Sharing happiness makes it grow

Researchers have previously demonstrated your own happiness could spread through a network of people, much like a virus, to eventually rub off on someone you've never met.

NZ researcher says social connections make good times better — just don’t brag

Kiwi research has given scientific credence to the old adage that happiness is contagious - just maybe not on Facebook.

Findings from an ongoing Victoria University research programme have suggested that telling others about a good thing that has happened to you - and especially to a group you feel a part of - makes it even sweeter.

Associate Professor Paul Jose, who specialises in the study of happiness, has also found that savouring the good moments in life, even just a nice-tasting latte on the way to the office, means people enjoy those experiences more and become happier.

His work, which has canvassed the views of more than 1000 survey respondents, has shown how being "socially connected" was a predictor of greater long-term happiness, giving people an increased sense of meaning in their life.

"Feeling part of an important group - whether that's your family, friends, workplace, educational institution or the wider community - tends to settle people," Dr Jose said.

"It makes them more confident, and gives their life joy and purpose."

Sharing something positive with a group, such as an exciting promotion or a date that went well, also heightened the happiness they gained from the event in the first place.

But there was a line between sharing good news and bragging.

"It has to be done gently - it can't be seen as boasting. But if you invite people to share in your happiness about an event, in the right way, it can be a bonding experience for everyone in that group."

It wasn't yet clear whether this translated to Facebook or Twitter.

"We don't know for sure, but interactions on social media seem to have less impact than those in person," he said.

"It makes perfect sense, really - if you post something you're proud of on Facebook, people can comment but you can't see their face or hear their tone of voice. These are fundamental things - we're physiologically built to respond to people's expressions."

Sharing experiences and social connectedness were linked - both served to increase gratefulness.

The study of happiness has delivered some intriguing findings over recent years - Harvard University researchers have previously demonstrated your own happiness could spread through a network of people, much like a virus, to eventually rub off on someone you've never met.

More fascinating was the finding, made this year by Dutch scientists, that odours produced by our bodies can communicate our happiness to others, a phenomenon known as chemosignalling.

Keys to contentment

Victoria University's Dr Paul Jose shares five proven tips to lighten up your life:

1. Practise gratefulness. Think of three things each day that you're grateful for.

2. Share your positive experiences with family and friends, in person. This means you get even more happiness from that event.

3. Appreciate the little things, such as a passing compliment or a really good cup of coffee.

4. Have reasonable expectations. You may enjoy a movie much more if your hopes aren't set so high.

5. Simplify your life. Think about how you can limit exposure to things, such as your smartphone, that are driving a fast-paced and demanding lifestyle.