Home Australia I am a mental health expert and this is the number one secret to happiness and what you need to do to achieve it.

I am a mental health expert and this is the number one secret to happiness and what you need to do to achieve it.

by Elijah
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Stella Ladikos (pictured) said the best way to be happy is to foster positive relationships

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A therapist and mental health expert has shared the secret to true happiness and her revelation is backed by science.

Stella Ladikos, from Sydney, told FEMAIL that one of the best ways to be happy and live a long, healthy life is to foster positive relationships with your friends and family.

The Australian expert’s advice comes after an 85-year Harvard scientific study on happiness found that close relationships and social connections are crucial to well-being as people age.

People in strong relationships show lower rates of diabetes, arthritis, cognitive decline, and other chronic conditions.

“We are a social species, we are not meant to operate in isolation,” Ms Ladikos said. “Positive relationships foster happiness and protect us from falling into depressive rabbit holes.”

Stella Ladikos (pictured) said the best way to be happy is to foster positive relationships

Stella Ladikos (pictured) said the best way to be happy is to foster positive relationships

Harvard found that good friends protected people from physical and mental decline and gave a better idea of ​​how long a person’s life would last than their social class, IQ, or genes.

Ladikos reiterated that having a supportive community makes a person less likely to relapse into episodes of depression or anxiety.

‘It doesn’t matter if it’s your family, friends or colleagues – relationships have a huge impact on your life.

‘You must make an effort to engage and connect with your loved ones. Whether volunteering, playing sports, or anything else, you need to be in supportive spaces regularly.

“It is important to expose yourself frequently to be happier.”

What is the 85-year Harvard study on happiness about?

Harvard researchers analyzed data from 268 men who attended Harvard University.

The study, which is one of the longest studies of adult lifespan, began tracking Harvard students during the Great Depression in 1938.

The men received regular interviews and questionnaires over the course of the 80-year study.

To assess participants’ early home environment, researchers looked at reports of their home life, interviews with parents, and developmental histories recorded by a social worker.

When participants were between 45 and 50 years old, they completed interviews in which they discussed challenges they encountered in various aspects of their lives, including their relationships, physical health, and work.

Using notes from the original interview, the researchers rated participants’ ability to manage emotions in response to these challenges.

Finally, when participants were in their 70s and 80s, they completed an interview that focused on their relationship with their current partner.

Eight decades later, researchers have revealed that how happy we are in our relationships has a strong influence on our overall health.

Close relationships are much more important than money and fame and will keep people happy into old age, researchers revealed.

On the other hand, Ladikos revealed that some relationships can also actively hurt you.

‘If someone in your life is toxic, constantly pushes your boundaries and doesn’t respect you, it increases your stress levels.

“That affects sleep, appetite, work performance and even the immune system.”

Ladikos shared that it was essential to know when to get away from people.

‘You shouldn’t have relationships with people where your needs aren’t met because it doesn’t add value to your life.

“If you have a friend you can’t trust, you no longer have anything in common, but you’re holding on because you’ve known each other for years; you need to reconsider that relationship.”

Ladikos shared that it was essential to know when to get away from people.

Ladikos shared that it was essential to know when to get away from people.

Ladikos shared that it was essential to know when to get away from people.

Stella’s tips for cultivating and nurturing relationships

Join community groups or take up a hobby in a social group

Catch up with someone regularly; Even if you don’t do it every time, having a routine and a set schedule can be helpful.

Talk to your friends often. Ask them how they are and really listen to them – make space for people and let them know you care.

Remember that friendship is a two-way street and that one person should not do all the heavy lifting.

Evaluate how much time you spend on your friendship by catching up through messages or in person. Can you unplug and catch up more in person?

Challenge yourself to meet new people.

The therapist also said that the pursuit of happiness can sometimes cause more suffering.

‘If you are so focused on being happy, you try to decrease or divert yourself from negative thoughts and feelings.

‘For example, if you are anxious and avoid your emotions rather than facing them head on, they can fester and cause more problems.

“The relentless pursuit of happiness by trying to eliminate negativity instead of fostering a positive, supportive community can be exhausting.”

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