Causal Analyis

Health Equals Happiness

Depression is one of the most prevalent problems in the present era as approximately 18.8 million Americans are currently affected by depressive disorders (Murray, Web). This does not have to be the case however as numerous actions may be taken by an individual in an order to prevent succumbing to a depressive disorder in their life.

Recent psychology and biology studies show that when people who have a daily dose of exercise and consume a balanced and wholesome diet are more likely to have created a positive image for themselves and in turn have increased levels of self-esteem. Increased levels of self-esteem then contribute to an individual’s ability to obtain and maintain healthy relationships. The end result of each of these actions being taken is an overall happiness that cannot be combated by any depressive disorder.

Regular physical exercise is good for a person’s health and helps to decrease the risks of heart disease, joint and muscle problems, digestive ailments and is preventative against obesity as well. “Research consistently shows that regular physical activity, combined with healthy eating habits, is the most efficient and healthful way to control your weight (Weight Control, Weight Loss and Exercise, Web).”

Not only does exercise and a balanced diet contribute to an individual’s physical appearance but they’re mental and emotional well-being are also largely affected. Many associations are made between exercise and overall happiness. This is correctly so after considering multiple factors that evolve from exercising. Numerous endorphins are released during and after exercise such as dopamine and serotonin, all of which generate a feeling of well-being and help to create a positive attitude (“Exercise for Increasing Happiness and Confidence,” Web). This positive attitude is complimented with feelings of independence and competence. These things paired with a positive self and body image, enables an individual to obtain higher senses of self.

After having built inner confidence and physical beauty through an active and healthy life, an individual may go on to further their ability to obtain happiness by creating and maintaining healthy relationships and friendships which should be equipped with good communication skills, compassion and understanding. Recent studies in psychology suggest that individuals who have a strong social network and healthy romantic relationships are much more likely to obtain happiness throughout their lives and possibly prolong the length of their lives (Christakis, Web).

From a biological aspect, humans seek physically healthy individuals as possible mates for evolutionary purposes. For instance, a woman with waist significantly lower than her hips and an average waist-hip ratio of .67 to 1.16 is considered most attractive and the best possible choice for reproduction (Carey, Web). Obviously, a woman who cares for herself by eating three balanced meals a day and leading a physically active life is more likely to maintain this physical attribute and then acquire a stable romantic relationship.

It is not only romantic relationships that encourage an individual to obtain overall happiness, but friendships and mutual acquaintances also play a huge part in an individual feeling secure and content with the life they lead. Having close, long-term relationships is one of the keys indicated to happiness (Rubin, Web). An individual must have someone to confide in and to get and give support. “Studies show that if you have five or more friends with whom to discuss an important matter you’re far more likely to describe yourself as ‘very happy’ (Rubin, Web).”

Friendship seems to cut the risk of disease after lowering blood pressure, cholesterol and heart rate. People with friends also have lower stress levels because it may be that having social ties diffuses the effects of stress. People with strong friendships tend to suffer less from dementia, and other forms of mental illness. Individuals without strong social ties develop an emotional attachment condition known as “non-organic failure to thrive.” This condition occurs with neglected babies who end up not developing properly and may end up dying before they are toddlers. Women have a tendency to seek emotional support in times of stress and trauma which led researchers to coin the term “tend and befriend” to describe this reaction. After considering the positive effects friendship has on an individual’s physical and mental health, an effort to “tend and befriend” may be the key to a healthier and prolonged life (Havens, Web).

In an era where the popular trend is to increase longevity, physical health, and mental stability, obtaining happiness should be little less than a problem for much of the nations population. Depression has recently been a hotly debated issue and with the current health care crisis, many individuals are seeking alternatives to coping with their depressive disorders. The benefits of a healthy lifestyle and long-term social ties are growing increasingly evident in the modern age. Amongst these benefits is the highest priority of many individuals in the boundaries of the United States, now notoriously known as happiness. The process to reach this goal is now widely accepted amongst many citizens of the United States as psychological and biological studies have supported the theories of multiple researchers. Indeed, a healthy, physically active lifestyle enables an individual’s self-image to grow which then allows the individual to obtain and maintain healthy relationships. In the long run, the individual will have created happiness and contentedness within their lives, which may allow them to discourage certain depressive disorders and other bodily ailments.

Works Cited
Carey, Bjorn. “The Rules of Attraction in the Game of Love.” Live Science
February 2006. Imaginova Corp. New York, New York
Christakis, Nicholas A. “True Love: How to Find It.” The Scientific American
Mind. November 2009.
“Exercise for Increasing Happiness and Confidence.” Life Coach Expert.
04 November 2009.
Havens, Lila. “The Healing Power of Friendship.” Optimum Health Inc., 29
September 2009.
Murray, Bob. “Depression Facts and Sheets.” Uplift Program. 15 January
2005.
Rubin, Gretchen. “Friendship: Seven Tips for Making New Friends.” The
Happiness Project. 25 February 2009.
“Weight Control, Weight Loss and Exercise.” NutriStrategy. 2005. 04
November 2009.