This Is Your Brain on Happiness

The "science of happiness" is a burgeoning field of research that has recently shown  the importance of genetics on people's ability to feel happy. Genetics have been shown to play a more important role than "job, income, marital status, religion [and] education," with those factors contributing a total of 8%, whereas genetics can account for almost 50% of a person's level of joy. 

Another another important factor: social connectedness and meaning. As the article states, "within genetic constraints, to be happy, occasionally distract yourself from your own existence and matter to someone else. Or as philosopher Dan Dennett has quipped, “If you want to be happy, just find something more important than you are, and dedicate your life to it.” Of course, if you’re really savvy, then you’ll find someone to pay you to do it."

Easier said than done, yes? 

But why? And how is something like happiness consistently and scientifically measured? How can I use this information to feel happier in my life? 

Click here to read the full article and explanations of the findings. They explain how this new field is making strides by making happiness a measurable variable and discovering which things impact it. The fleeting and subjective nature of happiness may surprise you - as well as how you can change your own level.