Supporting Data
Several headlines recently caught my eye. They were on separate occasions, over the course of several months, but on a similar topic: the science of happiness.
What a natural and good question to ponder - what makes us happy? (It should be noted that the happiness studied in these surveys is not the transient, short-lived happiness that a bowl of ice cream can bring, but a deep-rooted happiness that most of us would describe as joy.)
Reading past the headlines, here are some takeaways:
Article 1: Gallup poll results indicated that a better predictor of life satisfaction than educational attainment or even income was religious service attendance.
Why? Studies by the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard University reveal that religious participation is good for human flourishing in a variety of ways, including the deep and supportive relationships it cultivates. Religious participation is also linked to reduced divorce rates and protection against self-destructive behavior such as alcohol poisoning, drug overdose, and suicide. It also promotes positive actions and attitudes, including greater generosity with one’s time and money and a greater sense of purpose in life.
Article 2: Harvard offers MBA students a course titled, “Leadership and Happiness” in an effort to form well-rounded leaders. The course teaches that happiness requires tending to four key areas: faith, family, friends, and meaningful work. One required reading assignment revealed that a grateful outlook can bring emotional benefits.
Article 3: A Yale course on the science of happiness teaches that keeping a gratitude journal and finding good ways to spend leisure time are specific ways to improve happiness. People with higher overall scores of wellbeing make time for social connection and random acts of kindness. Being religious is connected to happiness, and the level of participation in religious practices matters.
I don’t believe that these surveys or courses are the key to fostering a national wave of happiness. I also do not recommend that either Harvard or Yale be your guiding light for how to be happy. I bring up this news because of the common theme to happiness among secular, non-religious entities: religion, gratitude, and social connection. Studies and inquisitive people are uncovering data that points toward faith, and trusting in a higher power.
Those of you reading this already know intellectually about the science of happiness and what truly makes you happy. I write this not to teach you anything, but to encourage you to continue to live by example. Let others know what keeps you waking up in the morning. Let them know of the Faith you hold onto. How you know you are loved. How your Faith leads to Hope.
Tell them about how you made it through a tough time in life, how you battled cancer, how you felt shame and now worth, how you felt hopeless but are now hopeful. How thankful you are for the gifts God gave you. How you see growth when you stop to compare last year to today. How God places people and relationships in your life for a reason. How being grateful for everything makes everything better.
Turning our beliefs into action will have more impact on happiness than headlines.
After all, the data supports it. :)
