Happy Days The keys to contentment are in your hands.
There’s no formula for finding happiness but new research has pinpointed the most likely components of contentment, writes Paula Goodyer.
‘You can find purpose and a sense of achievement in everyday things – a job you enjoy, caring for kids or parents, playing sport or gardening.’
Associate Professor Delyse Hutchinson, Deakin University School of Psychology
What makes us happy? The right genes can help, with some studies suggesting about 50 per cent of happiness is influenced by our genes. As for the rest, Australian research has nailed seven key factors: good relationships; a sense of personal achievement; satisfactory living standard; health; social connectedness; feeling safe; and future security.
Positive relationships, a sense of achievement and standard of living rate the highest. “‘Standard of living’ doesn’t necessarily mean having lots of money, it’s about having enough to live on and to enjoy life,” says Associate Professor Delyse Hutchinson of Deakin University’s School of Psychology, which, in partnership with health insurance company Australian Unity, has been measuring the nation’s wellbeing for almost 20 years.
Keep relationships strong
The combined results of more than 100 studies show that strong social relationships are as important to a long life as not smoking, says Dr Darren Morton, a researcher at Avondale College of Higher Education’s Lifestyle Research Centre in NSW and author of Live More Happy (Signs Publishing Company, $24.95). “When relationships become difficult – and they do – we think that if the other person would change their attitudes and their actions, things would be better. But the only things we have control over are our own attitudes and actions.”
“Learning to listen, having empathy and putting others ahead of yourself are all ways of nurturing relationships,” adds Dr Hutchinson. “This may mean learning to assert yourself, too.”
The power of doing good
“You can find purpose and a sense of achievement in everyday things – a job you enjoy, caring for kids or parents, playing a sport or gardening,” says Dr Hutchinson. Volunteering is also linked to better wellbeing. It doesn’t have to be a formal arrangement; going out of your way to help someone counts too.
Learn to quit negative thinking
“Sometimes people get stuck in patterns of unhelpful thinking. A psychologist can help identify these patterns and teach you how to change your thinking,” says Dr Hutchinson. “Talk to your GP. You may be eligible for a Medicare rebate on sessions with a psychologist.”