Not surprisingly, your level of mental and spiritual happiness directly relates to your level of wellness.  When you are happy, your body is stronger and you can better shield yourself against illnesses and diseases.  One of the most common definitions of what is at the core of our level of happiness is living our lives in accord with our values and beliefs. 

People who engage in activities that define who they were meant to be, instead of someone else’s idea of who they should be, seem to achieve a higher level of serenity and happiness.  Respecting ourselves, our bodies, minds, hearts and soul will lead to wellness.  Depression and anxiety ensue when we do not respect our minds and bodies, and make them our temple to retreat to in peace and quiet, and knowing who we really are. 

Along with this principle, if we respect and treat ourselves well, we are, in turn, going to regard others with respect and treat them well.  Relationships that are healthy and extensive, starting with your family and friends, then extending out to coworkers and the community will lead to a healthier, happier state of mind.
 The achievement of wellness and happiness is an ongoing process throughout life.  Some people are genetically prone to a higher level of depression or irritability and they may have to work harder or seek help to achieve happiness and contentness.  Happiness is considered so vital to health and quality of life, Ruut Veenhoven studied the subject since the 1960’s. 

The objective of studying happiness was for the body of research to assist people to make the best choices for themselves.   In 1999, Ruut Veenhoven created the World Database for Happiness. Personal freedom and the ability to make your own choices factored highly in favor of happiness.  Researchers found I.Q., education and having children did not effect happiness. 

Friendships and a quality marriage increased contentness and happiness.  Wealth, by itself, does not increase happiness.  However, wealth affords a higher level of choices which can raise levels of happiness.  The subject of happiness is a complex and multi-faceted and merits more research.

This entry was posted on Thursday, August 30th, 2007 at 9:12 pm and is filed under Natural Depression & Anxiety Relief. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.