Happiness is what makes a good life. Here is some very revealing information about creating more happiness in your life.
According to psychiatrist, Robert Waldinger, the people who are most satisfied in their relationships at the age of 50 are most happy at age 80. This finding comes from a Harvard study of adult development conducted over 75 years. It identified three top factors for happiness and living a fulfilled life. They are:
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Having good relationships. Social connections to family, friends and community keeps us happier, physically healthier and living longer.
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The quality of your close relationships matters. Living in a conflict infested relationship is the antithesis to happiness. Conflict-ridden relationships whether at home, work or in the community are bad for your health e.g. a high conflict marriage without much affection is perhaps worse than having a divorce, the research finds. What about also being bullied at work or else where?
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Being able to count on a person in a close relationship especially when times get tough, is also one of the ingredients of a good relationship. This actually keeps your memory sharper for longer. Interestingly, the research found that the relationship doesn't have to be smooth all the time. The couple may bicker a lot but knowing that your partner has your back and can be relied upon protects your brain.
So, do you have these three qualities for happiness in your relationships? Relationships can be messy and there are no quick fixes.
What Can You Do?
- I think it is important to set goals for relationships. What do you and your partner want to create in your relationship? What kind of relationships do you want with family/friends/colleagues? What relationship do you want with yourself?
- Life and work can often get in the way of emotional connections. Try scheduling date time with your partner - without the kids, if you are a parent(s).
- Do you really want your job or business to create conflict in your relationships? What does you work-life balance look like? I'm not talking about some kind of perfect balance. But, rather managing yourself so that you blend fun time, down time and family/friends/ me time into your busy schedule.
I can help with inner relationships/connections? If you are successful on the outside and feeling miserable and unsuccessful on the inside, I can help you to work out what you would like to have happen. Book a discovery session with me to see how I may be able to help. It's complimentary.
You can view Robert Waldinger's TED talk on these findings by clicking here.
