Achieving happiness is a goal that most people set for themselves. The means to achieve this feeling is different for everyone. For some happiness is found with financial success, allowing them to buy a nice home and all the grown-up toys they desire. For others happiness is time with family and the company of friends, or maybe even social standing and power. No matter what elements are needed to achieve happiness, the feeling of happiness itself seems to be a common goal for all people.
Everyone naturally associates happiness with good health, but is it possible that too much happiness could actually harm you?
A recent article published in Perspective on Psychological Science found that not all types of happiness are equal, or necessarily beneficial to health. In addition to this, someone who sets a goal of being ultimately happy with their life will often fall short, which makes them feel worse instead of better in the long run. This can lead to issues with sadness and even depression. It seems that setting low expectations may actually be a better goal, since it will be a pleasant surprise when you are able to achieve or even surpass it.
There are also negative health effects associated with people who are extremely happy. These people tend to be less creative, less alert, and often expose themselves to dangerous situations that less happy people would avoid. An example of this can be found in people who experience mania. The result of this extreme happiness often results in substance abuse, impulsive behaviors such as spending or gambling, or even life threatening behaviors in order to get a thrill. These behaviors are also seen in people without a mental disorder to a lesser degree by clouded judgment and an increase in risky behaviors.
There are many different factors that contribute to how happy you can be. Genetics, along with your satisfaction in life, play a big part in how happy you are and your potential for happiness in the future. There is no one certain way to achieve happiness or to maintain the correct level of this emotion. Just like everything else in life, it seems that moderation is the key to good health, even when it comes to happiness.
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