By Imogen Howse via SWNS
People can learn how to be happy – but it won’t last without practice, according to a first-of-its-kind study.
The University of Bristol’s Science of Happiness course has proven that it is possible to ‘teach’ people happiness.
Pupils taking the course, which involves studying the latest scientific reports on ‘what really makes us happy’, have reported a 10 to 15 percent improvement in mental health and wellbeing.
However, academics’ recent analysis has found that these ‘boosts’ will only be short-lived unless the habits learned in the course are continued over the long term.
The university program, outlined in the journal Higher Education, involves no coursework or exams.
It teaches students that actions such as talking to strangers, walking in nature, and giving gifts all offer happiness boosts.
Gratitude, exercise, and meditation are all important for happiness too – but a lack of sleep and loneliness can reduce the likelihood of good moods.
Researchers studied those on the course – and those who had left the course – and found that trialing these habits can improve happiness for a short while.
However, the study also discovered that only those who implemented the habits into their everyday lives will achieve lasting happiness.
Senior author Professor Bruce Hood explained: “It’s like going to the gym – we can’t expect to do one class and be fit forever.
“Just as with physical health, we have to continuously work on our mental health, otherwise the improvements are temporary.
“So merely doing a course – be that at the gym, a meditation retreat, or on an evidence-based happiness course like ours – is just the start: you must commit to using what you learn on a regular basis.”
This study of the course also revealed that focusing on people other than ourselves can help with happiness – contrary to ‘self-care routines’ which are currently popular on social media.
“Much of what we teach revolves around positive psychology interventions that divert your attention away from yourself, by helping others, being with friends, gratitude or meditating,” Prof Hood said.
“This is the opposite of the current ‘selfcare’ doctrine, but countless studies have shown that getting out of our own heads helps gets us away from negative ruminations which can be the basis of so many mental health problems.”
