sma fibrinogen level increase under stress, compared to the happiest people.
Apart from the stress test, plasma fibrinogen was not associated with happiness, report the researchers, who included Andrew Steptoe, DPhil, DSC, of University College London. Steptoe specializes in psychology and health.
Working for the Weekend?
Taking readings on a workday and during weekend leisure time showed if participants were happier on or off the job.
For those with lower happiness levels, that was true to some degree. But the happiest people generally stayed that way, whether they were on the job or not.
The study amounted to a snapshot of happiness. It wasn't a long-term project, so there's no information on how the findings translate into health outcomes later on.
Age, sex, marital status, and socioeconomic position were not associated with happiness level. That is, happiness didn't favor people who were married, single, male, or female. It wasn't just for those with the biggest salaries or most status, or just for the young or old (though the group was middle-aged, overall).
The study doesn't prove that happiness was responsible for those outcomes. Not everyone who's happy is healthy, or vice versa.
Got some room for improvement in the happiness department? These tips may come in handy:
- Realize that enduring happiness doesn't come from success as it's often defined.
- Take control of your time.
- Act happy.
- Seek work and leisure that engages your skills.
- Get aerobic exercise.
- Get enough sleep.
- Give priority to close relationships.
- Focus beyond yourself.
- Appreciate what you have. Try keeping a gratitude journal of what you're thankful for.
- Nurture your spiritual self.
- Tell positive stories about your life. Tell the truth, but look for the good.
- Live a multidimensional life.
- Focus on your choices and any power you have in your situation.
- Find and lead with your strengths.
That advice comes from David G. Myers, PhD, a psychology professor at Michigan's Hope College, and Dan Baker, PhD, a medical psychologist at Canyon Ranch. Myers' books include The Pursuit of Happiness; Baker wrote What Happy People Know.
Doctors and therapists are also good resources. Don't hesitate to ask for help, especially if you suspect depression.