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Scientists have found the key to happiness after 85 years of trying

Home> Life> Life hacks

Published 17:29 22 Jul 2024 GMT+1

Scientists have found the key to happiness after 85 years of trying

Harvard University scientists believe they've ascertained what brings humans the most joy and satisfaction

Rhianna Benson

Rhianna Benson

It's an age-old question that the human race have been endeavouring to answer since the beginning of time: 'What is the key to happiness?'

Whilst a successful investment banker might tell you it's dollar, dollar bills ya'll, a movie star could argue it's global fame.

A mum-of-22 (like Channel 5's Sue Radford) might make the argument that it's welcoming children into this world, whilst an international jet-setter could tell you it's seeing the world.

Apparently, however, there's actually a definitive two-word answer about what is guaranteed to bring us the most joy and satisfaction in life - and to be honest, none of us saw it coming...

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Apparently, money and fame are NOT keys to all-round satisfaction. (Mensent Photography/Getty)
Apparently, money and fame are NOT keys to all-round satisfaction. (Mensent Photography/Getty)

The news comes following the conclusion of an 85 year old study, first conducted by scientists working at Harvard University.

Speaking to Inc.com almost a decade ago, one of the leaders of the investigation, Dr Robert Waldinger, recalled the beginnings of a study that brought 724 individuals together for a longitudinal assessment of what really makes people happy in life.

The Harvard psychologist - who has fronted the important study since all the way back in 2003 - emphasised in 2016 the importance of one thing and one thing only, when it comes to assuring a 'happy and healthy' life.

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"The lessons aren't about wealth or fame or working harder and harder," Dr Waldinger famously said.

"The clearest message that we get from this ... study is this: Good relationships keep us happier and healthier. Period."

According to the study, close relationships will keep us most content. (Catherine Falls Commercial/Getty)
According to the study, close relationships will keep us most content. (Catherine Falls Commercial/Getty)

You may be wondering, however, how to form the strong, stable and mutually-dependant relationships that will keep us smiling until the bitter end, being that they're reportedly so important.

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After all, one might argue that it's considerably trickier forming close bonds as adults, compared to being a child.

Thankfully, though, not only did Dr Waldinger reveal the what key to happiness is, but he revealed how to achieve it, using - as we say - two words: 'social fitness'.

His close friend and colleague - clinical psychologist and professor at Bryn Mawr College, Marc Schulz, with whom he has since released a book, titled The Good Life, on the matter - told press in a recent interview: "There are practices that people can do.

"We talk a lot in the book about this idea of 'social fitness,' that we tend to think of our relationships as something that just happens, but oftentimes our relationships wane over time.

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The psychologists claim there is a lot we can do to maintain strong bonds with others. (picdeluxe/Getty)
The psychologists claim there is a lot we can do to maintain strong bonds with others. (picdeluxe/Getty)

"We all have friendships, for example, that we've lost contact with but that were important to us."

When it comes to improving your social fitness, the psychologist pair believe is essential to 'assess where you're doing well, and where you might need help', potentially by auditing your friendships.

Basically, if you keep a note on what acts of friendship you find satisfying to do and to receive, and the areas you'd like to take more care with, you can make much stronger bonds with those around you.

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Good to know!

Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images

Topics: Life, Real Life, True Life, Science

Rhianna Benson
Rhianna Benson

Rhianna is an Entertainment Journalist at LADbible Group, working across LADbible, UNILAD and Tyla. She has a Masters in News Journalism from the University of Salford and a Masters in Ancient History from the University of Edinburgh. She previously worked as a Celebrity Reporter for OK! and New Magazines, and as a TV Writer for Reach PLC.

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@rhiannaBjourno

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