The saying “money can’t buy you happiness” may really be true.
Having a loving relationship and good mental health have a larger impact on our happiness than money, new research suggests.
According to researchers at the London School of Economics, eliminating mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety from the population would reduce unhappiness by 20%.
In contrast, eliminating poverty would only cut unhappiness by 5%.
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To draw their conclusions, the researchers analysed data from previous surveys involving 200,000 people around the world.
They looked at answers revealing which factors had the highest impact on an individual’s wellbeing
The study found that having a loving partner raised a person’s happiness by 0.6 points, on a scale of 0-10.
In contrast, it found that doubling a person’s income only increased their happiness level by around 0.2 points.
Among participants, those who suffered from depression or anxiety were found to have reduced happiness rates of 0.7 points.
The researchers found that unemployment also reduced happiness by 0.7 points, but noted that losing your job is less common than having a mental health condition.
He called for governments to reevaluate their priorities based on the findings saying: “This demands a new role for the state - not ‘wealth creation’ but ‘wellbeing creation’.
“In the past, the state has successively taken on poverty, unemployment, education and physical health. But equally important now are domestic violence, alcoholism, depression and anxiety conditions, alienated youth, exam-mania and much else. These should become centre stage.”
The findings will be discussed at a conference on wellbeing at the London School of Economics on 12 and 13 December.
10 Tips For Happiness in 2017
Work (01 of10)
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"Work makes you happier. It provides routine, structure and self-worth. Make sure you are in a job you enjoy. If you are not, make finding one that you do a priority for this year."
Independence(02 of10)
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"Personal control in work makes you happier; there is better life satisfaction for those earning less but in control of their working practice than those who are richer but have less control."
Relationships and Friendships(03 of10)
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"Those with close relationships are happiest – try to see friends and family more in the New Year. Research shows the closer people live to their friends, the happier they are – make new friends close to where you live. Get to know your neighbours better, try joining sports groups or taking up a hobby close to your home."
Play to your strengths(04 of10)
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"Identifying your strengths and focus on developing these, either in work or a hobby. This will encourage you to become immersed in what you do and find life more gratifying."
Altruism(05 of10)
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"Altruism is proven to help focus beyond ourselves and enable us to be more connected with the world around us. In 2015, find local charities, sports clubs or community organisations where you can donate your time - you might even start new friendships with local people."
Focus on the positives(06 of10)
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"Improving happiness levels can depend on how we focus our attention – being attentive and focusing on one positive task helps us to enjoy the moment."
Positive Memory(07 of10)
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"Those who are happier remember bad events in a more positive light – it is possible to focus on particular aspects of a memory to notice the positives more than negatives."
Gratitude Diary(08 of10)
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"You can retrain your mind to focus on the good things that happen rather than the bad. Stop taking your blessings for granted by keeping a gratitude diary. Every day for 6 weeks jot down 5 things that happened that day for which you are grateful."
Meditate(09 of10)
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"Regular meditation can help with positive mental health."
Say ‘Thank You’(10 of10)
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"Expressing your gratitude for someone’s actions is the single most effective exercise in positive psychology. Saying thank you to even small acts and gestures will help improve gratitude levels."