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More PsychNotes: Physical Health
Clearly, the research shows that happier people are healthier. It makes sense that if you are happier, you are more likely to take better care of yourself which increases health outcomes. But this fact can be discouraging for people who are not happy and can create an ever-downward spiral: unhappiness contributes to poor health and poor health further decreases happiness.
However, there is some good news for unhappy people: did you know that having a happy partner can improve your health? This is true even if you are not happy yourself (Chopik and O'Brien, 2017). In addition, this effect may not be limited to just having a happy partner but also can be a result of being around happier people in general. The effect, though, may be stronger with a partner due to the frequency of contact.
Why this occurs may be due to the influence of the people with whom you associate. If you are around happier people you are more likely to engage in the activities and behaviors that contribute to health. For example, if a happy friend takes daily walks you are more likely to accompany your friend on those walks. If you have lunch with a happy person who eats a salad you are more likely to eat healthy as well.
So, if you want to be healthier, surround yourself with happy people.
Kindle Books by
Dr. Monica Frank
Analyzing Your Moods, Symptoms, and Events with Excel At Life's Mood Log
Why You Get Anxious When You Don't Want To
Why People Feel Grief at the Loss of an Abusive Spouse or Parent
“Are You Depressed?”: Understanding Diagnosis and Treatment
15 Coping Statements for Panic and Anxiety
Beyond Tolerating Emotions: Becoming Comfortable with Discomfort
Emotion Training: What is it and How Does it Work?
How You Can Be More Resistant to Workplace Bullying
Are You Passive Aggressive and Want to Change?
When Your Loved One Refuses Help
Building Blocks Emotion Training