20th March is International Day of Happiness.

It’s a nice prompt for us all to make that special effort to spread good cheer …

Contact someone you haven’t contacted for a while?

Get in touch with someone you know is going through a tough time?

But being 3ology – we’ve also delved into the research to ask – What Makes A Happy Life – and here’s our Top 3 list …

1. Deep, supportive relationships

Harvard Study of Adult Development have been conducting a study for 80+ years and it consistently finds that happiness is shaped by the quality of close relationships – feeling safe, supported, and truly connected.​ On days people feel more satisfied with their relationships, they also feel healthier, more purposeful, and more satisfied with life overall.​

2. A clear sense of purpose

Having a clear purpose in life is a robust predictor of longevity. Having that intrinsic motivation helps people cope with suffering, and is repeatedly tied to higher well‑being in large population studies.

3. Good Physical and Mental Health

I mean, some of this stuff isn’t rocket science but it’s easy to overlook in busy lives. Harvard findings also show that the behaviours that support health (not abusing alcohol, staying active, managing stress) work together with relationships to predict a good, happy old age

https://www.dayofhappiness.net/

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-secret-to-happiness-heres-some-advice-from-the-longest-running-study-on-happiness-2017100512543