Happiness

Israel ranks highest in the MENA region happiness scale, while conflict in Afghanistan, financial crisis in Lebanon put them at the bottom of the list.

New research from Bar-Ilan University indicates that people will feel better if they are alone by choice than if they are with others not by choice.

Can we be commanded to be happy? Is happiness a state of mind that is divinely imposed upon us – with or without our consent – or is there some secret to attaining this gift of joy?

The choices we make in life are critical to our happiness and our future.

Before you start reading this article, think for a few moments and ask yourself if you constantly feel anxious. 

The story of modern Israel is nevertheless one of irrefutable success, our remarkable collective happiness attesting to that.

Most of us believe that if we have lots of free time during the day to do what we want we’ll be happier. This study claims otherwise, and quantifies the amount of free time you need to be happier.

Below, I offer some positive tips for lifting your mood and/or helping those you care about during this pandemic in this new year.

Maybe we should forgo some small luxury and help out those in need. Let’s remember the lesson of Rabbi Blech, “that true happiness comes not from our possessions but from our priorities."

Those with a positive outlook had a 20% higher survival rate than those who were less optimistic. This difference increased in to 25% in the 90+ age bracket.