新竹學英文｜What Really Makes A Person Happy? 快樂沒有你想像中的難 @ TOEIC,TOEFL,IELTS,全民英檢,SAT,菁英英日語-新竹分校

生活中充斥著忙碌與焦慮，每天都覺得被壓力逼得喘不過氣

越來越多研究開始調查讓人快樂的秘訣到底是什麼？

試試網路作家Amanda Chatel分享經實驗證實的快樂方法

快樂其實沒有這麼難

1. Caring About Other People 關心別人

According to TED speaker and economist Paul Zak, we all have something in us called the “moral molecule,” which is associated with both love and pain relief. This molecule releases high levels of oxytocin when we think about those we care for and love.

Studies have found that even spending time on social media looking at photos of your friends (you know, the ones you actually like) can raise oxytocin levels making people happier than they were before they looked at photos or status updates. Human beings, it seems, need to feel love and connection through personal relationships in order to feel happy. Who knew?!

根據TED演講者、經濟學家Paul Zak的論點，每個人都有一種和「愛與痛苦的釋放」有所關聯的「精神分子(moral molecule)」，這種分子會在想到那些我們關心、愛的人時產生大量催產素，即使只是在Facebook上看見他們的照片或動態也能帶來相同效果。身為人，為了使生活快樂，我們都需要透過人際關係來感到愛與連結。

2. Old Age (Or Being 23) 年紀大 (或23歲的時候)

A 2014 study found that age actually has quite a bit to do with happiness. It found that people in their 70s were far happier than 18-year-olds, because even though both age groups experienced extraordinary events, the people in their 70s, who had more life experience and knowledge about themselves, could enjoy it more.

Other studies have also confirmed that being 69 and older is definitely the happiest time for many individuals — although, interestingly, 23 tends to be an especially happy age as well. (The saddest age for many is that midlife-crisis period of early 40s to mid-40s…so watch out for that?)

2014年有項研究指出一個人的年齡確實會影響他快樂的程度，70歲的人和18歲的人在遇見相同的事件時，因為70歲的人擁有較多人生經驗和知識，更能夠用樂觀的心情面對。另外也有一項研究發現，69歲和以上是一個人一生中最快樂的時候，雖然研究也顯示，23歲出乎意料之外也是一個非常快樂的年紀！(最難熬的日子則發生在40幾歲，也就是所謂中年危機的時候。)

3. The 5 Traits Of Positive Thinking 正面思考的5種特質

Yes, the self-help gurus are right: Thinking positively vastly contributes to happiness.

A 2010 study found that there are five key items that contribute to positive thinking, which, in turn, results in happiness: being grateful, being optimistic, practicing acts of kindness, relishing in how lucky you are, and using your strengths. It’s in being aware of these aspects of your daily life that positive thoughts will flow, providing for better well-being and overall joy.

也許你聽了很多關於改變思想的言論，但你從來都只抱持著懷疑的態度，但正向思考真的能為你的生活帶來許多快樂。2010年的研究指出關於正向思考有五項關鍵：懷抱感恩的心、用樂觀的心情面對生活、實踐善良的言行、了解自己有多麼幸運、發揮你的長處，了解到這五點，並運用於日常生活中，正向思考也會隨之而來，讓你能夠活得更健康、更快樂。

4. Exercise 運動

Not too surprisingly, exercise makes people happier. When people work out, endorphins, which are natural painkillers, are released creating feelings of euphoria. A perfect example of this is runner’s high, but luckily, the feeling can also be achieved in other, more fun, ways.

運動可以讓人感到快樂，這點相信多數人都知道。當人在運動時會產生腦內啡，釋放讓我們感到心情愉悅的化學成分，不過除了運動，像是聽音樂也會有同樣的效果。

5. Enjoying Culture 享受文化

A 2011 study found that stepping outside yourself and submerging yourself in the culture around you definitely contributes to happiness. Of the male and female participants, men and women who enjoyed things like the ballet and art (or even attended sporting events) were more likely to be happy. Women who attend church also tend to have something to smile about.

研究指出走出自身以外的世界，將自己沉浸在周遭的文化之中絕對能為你帶來快樂，在這項調查中的受試者當中，喜歡芭蕾、藝術或參與運動活動的人比起他人活得較快樂。

6. Having Pets 養寵物

Because, of course! Studies have found that some of the happiest people around are the ones who have a pet. A 2011 study found that pets not only increase our self-esteem, but also give us a better sense of belonging and bring a deeper meaning to our lives.

研究發現多數快樂的人都有養寵物，2011年有項報告即指出，寵物不僅能提高我們的自尊心，也能讓我們有歸屬感並為生活帶來更深遠的意義。

7. Volunteering 投入志工

According to psychologist Mark Snyder, volunteering creates feelings of greater self-esteem and psychological well-being — which, of course, leads to happiness. Snyder says that in our society, we are often under no obligation to help others, but that when we choose to do so anyway — going “against the strong dynamics of self-interest” — the feeling that comes with such selflessness does wonders for the psychological self. And the more one volunteers, the more positive the effect, further adding to feelings of happiness.

根據心理學家Mark Snyder的看法，志工服務能夠為一個人帶來自尊心以及心靈上的富足，更不用說這些感受會讓人感到愉悅。Snyder認為，在我們的社會之下，一般認為我們沒有義務必須去從事志工服務，然而當我們選擇去做這些事時，就好像在對抗本該自利的自我，越常花時間投入志工活動，就會帶來越多正面的影響，增加快樂的感受。

8. Not Thinking Too Hard About Being Happy

不要一直煩惱該如何讓自己更快樂

When we focus on something we want to a fault, we sometimes forget to actually enjoy the things around us. A 2011 study found that those people who focus on trying to be happy are actually less happy than those who just go about their lives. While wanting to be happy is a good thing, it’s when we don’t let go enough to enjoy ourselves that we end up facing some serious self-defeat.

不停的煩惱自己該如何做才能活得更快樂，反而會讓我們忘記專注於眼前美好而幸福的小事物。2011年的研究指出，那些老是在想該如何變快樂的人反而比起那些就只是自然的過生活的人來得不快樂。無論如何，好好享受每個當下或許才是讓自己快樂的準則。

參考資料: http://goo.gl/Q2fJQX