Being Happy For Others Makes You Happy

Being happy for others is a selfless act that can say a lot about you. In fact, this kind of personal focus and genuine intention for the good of others can make you happier. However, you might encounter people who say, “ I want you to be happy, but not happier than me .” This contradicts the essence of human relationships.

You have probably experienced this yourself. Kind of like going to someone you wanted to tell good news to, to share with them that you had a good experience. At that point, you probably felt some tension, falsehood, or that uneasiness that means something is wrong. A kind of disagreement between emotions and reciprocity.

Feelings of annoyance at the happiness of others can be something darker than just jealousy. Sometimes it feels like a blow to your self-esteem. Also seeing that others succeed and achieve their goals, while you are stuck in your own insecurities. It’s not easy to feel genuinely happy for others when you’re deeply frustrated yourself.

However, being happy for others and celebrating their achievements can also give you a sense of well-being. It has nothing to do with ethics, morality, or religion. Actually, there is a legitimate and interesting psychological basis that can scientifically explain this.

Being happy for others is selflessness for a healthy heart

Earlier this year, Iowa State University published a very interesting study. Dr. Douglas A. Gentile and his team from the Psychology Department selected a group of people who had been diagnosed with anxiety and stress. For several days they taught them a simple technique that gave very good results.

Simply put, they had to walk for 15 to 20 minutes every day. While doing this, they had to do kinhin , which is a type of meditation that you do while walking, running, or doing other exercise. Similarly, the psychologists asked them to experience friendliness, calmness, and well-being while walking.

To make that happen, they were asked to congratulate the people they encountered on their walk. The simple act of wishing happiness and well-being to others and projecting it made them happy themselves.

Their minds had fewer worries and obsessive thoughts. Their inner calm and the fact that they focused on affection gave them comfort and satisfaction.

Have purer thoughts focused on kindness

Doctor Gentile proved a few things with this experiment. Stress and anxiety levels dropped significantly, and not just because people were exercising.

It meant that their inner dialogue changed, and especially their emotional focus. It went from an inner negativity to stimulating their minds to radiate kindness to others.

During their walks, happiness for others, even though they were total strangers, increased their empathy and their feelings of social connection. Suddenly they noticed that other people’s faces stood out more, they were more open to the outside world, and especially to the people in the outside world.

Being happy for others makes us free

Certain actions, words or thoughts can also have certain consequences. In psychology, this is called a boomerang effect or the action and reaction principle. For example, something simple, such as being able to be happy, can also have an impact on your life for others.

There is an emotional reward and a kind of catharsis. Think about it. For example, imagine that one of your colleagues is very jealous. It’s one of those people who stare at everyone and feel uncomfortable with how well you’re doing.

If you try to emulate them, this negativity, discomfort and confrontation will make you feel bad and stressed. On the other hand, you relax by wishing them well. Accepting that everyone is their own person and being happy for them makes you feel free and keeps your mind in a good place.

The saying “Do what is right, what happens happens” can also mean “Wish others happiness, whatever happens”. This is because the simple fact of projecting positive feelings can change your inner dialogue and open your mind to others. Put this simple advice into practice to improve your health and human connection.