A recent study conducted by the University of Bristol shows that tools designed to promote well-being can have a long-lasting impact if consistently utilized. The study focused on students who had taken the school’s “Science of Happiness” course, which aimed to help individuals achieve a sense of well-being by incorporating evidence-informed habits into their daily lives. These habits included performing acts of kindness, increasing social connections, savoring experiences, practicing gratitude, being physically active, exploring mindfulness, and more. The study found that 51% of students who had taken the course reported maintaining a positive attitude by continuing to practice these tools years later.
Dr. Bruce Hood, the senior author of the study, highlighted the importance of shifting one’s perspective from a self-centered view to one that is more interconnected with others and the world at large. This shift can help individuals put their problems into perspective and feel less overwhelmed. Dr. Hood emphasized that the goal of the course was to provide students with a well-rounded understanding of factors that contribute to well-being, rather than simply providing a checklist of activities to follow. The course aimed to address misconceptions about happiness and help students develop a more positive outlook on life.
Neurobiologist Dr. Tobias Esch, who was not involved in the study, explained that happiness is not solely a private or egoistic concept, but rather a biological necessity that has been conserved through evolution. He described three types of happiness neurobiologically: wanting, approaching, and pleasure; avoiding, departing, and relief; and non-wanting, staying, and satisfaction. Dr. Esch emphasized that maintaining well-being often requires internal work, such as perspective-taking and learning, as external events only play a minor role in one’s overall happiness.
The study found that engaging in practices such as acts of kindness, social connections, mindfulness, and others can help individuals reduce stress, increase motivation, and overall lead to higher levels of happiness and well-being. Dr. Hood’s future research intends to explore why some individuals may struggle to maintain their sense of well-being over time, beyond simply discontinuing the practices they had learned. Additionally, he plans to investigate the role of genes and brain hardware in influencing one’s tendency to be happy, as well as the importance of internal work in sustaining a feeling of well-being. Ultimately, happiness is seen as a decision that individuals can actively choose to cultivate in their lives.
