely to engage in preventive care and adhere to treatment plans. It’s the key to nurturing lifelong wellness and transformative journeys.

2. Gratitude and Mindfulness: Studies show that embracing gratitude and living in the present moment can skyrocket happiness levels and improve overall life satisfaction [2]. You can help unlock your full potential through simple activities like keeping a gratitude journal, practicing meditation, and mastering mindfulness techniques.

• Gratitude is the act of recognizing and acknowledging the good things that happen, resulting in a state of appreciation. It can be defined as a strong feeling of appreciation to someone or something for what the person has done to help you. Gratitude is a conscious, positive emotion one can express when feeling thankful for something, whether tangible or intangible.
  
• In healthcare settings, gratitude has always played a significant role, even though its importance has been more formally recognized in recent years. Healthcare providers often receive expressions of gratitude from their patients, which can serve as a powerful motivator and contribute to job satisfaction. Simultaneously, encouraging patients to practice gratitude can improve their mental well-being, enhance resilience, and promote healing.
  
• Historically, gratitude was seen as a mere emotional response, but it has now become a vital tool in healthcare, improving both patient outcomes and provider well-being. Many healthcare institutions now incorporate gratitude exercises into treatment plans and staff wellness programs, harnessing the power of gratefulness to transform the entire healthcare experience.
  
• The Power of Gratitude: Gratitude in healthcare is not only about thanking healthcare providers for their service but also about harnessing the power of gratefulness to improve mental health, foster positive relationships, and promote healing.
  

3. Pursuit of Meaningful Goals: Having a sense of purpose and working towards meaningful goals provides a deep sense of fulfilment and satisfaction. When we align our values with our goals and engage in activities that resonate with our passions, our happiness levels tend to soar. Setting realistic, attainable goals and focusing on personal growth can contribute to long-lasting happiness in the therapeutic setting and beyond [3].

• Direction and Clarity: Having a sense of purpose provides clear direction in life. It acts as a compass, guiding us towards decisions that align with our goals and aspirations. For instance, Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple Inc., had a clear sense of purpose—to make an important contribution to the world by making tools for the mind that advance humankind. His clarity of purpose guided him in creating revolutionary products that changed how we communicate and access information.
  
• Passion and Values: Passion is the fuel that drives us towards achieving our goals. When our goals align with our values and beliefs, we are more likely to stay committed and work hard to achieve them. Oprah Winfrey, one of the most influential women globally, has always pursued her passion for helping others and promoting self-improvement, spirituality, and health. Her values echo in her work, making her a powerful force in the media industry.
  
• Boosts Self-esteem and Confidence: Pursuing meaningful goals boosts self-esteem and confidence. Polarizing as he is, Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, Inc., is a perfect example. His ambitious goals, like colonizing Mars, may seem far-fetched to some, but his unwavering belief in his mission empowers him to push boundaries and achieve extraordinary feats.
  
• Develops Resilience and Perseverance: Setting realistic and achievable goals is crucial to building resilience and perseverance. J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series, faced numerous rejections before finally getting published. Her story teaches us that failure is an integral part of the journey to success. It’s essential to set achievable goals, remain resilient, and persevere in the face of adversity.
  
• Discovery of Life Purpose: Discovering one’s purpose in life can lead to profound fulfilment and success. Renowned physicist Albert Einstein found his calling in unravelling the mysteries of the universe. Despite early difficulties in life – and in his educational environment, her persevered and his theories and discoveries have shaped our understanding of the physical world. His journey underscores the importance of finding one’s purpose and relentlessly pursuing it.

4. Physical and Mental Health: Optimal physical and mental well-being are crucial for happiness. Engaging in regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and managing stress are all vital components of maintaining good health. Research indicates that physical activity has a direct impact on happiness, thanks to the release of endorphins and other mood-enhancing chemicals in the brain [4]. Prioritizing self-care and seeking professional help when needed are essential for overall happiness.

Suggested Reading:

“Happiness: Unlocking the Secrets to a Joyful Life” by Robert A. Emmons

“The How of Happiness: A New Approach to Getting the Life You Want” by Sonja Lyubomirsky

“Stumbling on Happiness” by Daniel Gilbert

“Rewind Your Body Clock: The Complete Natural Guide to a Happier, Healthier, Younger You” by Jayney Goddard

References:

[1] Holt-Lunstad, J., Smith, T. B., & Layton, J. B. (2010). Social relationships and mortality risk: a meta-analytic review. PLoS medicine, 7(7), e1000316. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20668659/

[2] Wood, A. M., Froh, J. J., & Geraghty, A. W. (2010). Gratitude and well-being: A review and theoretical integration. Clinical psychology review, 30(7), 890-905.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20451313/

[3] Steger, M. F., Oishi, S., & Kashdan, T. B. (2009). Meaning in life across the life span: Levels and correlates of meaning in life from emerging adulthood to older adulthood. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 4(1), 43-52.

https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2009-01347-005

[4] Penedo, F. J., & Dahn, J. R. (2005). Exercise and well-being: a review of mental and physical health benefits associated with physical activity. Current opinion in psychiatry, 18(2), 189-193. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16639173/