Happiness is Contagious!

A research study at Harvard Medical found that, in fact, happiness is contagious. It suggests that happiness is influenced not only by the people you know, but by the people they know. The study showed that happiness spreads through social networks, sort of like a virus, meaning that your happiness could influence the happiness of someone you`ve never even met. They found that there were statistical relationships not just between your happiness and your friend’s happiness, but between your happiness and your friends, friends, friends happiness! They concluded that the happiness of an immediate social contact increased an individual’s chances of becoming happy by 15%, the happiness of a second-degree contact, such as the spouse of a friend, increases the likeliness of becoming happy by 10%, and the happiness of a third-degree contact — or the friend of a friend of a friend — increases the likelihood of becoming happy by 6%. So what does that tell us – choose friends who are HAPPY!!!

Now in attempt to help spread happiness to all of you as you head into the weekend ahead I will share some things that make me happy 🙂  …

Happiness is…

  • Listening to happy music while you take a warm shower at the start of your day
  • Fitting into old clothes that used to be too small (my juice cleanse is working!)
  • A diet coke fountain drink in the morning with a shot of cherry flavoring (especially if it has the good rabbit ice that comes in little balls)
  • Singing in your car at the top of your lungs to your favorite song on the radio
  • A smile from a stranger
  • A clean office
  • A compliment from anyone
  • Someone who says thank you
  • Making your parents proud
  • When your children love you
  • Having peace of mind
  • Learning to do something new for the first time
  • Knowing that God loves you
  • Curling up with a good book that you can’t put down
  • Listening to little kids laughter
  • Dancing in your kitchen when no one is around to watch
  • Holding a newborn baby that smells like baby magic lotion
  • Looking forward to a trip or a holiday
  • Having amazing children that make you really proud to be their mom
  • Being married to the hottest husband ever!
  • Watching your favorite TV show with your family
  • Listening to the rain from the warmth of your home
  • A cup of hot chocolate on a cold day (especially when there is whip cream on top)
  • Going to a movie you have been waiting to see with a big tub of popcorn with butter and your favorite candy (DOTS poured in a tub of popcorn is awesome!)
  • Waking up early on a Saturday morning and realizing you don’t have to wake up yet because it’s not a work day!
  • Knowing your son is coming home from his mission soon and your family will all be together again!

Most of all I think happiness is a feeling that comes when we recognize and appreciate the blessings in our life.  And happiness is being surrounded by amazing friends who are grateful and happy themselves and who statistically increase your own level of happiness!

Have an amazing weekend full of happiness and laughter and love.

~Amy

10 Comments

  • Delcia Crosby says:

    I sang to a 10-ish-year-old girl from my car a few days ago. I have to have my music loud because I can’t hear it if it’s not, and I like the windows rolled down because real wind feels better than air conditioning blowing straight in my face. So my music was blasting, and I was dancing to “What Makes You Beautiful” by 1D when I looked to my left and saw a girl with her window rolled down, and she was staring at me. I smiled and waved, and continued enjoying my music. When it got to the part where it says, “Everyone else in the room can see it, everyone else but you,” I looked back over at her (she was still watching me), and pointed at her while I sang the lyrics. I have never done anything like that before, but I think I brightened her day. I know it brightened mine.

  • Bob Ligget says:

    Great post, Amy. You’re probably aware of the great Abraham Lincoln quote: “Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be.” Like really does attract like, so it influences our friendships. I have a list of people who are always happy and positive, and when I need a boost, that’s who I call.

  • Glennis says:

    This is a message to the webmaster. Your Happiness is Contagious! | Amy Rees Anderson’s Blog website is missing out on at least 300 visitors per day. I have found a company which offers to dramatically increase your traffic to your site: They offer 500 free visitors during their free trial period and I managed to get over 15,000 visitors per month using their services, you could also get lot more targeted traffic than you have now. Hope this helps 🙂 Take care.

  • Morgan says:

    Pretty component to content. I simply stumbled upon your blog and in accession capital to claim that I acquire actually loved account your blog posts.
    Any way I’ll be subscribing for your augment and
    even I achievement you get right of entry to persistently fast.

  • Kandice says:

    I savor, result in I found just what I used to be having a look for.
    You’ve ended my four day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have
    a nice day. Bye

  • Delila says:

    you’re in reality a just right webmaster. The website loading speed is incredible.
    It kind of feels that you’re doing any unique
    trick. Moreover, The contents are masterpiece.
    you’ve done a fantastic activity in this topic!

  • Jaxon says:

    It is not my first time to visit this web page, i am visiting this web page dailly and obtain pleasant data from here daily.

  • Anonymous says:

    I conceive you have remarked some very interesting details , appreciate it for the post.

  • sdorttuii plmnr says:

    Your place is valueble for me. Thanks!

  • likes says:

    Good site you’ve got here.. It’s hard to find high-quality writing like yours these days. I truly appreciate people like you! Take care!!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.