Do you know what’s the truth about happiness?
If you were to ask me what I want to achieve in life, I would tell you that I want to be happy. So, should I need to become wealthy, be considered successful by people in my niche, have a wonderful and devoted husband and gorgeous children, or something far more complex?
The truth about happiness is that it is different for everybody, and scientists have spent years trying to unravel the mystery behind it. Some of the things they have found could surprise you. While many assume happiness comes from external achievements, research suggests it’s more about how our incredible brains process all our life experiences.
According to neuroscientists, happiness isn’t just a fleeting emotion that fills our hearts and eyes with joy—it’s more of a biochemical reaction influenced by different neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin. Thanks to these wonderful chemicals, we can feel connection, satisfaction, and joy.
And here’s the catch: the truth about happiness is that it doesn’t solely rely on genetics or luck. Studies show that up to 40% of our joy is within our control, shaped by daily choices, thoughts, and habits.
So, if happiness isn’t about fame, wealth, physical perfection, or unconditional love, what’s the secret behind this feeling or state of mind we all chase? If you want to rewire your brain for ultimate fulfillment and joy, keep reading. Without further ado, here’s the truth about happiness:
1. Can money buy happiness?
We’ve heard that “money can’t buy happiness” thousands of times, but is it really true? A popular study from Princeton University found that earning up to $75,000 per year (adjusted for inflation, of course) could improve your overall well-being. It helps you afford necessities, say yes to adventures, and engage in projects that reduce stress and make you feel good.
What’s interesting about this study is the fact that researchers believe after this point, extra money doesn’t have a major impact on your joy. On the other hand, there are also studies suggesting that higher income can be directly proportional to people’s life satisfaction, but only if it aligns with their personal fulfillment.
So, what exactly is the truth about happiness in this case? Financial security is important, but only chasing wealth alone won’t make you happier. It’s more about how you use that money that will impact your brain and mood in a positive way—generosity, experiences, and stability.
…Do you agree? Let’s chat in the comments below!
2. Is 50% genetics
Researchers discovered that around 50% of our joy is determined by genetics, meaning that some people are naturally more cheerful. What’s shocking is that only 10% of happiness comes from outside circumstances, like status and money, and the rest of the 40% is influenced by your daily thoughts, habits, and behaviors.
If you’re not feeling your best, guess what? You have the power to change that! Try practicing gratitude and diving into activities that bring you joy. Whether it’s hanging out with your loved ones, getting lost in a good book, joining a fun course, taking a relaxing walk, or whipping up a tasty meal—you can do it! It’s all about finding ways to boost those happy hormones. Just like feeling down, you can totally create your own little bubble of happiness!
3. Your brain has a natural “set point”
Have you ever wondered why certain major life events, whether good or bad, don’t seem to change your mood and happiness levels forever? Even if you win the Nobel Prize, let’s say, you won’t be joyful every single day of your life from that moment on.
Scientists say this happens because of a psychological phenomenon called hedonic adaptation. As strong as an event might be, your happiness spike will eventually return to its baseline. But there’s good news! Studies say you can easily raise your brain’s set point by practicing mindfulness and gratitude, being present, and soaking in all those positive experiences.
Moreover, you can even train your brain to focus on exciting things rather than stress. Doing so will rewire your brain’s neural pathways, therefore making joyfulness more sustainable rather than an emotion that comes and goes depending on external circumstances.
Isn’t that amazing? I feel better just by knowing this tiny truth about happiness. But we have many other scientific insights to discuss, so keep reading along!
4. Your gut health is important
Do you know how connected your brain and gut are? Very, according to experts. After all, the gut is called the “second brain” for a reason, isn’t it? Studies suggest that the gut is responsible for producing around 95% of the body’s serotonin, the neurotransmitter that controls your mood.
It might sound hard to believe, but gut health has been linked to anxiety and depression, so no wonder everyone says a healthy and balanced diet can do wonders for your mind and body. If you want to hack those happy hormones and feel your best, scientists recommend you include plenty of probiotics (kombucha, kimchi, yogurt) and fiber (veggies, whole grains, and fruits) in your diet. They can improve cognitive function and mood while also helping you feel and look your best!
Another truth about happiness is that your gut microbiome can easily support your long-term emotional well-being. Besides paying attention to the foods you consume, it’s also important to hydrate, get enough sleep, eat slowly, and incorporate daily activities that reduce stress.
…Speaking of sleep, here’s something that might surprise you!
5. Sleep is more important than you think
Have you ever noticed that everything seems so terrible after a bad night’s sleep? Whether you couldn’t get enough Zzz’s in or you were tossing and turning all night long, your mood and hunger levels will be impacted.
Scientists say sleep deprivation is strongly linked to emotional and mood regulation, so rest is more important than ever. Studies from the University of California showed that even a tiny sleep loss can increase your chance of irritability, anxiety, and reduced ability to experience joy.
Make sure you get enough deep sleep throughout the night because it helps your brain process emotions and get ready for a new day. Here’s another truth about happiness: sleeping 7 to 9 hours per night is one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep you in a positive mood all day long.
6. Social connections matter
Okay, we all know how important it is to have people in our lives that we feel close to, but how is that impacting your joyfulness? In one of the longest-running studies ever, researchers from Harvard University followed participants for over 80 years and found something incredible about happiness: it comes from strong relationships!
People who have supportive family members, loving partners, close friends, and meaningful connections reported feeling more satisfied with life, happier overall, and even healthier. On the flip side, feeling lonely can lead to higher risks of heart disease, depression, and a shorter lifespan. So, nurturing those relationships really pays off!
So, what is the truth about happiness in this case? Invest time and energy in nurturing the relationships in your life. It will make you feel supported, healthier, more positive, and better overall.
The brain is such a wonderful organ, and the best part is that we can rewire it to achieve all the things we want. I’ve been fascinated by this subject for the last couple of months, and if you’d like to know more about it, here’s a book that changed the way I think.
What are your thoughts on this topic? If you want to learn more about the scientific things that make us happy, leave a comment below, and I’ll come up with part II of this article sooner than you imagine!
Until next time, here’s another great article from Science in the World that you won’t want to miss: 7 Most Beautiful Female Scientists (They Had Beauty and Brains)
