Shortcuts to Happiness

Are there any sure-fire ways to get happy? Harvard psychologist Daniel Gilbert lists a few in his best-seller "Stumbling on Happiness." I haven't read the book but I did read an interview in the Feb. 2010 issue of Reader's Digest Magazine. While Gilbert really seems to resist attributing feelings of contentment and satisfaction to a relationship with God, he does admit that those who regularly attend church report greater feelings of happiness, as do those who are married. Gilbert lived with his then-girlfriend for twelve years until his research uncovered the fact that a commitment to marriage leads to far greater feelings of joy than co-habitation, and he promptly proposed. He said he really does love his wife more than his girlfriend, "even though she's the same person." Gilbert attributes this to the fact that a commitment to something that is expensive or difficult to end leads to feeling more satisfaction with your decision. Gilbert is certainly not the first to report these findings, but his personal reaction and experience was enjoyable to read.

Other short-cuts to happiness included giving to others (money, time, or belongings); letting time soothe hurt or angry feelings (this only works if you are willing to let the negative emotions go over time); finding small, everyday moments that make you happy instead of waiting for some huge event to make your month; and finally, investing in experiences instead of in material possessions. Gilbert reminds us that things are shiny and new for a short time, then begin to lose value, whereas experiences are associated with other people and events that connect us with feelings of excitement, joy, belonging, etc., and these things maintain or grow in value over time.

So what does this have to do with eating for health and happiness? Grab your spouse and head over to the church cookout and pig-out with your friends and family. On the way, stop by the red, charitable giving container by WalMart and finally drop off that bag of out-grown clothes your kids don't need. That should cover all your bases and give you at least one good afternoon!

Seriously, today, tomorrow and the day after, pick something from this list and try it out. Write down what you did and also how you felt about yourself afterwards, or about life in general. Some things will make you feel really good right away, others will grow over time. Writing it down will give you a starting point to see what seems to make a real difference in how you feel. Then, keep doing it!