When life is bleak, filled with sadness, and loses its bright colors, natural stimulants of happiness are the only way out. Want to learn more?

Heart-to-Heart Conversation

Studies show that therapeutic conversations can make people feel better. In fact, British researchers observed thousands of people who answered questions about their mental health and level of satisfaction. A team of scientists found that the $ 1,300 cost of therapy (about twelve sessions) makes people just as happy as receiving $ 41,000 in cash.

Ariel Gore, author of Bluebird: Women and the New Psychology of Happiness, says this happens because concentration takes time. Many people avoid doing that; that is, they fail to spend time on self-concentration.

Researchers developed a hypothesis that indicates social concentration on accumulating material benefits eclipsed the importance of reducing stress. They argue that lowering the level of burnout and everyday stress (through therapy and possibly other means) is an integral component of personal happiness.

Gain Experience and New Impressions

“Experience is better than big TV or a new purchase, even despite the fact the purchase will last longer,” said Gore. In 2010, researchers conducted a study that supported the idea that experience makes us happier than having material possessions.

Study participants answered questions about recent purchases. Those who spent money on experiencing an event, for example, a concert or a baseball game, were generally happier than those who bought material possessions (e.g., TV or new clothes).

Surround Yourself with Positive People

Happiness is literally contagious. A research team observed more than 4.700 people for more than two decades. They found the happiness of one person could spread like a virus, influencing spouses, children, friends, and neighbors for up to a year. Researchers also discovered that if a person becomes happy, the chances of people close to him also being happy increases by 9 percent.

Such influence, however, was limited by geography and only occurred if the subjects lived within one mile of each other. Bad luck was also contagious but to a lesser degree. An unhappy relationship increased the possibility that other people would be unhappy by 7 percent.

Ariel Gore says grumpy people believe the world is in chaos, but happiness is light and able to rise above reason. That is why it is contagious. Gore warns that you must make sure you communicate with truly happy people. We meet a lot of pseudo-happy people, who only pretend to be happy, but this circumstance is just part of our culture.