Social contacts make you happy

Although the above figures are only a rough guide, they underpin the old adage: "Every man is the architect of his own fortune." But where is the best place to start hammering away? "Truly happy people cultivate close relationships," says the well-known American happiness researcher Ed Diener. They can rely on their friends, but are also very dependable themselves. "Psychological studies have shown that stressful situations are perceived as less stressful with a friend by your side," says Diener, whose nickname is Dr. Happiness.

say two researchers from the University of Chicago.

Whether it's family or friends, it all comes down to shared experiences. A trip, a meal with friends, a visit to the cinema, a cozy coffee party - it's often the little things that trigger great happiness. It doesn't have to be a risky sport or a long journey. And our happiness is certainly not determined by possessions, intelligence or social status. Happiness activates feelings of happiness in the brain. Interesting: the older and more experienced you are, the happier the supposedly normal, everyday things make you. A fulfilling job also gives our lives meaning and is closely linked to happiness. Faith or feeling connected in a group can also trigger this feeling. You can also experience this in a club or choir. Maintaining social contacts is therefore the best way to boost happiness. It's a good thing that being happy is so simple in principle.

Happiness is a chemical reaction

From a medical point of view, happiness is a purely chemical matter, because happiness hormones are at work in our bodies to make us feel good. These are biochemical messenger substances, so-called neurotransmitters. These include dopamine and endorphins. They transmit our joyful excitement to the brain via connections in the cells, the synapses.