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Emiliana Simon-Thomas, science director at The Greater Good Science Center (GGSC), helps define happiness for readers as, "The way that researchers usually define happiness is a more broad characteristic of a person's life. It's generally feeling good and having a sense of purpose."
READ MORE | From kissing to getting some sunlight, here are 20 ways to be happier starting right now
A 2018 study in the 'Journal of the American College of Cardiology' found that happier people were less prone to cardio-vascular disease. The 2022 'World Happiness Report' found that positive emotions make a big difference when predicting longevity or resistance to the common cold.
According to Simon-Thomas, developing mindfulness can contribute to self-knowledge, insight and the ability to avoid becoming overwhelmed by outside events.
Some experts believe that having experiences outside of our comfort zones can also help improve overall happiness. Researches suggest that confronting fears can help lower stress levels, playing a huge role in increasing happiness.
"If you are thinking of difficulties as threats or sources of harm or pain, that will disrupt or take away your resources. Your ability to relate to that challenge is not as functional if you think of it as a threat versus taking a challenge mindset," Emiliana adds.
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