Emerging research shows that being happier doesn’t just make you feel better — it actually brings a host of potential health benefits.

This article explores the ways in which being happy may make you healthier.

a-      Promotes a Healthy Lifestyle

Being happy promotes a range of lifestyle habits that are important for overall health. Happy people tend to engage in physical activity and eat healthier diets, with higher intakes of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

b-     Appears to Boost the Immune System

A healthy immune system is important for overall health. Research has shown that being happier may help keep your immune system strong.

This may help reduce your risk of developing colds and chest infections.

c-      Helps Combat Stress

Being happy may help reduce stress levels.

Normally, excess stress causes an increase in levels of cortisol, a hormone that contributes to many of the harmful effects of stress, including disturbed sleep, weight gain, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.

d-     May Protect Your Heart

Happiness may protect the heart by reducing blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease.

e-      May Lengthen Your Life Expectancy

Happier people live longer. This may be because they engage in more health-promoting behaviors, such as exercise.

f-       May Help Reduce Pain

Being happy may reduce the perception of pain. It appears to be particularly effective in chronic pain conditions such as arthritis.

g-      Other Ways Being Happy May Make You Healthier

Being happy may have some other potential benefits, including reducing the risk of frailty and stroke. However, further research is required to confirm this.

Ways to Increase Your Happiness

Being happy doesn’t just make you feel better — it’s also incredibly beneficial for your health.

Here are six scientifically proven ways to become happier.

-          Express gratitude: You can increase your happiness by focusing on the things you are grateful for. One way to practice gratitude is to write down three things you are grateful for at the end of each day.

-          Get active: Aerobic exercise, also known as cardio, is the most effective type of exercise for increasing happiness. Walking or playing tennis won’t just be good for your physical health, it’ll help boost your mood too.

-          Get a good night’s rest: Lack of sleep can have a negative effect on your happiness. If you struggle with falling asleep or staying asleep, then check out these tips for getting a better night’s sleep.

-          Spend time outside: Head outside for a walk in the park, or get your hands dirty in the garden. It takes as little as five minutes of outdoor exercise to significantly improve your mood.

-          Meditate: Regular meditation can increase happiness and also provide a host of other benefits, including reducing stress and improving sleep.

-          Eat a healthier diet: Studies show that the more fruits and vegetables you eat, the happier you will be. What’s more, eating more fruits and vegetables will also improve your health in the long-term.