Does Happiness Affect Our Health? 10 Benefits Of Being Happy

Happiness is a wonderful feeling! Whether you associate it with optimism, joy, wellbeing, or personal achievement – or perhaps all of these – it naturally goes hand-in-hand with healthier habits. People who are in good spirits tend to eat better, move more, and sleep more soundly than those who are not. In turn, these healthy habits activate the hormones and neurotransmitters that influence our happiness.

When our mood is low, we’re more likely to skip exercise, indulge in emotional eating, and struggle with sleep.

This International Day of Happiness 2025, we embrace the theme “Caring and Sharing” – a powerful reminder that spreading joy, kindness, and connection not only uplifts others, but also has a profound impact on our own health and wellbeing.

Let’s explore the fascinating ways that happiness can boost your health – and why sharing a smile could make all the difference.

10 Health Benefits Of Being Happy

 1. Smile, Even If You Don’t Feel Like It
Science suggests that when we smile, whether we’re feeling happy or not, our mood improves. Smiling stretches the muscles in our face, triggering the brain to release “happy hormones” that make us feel good and reduce stress. Your smile not only brightens someone else’s day – it lifts your own spirits too.

2. Laughter is Truly the Best Medicine
Laughter helps you exhale more air and inhale more oxygen, purifying the blood and leaving you refreshed and relaxed. It boosts circulation, relieves tension, and even reduces pain. No wonder laughter clubs exist in parks all over the world – people are choosing joy for their health!

3. The Power of Happy Hormones

Our thoughts and emotions translate into chemicals in the body – either promoting healing or contributing to ill health. Let’s meet the “happy hormones”:

• Endorphins: Natural painkillers – they allow us to push through challenges.
• Serotonin: Enhances mood, social connection, and emotional stability.
• Dopamine: Keeps us motivated, focused, and rewarded.
• Oxytocin: The “love hormone,” strengthening bonds and trust.
• Estrogen & Progesterone: Help regulate mood, anxiety, and sleep.

4. Stronger Immune System

There’s a link between happiness and stronger immunity. Studies show that happier people respond better to vaccines and have more robust immune responses, protecting them from infections. Chronic stress, on the other hand, weakens our immune defences.

5. A Happier Heart

Happiness is linked to lower heart rate and blood pressure, as well as better heart rate variability (a marker of heart health). Happy people are less prone to coronary heart disease – it’s that simple.

6. Healthier Blood

Happy individuals have lower levels of fibrinogen, a blood protein that causes clotting. High fibrinogen levels increase the risk of heart attacks – keeping stress low and mood high helps maintain healthy circulation.

7. Reduced Aches and Pains

Happiness seems to ease physical discomfort. When we’re in a good mood, our bodies release endorphins that naturally block pain. Chronic conditions like arthritis or muscle tension often feel less severe when we’re happy.

8. Lower Stress Levels

Happiness can help temper the harmful effects of stress. Happier people recover faster from stressful events and have lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone linked to high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes.

9. Even Our Genes Respond to Joy

Remarkably, happiness can influence gene expression. People who report greater wellbeing show lower levels of inflammatory gene activity and stronger antiviral responses. Love and happiness activate “growth genes”, promoting healing and resilience.

10. Live Longer, Live Better

Happiness is linked to longevity. Happier people are less likely to experience frailty, mobility issues, or early death. Staying upbeat can keep inflammation in check and help fend off disease.

Mother Teresa, who spent decades caring for the sick and dying, lived until the age of 87 – a testament to how compassion, purpose, and happiness can support lasting health.

Happiness is more than a fleeting emotion – it’s a state of being that nourishes your body, mind, and spirit. And the best part? It grows stronger the more you share it.

This International Day of Happiness, let’s make a conscious effort to care for ourselves and others – through kind words, acts of compassion, and positive connection. When we choose happiness, we create ripples of wellness that touch everyone around us.

How do you practise happiness and share it with others? Let us know in the comments!

#BeTheForce