There’s no shortage of evidence that happy people live longer, healthier lives.1,2 For example, one study3 found that the tendency to always expect the worst was linked to a 25 percent higher risk of dying before the age of 65. This means a pessimistic attitude can shave more than 14 years off the average lifespan.4
But just HOW to “be happy” is an elusive mystery for many. We all seek it, yet many feel they’re missing the mark on any given day. Part of the problem may be rooted in your concept of happiness. If you rate your level of happiness as being low, consider reevaluating your notion of happiness.
Perhaps you’re subconsciously equating happiness with a certain lifestyle or level of materialism. Perhaps you’ve fallen into the trap of thinking that “when xyz happens, then I’ll be happy.”
A recent article in Time magazine5 delves into the concept of how to become happier, noting that the clues to a happy life are more apt to be found in classic writings than modern self-help books.