A therapist and mental health expert has shared the secret to true happiness – and her revelation is backed up by science.
Stella Ladikos, from Sydney, told FEMAIL that one of the best ways to be happy and live a long, healthy life is to foster positive relationships with your friends and family.
The Australian expert’s advice comes after Harvard’s 85-year long scientific study on happiness found that close relationships and social connections are crucial for well-being as people age.
People who have strong relationships show lower rates of diabetes, arthritis, cognitive decline, and other chronic conditions.
‘We’re a social species, we’re not meant to operate in isolation,’ Ms Ladikos said. ‘Positive relationships foster happiness and protect us from going down depressive rabbit holes.’
Stella Ladikos [pictured] said the best way to be happy is to foster positive relationships
Harvard found good friends protected people from mental and physical decline, and gave a better idea of how long someone’s life will be than their social class, IQ, or genes.
Ms Ladikos echoed that having a supportive community makes a person less likely to relapse into episodes of depression or anxiety.
‘It doesn’t matter if it’s your family, friends, or colleagues – relationships have a massive impact on your life.
‘You need to make an effort to get involved and connect with your loved ones. Be it by volunteering, playing sport, or something else – you need to be in supportive spaces regularly.
‘It’s important to put yourself out there frequently in order to be happier.’
On the other side, Ms Ladikos revealed that some relationships can also actively hurt you.
‘If someone in your life is toxic, constantly pushes your boundaries, and doesn’t respect you – it increases your stress levels.
‘That impacts your sleep, appetite, performance at work, and even your immune system.’
Ms Ladikos shared that it was essential to know when you should pull away from people.
‘You shouldn’t have relationships with people where your needs aren’t being met because it doesn’t add value to your life.
‘If you have a friend you can’t trust, you have nothing in common anymore, but you’re holding on because you’ve known each other for years – you need to reconsider that relationship.’
Ms Ladikos shared that it was essential to know when you should pull away from people
The therapist also said that the pursuit of happiness can sometimes cause more suffering.
‘If you’re so focused on being happy, you try to diminish or deflect yourself from negative thoughts and feelings.
‘For example, if you’re anxious and you’re avoiding your emotions instead of facing it head on, it can fester and cause more problems.
‘The relentless pursuit of happiness by trying to eliminate negativity instead of fostering a positive and supportive community can be exhausting.’
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