This year's World Happiness Report relayed some interesting data about the overall happiness of nations across the globe. The U.S. came in 93rd out of 156 countries ranked by changes in national vivacity. Since the report was issued, researchers and psychologists alike have attempted to figure out the reasoning behind the decline in American happiness in recent years.
Among other factors, studies have correlated the United States' declining happiness with decreasing mental and physical health. Happiness and health go hand-in-hand and when you don't feel healthy, it can be hard to feel happy.
An enormous amount of pressure is placed on millennials and adults to succeed and "make something of themselves" at whatever cost. Even our sanity and well-being. These pressures have helped push the United States into one of the leading countries of anxiety and other mental illness. As a college student, it's easy to forget or not be able to aside some time to give my body and my mind a rest. Everyday stressors can take an immense toll on a person's health if they are not equally balanced with down time and activities that they enjoy.
A recent study following 6,000 men and women for over 20 years concluded that those who lead a life of enthusiasm and hopefulness appeared to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke. Generally, happy people are also thought to live longer and set an example for their children to lead happier lives as well. When you're happy, you help make the people around you happy, too!
Additionally, over the past few decades, artificial, processed and fast foods have taken precedent over home-cooked, healthier meals. Today, at least one in four Americans eat fast food at least once daily. While grabbing a burger and fries on your way home may be a cheaper and quicker option, making a habit out of it can reek havoc on your physical health. Processed and sugary foods can leave you feeling sluggish and won't provide you with the energy you'll need throughout the day. Sticking to a balanced, nutritional diet will not only make you feel better on the inside, but it'll make you feel better on the outside as well. Our bodies are like machines, and we need to fuel them with vitamins and proper nourishment in order for them to truly perform.
Poor health has the potential to significantly alter almost every aspect of your life -- your independence, your self-image, your productivity and more. For this reason, it's extremely important to start making personal health a priority. Laugh often, get enough sleep, exercise regularly and don't take life too seriously. Everyone wants to be happy and a good place to start is by making small changes to our diets and our minds.
