The Happiness-Health Connection

A tranquil heart is life to the body. Proverbs 14:30 (CSB)

Are happiness and health connected?

Over the years, studies have confirmed again and again that there is a correlation between a person’s happiness and their state of health. While correlation is not causation, most research suggests that the connection between happiness and health is bidirectional.¹ This means that physical health can influence your happiness, and happiness can influence your physical health. To understand why, we must first understand what happiness is.

There is no single definition of happiness, but a common one used for scientific studies is “a sense of well-being” or simply “feeling good” about yourself and your life. This well-being aspect of happiness is inherently intertwined with your physical habits. We tend to feel good when we eat food that is good for our bodies, get enough rest and routinely exercise. All of these things — your diet, sleep and physical activity — influence your mood and your health. Over time, these healthy habits can lead to better long-term health and can prevent disease, all while boosting your sense of well-being.

Another aspect of happiness is psychological well-being, which is influenced by your perspective on yourself, your life and your relationships.

Having an optimistic outlook is important for psychological well-being, and studies have shown that optimistic people live longer.² Being an optimist does not mean disregarding real problems and treating them with absolute positivity but rather learning to find God’s goodness in every day and appreciate your blessings more than your worries. As Christians, we have a great reason for optimism, as the Holy Spirit gives us hope. Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 (CSB).

In addition to perspective, stress also impacts your psychological well-being, and in turn, your happiness and health. According to the American Heart Association, up to 80% of visits to primary care doctors are due to conditions that are caused or exacerbated by unmanaged stress.³ When you are stressed, you tend to eat poorly and sleep less, damaging your health. Incorporating healthy habits linked to happiness can help your body react to stress better, further safeguarding your happiness and sense of peace.

How do we foster happiness?

Here are three activities that can boost your personal happiness rating.

1. Highlight the positives. Take steps to improve your outlook on life by being mindful of your perspective. Each night before bed, write down at least three things that went well that day or that you are thankful for. Setting aside time to focus on blessings and reframing your daily perspective will encourage your day-to-day psychological well-being. Studies even show that gratitude is linked to more exercise and fewer doctor visits.⁴
2. Focus on physical wellness. Developing habits such as staying active, eating healthy and taking care of yourself overall will establish a pattern with a purpose. Not only is physical exercise a cornerstone of taking care of our bodies as temples for the Lord, but studies also show that even small bouts of exercise can lead to positive benefits such as increased happiness, motivation and memory at all ages.⁵
3. Spend time with community. How delightfully good when brothers live together in harmony! Psalm 133:1 (CSB). We know that loneliness can lead to sadness, and the reverse is also true. Spending time socializing has a direct, positive relationship with happiness, and studies have shown that both introverts and extroverts are happier when they interact socially than when they don’t.⁶ Seek out intentional friendships at church, work and with your neighbors for your benefit and theirs.

Christ at the center of it all

A study conducted by Pew Research found that actively religious people are more likely to describe themselves as “very happy” than those who are not as religious.⁷ As followers of Christ, the Gospel gives us a purpose in our life and hope for eternity. We are called to take cast our worries on God, care for our bodies, love others as Christ loved us, live in community with other believers and serve those in need. God has designed us in such a way that the elements of a faithful Christian life are the same ones that science shows help us live with a sense of well-being. Let us always be reminded that from happiness to health and all the connections between the two, God truly cares for us.

To access more wellness resources, visit our GuideStone Wellness Library.