The Keys to Happiness

There are many factors to consider when thinking about your happiness. Aside from the activities and people that typically bring a smile to your face, there are some things that you might not even realize are contributing to (or detracting from) your happiness. Learn more about your happiness now!

The original smiley face

Nope, Forrest Gump can’t take the credit for the iconic yellow smiley face creation. According to Smithsonian.com, the original version is credited to the late Harvey Ross Ball, a graphic designer who was hired by The State Mutual Life Assurance Company to help create a symbol of happiness to raise company morale. Ten minutes and $45 later, the original yellow smiley was born.

Why is yellow the color of happiness?

From the iconic smiley face to the character Joy from “Inside Out,” happiness is often associated with the color yellow. But why? The bright color reminds us of sunlight, which has been proven to lift our spirits.

Seasonal happiness

Weather can actually influence your mood! Many people suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder in the winter, which is believed to be due to the lack of light.

7 things that can help you feel happier today!

Write in a gratitude journal
Do something that you really enjoy
Get at least six hours of sleep
Exercise for 30 minutes
Give back to others
Spend time with your friends and family
Engage in a new and fun experience

There are three main types of smiles

According to a study from the University of Pittsburgh, the morphology and timing of smiles determine whether they are perceived as nervous/embarrassed, amused or polite.

Amused: A wide, open-mouthed smile of a longer duration.

Nervous/Embarrassed: Characterized by greater downward head movement.

Polite: A closed-mouth smile of shorter duration.

Happiness in the workplace

According to a study published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, hourly employees are typically happier than salaried employees.
Job satisfaction is considered to be one of the critical factors to overall happiness, according to a study from the University of Aberdeen.

Did you know?

It is proven that putting something related to a negative stimulus/event in a box or envelope and sealing it will help relieve the negative emotions associated with it, making you feel better!
Surrounding yourself with happy people can actually make you happier, too, according to a study published in the British Medical Journal.
According to a study in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry older people tend to be happier than young adults.

Beware of these happiness destroyers!

A lack of close friendships
Holding on to resentments
Comparing yourself to others