Science of Happiness
Tina Gilson
January 15, 2026
Several years ago, I took a course through Yale University about the science of happiness. Given the stress and challenges many people faced in 2025, and the shift in energy moving into 2026, I thought this would be a good topic to revisit.
Living with more love, joy, and gratitude contributes to a higher quality of life. That said, you should not put too much pressure on yourself to be happy or pretend to be when you are not. Ups and downs in life are normal.
Happiness is a subjective feeling that we each must define for ourselves. I often speak of living my life by asking myself one question: “Will this bring me joy?” I use that to make decisions for myself, as I choose to feed my soul and avoid crushing it. For me, my granddaughter, my dog, traveling frequently, attending concerts, being in nature, having adventures, and doing OCRs such as Spartan, Tough Mudder, and other races brings me immense pleasure. What works for you might look very different.
While the specifics of what makes us happy are different, the general themes are much the same. Healthy relationships with others, positive social engagement, meaningful purpose in life, accomplishments, and positive self-regard are all common factors.
There are many benefits to trying to improve and maintain your happiness. Some physical benefits include lower blood pressure and heart rate, stronger immune systems, lower cortisol levels, less aches, pains and disease, as well as increased longevity of life.
Happiness is contagious as well. When we are happier, others tend to absorb that energy, just as we tend to feel better when we are around others who are in a more positive emotional state. Think about times you have been around unhappy or negative people, in an unhealthy relationship or work environment, versus the opposite. Which felt better?
Studies indicate that performing acts of kindness increases our levels of happiness substantially. A 2016 study by Nelson et al divided participants of the research into four groups. One group was instructed to perform random acts of kindness for themselves; the second group was instructed to perform acts of kindness for others; the third group was instructed to perform acts of kindness to improve the world; the fourth group was instructed to keep track of their daily activities.
In short, participants who engaged in prosocial behaviors had an increase in positive emotions. The people who treated themselves or the ones who did nothing did not have an increase in positive emotions. The research didn’t imply that people should not treat themselves to things they enjoy; it simply suggested greater levels of happiness when we show kindness to others.
For your well-being and that of others, I would encourage you to look at where you can make healthy changes in your life to be happier this year. The ripple effect in your life and the lives of others will benefit. It feels good to feel good. Who wouldn’t want that?
Sacred Spirit Wellness is located at The Healing Hive, 21 Barton Street in Bradford, VT. They can be reached via email at sacredspiritwellness1@gmail.com, on their Facebook page or www.sacredspiritwellness.com
Living with more love, joy, and gratitude contributes to a higher quality of life. That said, you should not put too much pressure on yourself to be happy or pretend to be when you are not. Ups and downs in life are normal.
Happiness is a subjective feeling that we each must define for ourselves. I often speak of living my life by asking myself one question: “Will this bring me joy?” I use that to make decisions for myself, as I choose to feed my soul and avoid crushing it. For me, my granddaughter, my dog, traveling frequently, attending concerts, being in nature, having adventures, and doing OCRs such as Spartan, Tough Mudder, and other races brings me immense pleasure. What works for you might look very different.
While the specifics of what makes us happy are different, the general themes are much the same. Healthy relationships with others, positive social engagement, meaningful purpose in life, accomplishments, and positive self-regard are all common factors.
There are many benefits to trying to improve and maintain your happiness. Some physical benefits include lower blood pressure and heart rate, stronger immune systems, lower cortisol levels, less aches, pains and disease, as well as increased longevity of life.
Happiness is contagious as well. When we are happier, others tend to absorb that energy, just as we tend to feel better when we are around others who are in a more positive emotional state. Think about times you have been around unhappy or negative people, in an unhealthy relationship or work environment, versus the opposite. Which felt better?
Studies indicate that performing acts of kindness increases our levels of happiness substantially. A 2016 study by Nelson et al divided participants of the research into four groups. One group was instructed to perform random acts of kindness for themselves; the second group was instructed to perform acts of kindness for others; the third group was instructed to perform acts of kindness to improve the world; the fourth group was instructed to keep track of their daily activities.
In short, participants who engaged in prosocial behaviors had an increase in positive emotions. The people who treated themselves or the ones who did nothing did not have an increase in positive emotions. The research didn’t imply that people should not treat themselves to things they enjoy; it simply suggested greater levels of happiness when we show kindness to others.
For your well-being and that of others, I would encourage you to look at where you can make healthy changes in your life to be happier this year. The ripple effect in your life and the lives of others will benefit. It feels good to feel good. Who wouldn’t want that?
Sacred Spirit Wellness is located at The Healing Hive, 21 Barton Street in Bradford, VT. They can be reached via email at sacredspiritwellness1@gmail.com, on their Facebook page or www.sacredspiritwellness.com
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