Pursuing Happiness [Benefits]

     One of the greatest benefits of happiness is better health and longer life. In an age where illnesses and injuries are everywhere, it's always been important to do what we can to stay healthy like washing our hands, eating right, and exercising. 2,200 people over the age of 65 were tested for positive emotion and then tracked for two years. The end result of the study was that the happy people were 50% more likely to be alive and 50% less likely to become disabled. Researchers have also found that happy people endure pain better and have stronger immune systems, producing as much as 50% more antibodies than people who are unhappy or depressed. Happier people also have better mental health and have less depression, paranoia, and suicide. They also have more self control and better coping skills.
     In a chicken or egg-like scenario where people in successful relationships are happier, it's also true that happier people are better at being in a successful relationship. A study of 222 college students showed that the 10% most happy differed from the rest of the group in that they had a fulfilling social life and were rated the highest on good friendship by their friends. Another interesting study was done in 1990 by examining 141 senior photos of a 1960 yearbook and determining who had a genuine smile. Those without a forced smile were more likely to be married and stay married.
     Another thing that's important in our society is success in work. Happier people are more satisfied with their jobs, have higher job productivity, higher income due to favorable performance evaluations, and have more flow experiences at work.
     All of the most important areas of our lives are affected by how happy we are, so quite the opposite may happen if we are unhappy or depressed. We'd be more likely to get sick, die younger, be mentally unhealthy, have a harder time staying in a relationship, have less success in work, and make less money.
     Although happiness is desirable for almost everyone, there are the few that believe that happiness mustn't be achieved. Anti-hedonists believe that the enjoyment of life destroys itself in the long run by causing egotism and weakens moral consciousness. Studies have shown, however, that having a positive outlook on life actually broadens worldly perception, not paralyzes it.
     Based on the benefits and consequences, achieving happiness is something that can truly turn your life around.