Simple Connections... Around the block and around the world.
Simple Connections... Around the block and around the world.
The Science of Happiness
Why Joy Matters
Science shows that happiness isn’t just about feeling good. It has tangible effects on our body, mind, and social life. Practicing joy can reduce stress, strengthen relationships, and improve resilience. At the One World Heart Project, we integrate happiness practices into events, workshops, and daily life, making the science playful, experiential, and social.
Three Pathways to Happiness
1
The Pleasant Life:
Focus on positive emotions from past, present, and future. Celebrate joy, satisfaction, hope, and contentment.
2
The Engaged Life:
Immerse yourself in work, relationships, and hobbies that make you lose track of time (flow).
3
The Meaningful Life:
Contribute to something larger than yourself through service, creativity, or building community.
6 Proven Health Benefits of Happiness:
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Lower risk of heart disease by 13–26%.
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Happier people maintain lower cortisol levels.
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Greater resilience to illness.
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Increased exercise, better diet, and improved sleep.
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Lower perception of chronic pain.
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Happiness is linked to increased longevity.
Recommended Happiness Exercises
Spotting good in other people
Intentional acts of kindness
Recognize and celebrate personal strengths
Practice Mindfulness daily
Gratitude journaling (3 good things per day)
Writing thank-you letters, including ones to yourself.
These exercises combine science and creativity to build a happier, more connected life while creating ripples of joy in communities.