Dwell On Yesterday's Happiness And Be Happy Today!

Pulse

oi-Staff

By Staff

Wednesday, August 19, 2009, 14:22

Did something pleasant happen to you yesterday? Well, if yes, then start musing on it, as that can really refresh you and can put you in a happier state of mind, say researchers. But certainly, those of you who believe in not to dwell on the past, kindly update yourself.

According to a new experiment that was conducted in the University of Hertfordshire, recalling a pleasant event from the previous day, increased the happiness level of the participant subjects by 15 per cent, while expressing gratitude, smiling and carrying out an act of kindness also added to the happiness level.

The team of researchers noted that at least 65 per cent of those reminiscing on a happy instance experienced a boost in happiness, compared to only half of those who just thought about the day's events.

The participants also recorded a nine per cent surge through act of kindness, while being grateful for an aspect of life led to an eight per cent increase. Some six per cent participants felt that the effort to smile and hold it made them happier, said the researchers.

The experiment involved more than 26,000 participating for the "happiness experiment," a nationwide publicity campaign that aimed to send cheerfulness across Britain.

Professor Richard Wiseman of Hertfordshire University, said that the through the experiment it was found that, after the survey, which was conducted among a representative 2,000 people from across Britain, a 7 per cent increase was noted in the overall cheerfulness in the country.

"All of the techniques, including the control, resulted in a reported rise in happiness. However, thinking about one positive thing that had happened the day before appears to have been by far the most effective technique. Compared to those in the control group, this quick and simple procedure provided an additional 15 per cent boost in happiness," said prof wiseman.