Resolve to Create Your Own Happiness This Year

It’s January and you’ve been wished “Happy New Year” approximately 3,700 times. But research shows that happiness is not something you wish for; it’s something you create. Where do you start? 

A study from Harvard suggests that three categories of “good” help us build happiness:

Do Things You Are Good At

Can you tie a fishing lure with one hand, sing like a nightingale or cook a sublime soufflé? Make time to pursue those hobbies and perfect those talents. You will feel great and so will the people you invite over for dinner or out for a fishing trip.

Do Things That Are Good for You

Yes, all the usual New Year’s resolutions fall into this category, but so does spending more time with your loved ones and reconnecting with friends. In fact, people with close connections to family and friends tend to live longer and in better health than their lonelier peers.

Do Good for Others

Donating money to charitable causes benefits your brain and your body in addition to providing a tax write-off, while volunteering aids the volunteer as well as the people being helped. Volunteers feel more fulfilled and self-confident, less stressed and more connected with the world around them. In general, people who help others enjoy stronger social support, lower blood pressure, better mood and longer life.

Ghandi said, “Happiness is when what you think, what you say and what you do are in harmony.” Or in the words of another philosopher, “Don’t worry; be happy.”

The Overlake Medical Center Foundation connects our generous community with opportunities to support world-class healthcare on the Eastside. Questions? Contact us at foundation@overlakehospital.org or call (425) 688-5525.