Ep.6/ The Science of Happiness: What We Get Wrong & How to Get It Right
What is happiness? It’s a question that can feel overwhelming, with countless societal definitions pulling us in different directions. But what if we’ve been looking for happiness in the wrong places?
Research suggests that shifting our perspective on happiness can significantly improve our well-being. Some of the most common assumptions we make about what will bring us joy—or misery—are often incorrect.
The Happiness Paradox: Why Our Predictions Are Wrong
One fascinating study by Professor Nicholas Epley and Juliana Schroeder explored this idea using commuters on Chicago’s public transport system. Participants were split into two groups:
Group 1 followed their usual commute routine—scrolling their phones, reading, or keeping to themselves.
Group 2 was asked to strike up a conversation with a stranger.
Before the experiment, participants in Group 2 predicted they would feel worse after socializing (citing reasons like awkwardness or discomfort). However, after the experiment, they reported feeling happier than those who kept to themselves.
This study challenges our intuition: what we assume will make us uncomfortable (like social interaction) might actually increase our happiness. Could this be due to modern anxieties or societal conditioning?
The Science of Social Connection & Longevity
Beyond casual interactions, deeper relationships have profound effects on our well-being. Research shows that strong social connections can:
Increase life expectancy by 12 years for men and 7 years for women.
Reduce cortisol (the stress hormone) and promote oxytocin (the "love hormone"), which fosters emotional balance.
Whether through friendships, romantic relationships, or community, prioritizing connection is one of the most impactful ways to boost happiness.
Time vs. Money: What Matters More?
A study by Daniel Kahneman and Angus Deaton (2010) found that money only increases happiness up to about £59,000 ($75,000 USD) before plateauing.
Interestingly, those who valued time over money reported higher levels of happiness. Why? Because having more time allows for social interactions, hobbies, and experiences—the things that truly enrich life.
Movement & Mood: The Exercise-Happiness Link
Physical activity is another science-backed happiness booster. A 2019 study by Zhang & Chen found that exercise significantly increased happiness and life satisfaction across all age groups.
Moving your body doesn’t have to mean hitting the gym—walking, dancing, or even stretching can contribute to greater well-being. And the best part? It’s free.
The Power of Purpose: Finding Your Signature Strengths
One of the most fulfilling paths to happiness is aligning with your natural strengths. When we use our innate talents in work, hobbies, and daily life, we experience a deeper sense of purpose.
Want to discover your signature strengths? Take the free VIA Character Strengths assessment here: VIA Character Strengths Test
Giving: The Ultimate Happiness Hack
We often believe that accumulating more—whether it’s wealth, success, or material possessions—will make us happy. But research suggests giving is more powerful than receiving.
Acts of kindness, charity, or volunteering activate the brain’s pleasure centers, reinforcing the age-old wisdom:
"If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a lifetime, help somebody."
Final Thoughts
True happiness isn’t found in external achievements alone—it’s cultivated through meaningful connections, movement, generosity, and purpose.
Which of these happiness boosters resonates with you the most? Let’s discuss in the comments!
Heres a few ways you can put the theory to the test and practice these 10 happiness boosters in your own life!
1) Spend more quality time connecting with friends, family and intimate partners. Build great relationships
2) Connect with a stranger on your commute out and about
3) Do something nice for someone without wanting anything in return
4) Find out your top 3 “signature strengths” and find ways to practice them daily - Connect to purpose
5) Get moving- spend time in nature, walking, running, doing a class etc
6) Create a daily journal of what you are grateful for and savour the memories and moments in your life
7) Spend your time enjoying experiences over buying material things
8) Think time affluence not money affluence
9) Choose jobs that align with your “signature strengths” - It will make work feel like fun and you will find that thing called “flow”.
10) Savour the moment - breath and remember how lucky you are
