Are you wondering how long ‘learned happiness’ lasts? Well, here’s an eye-opener for you. Learning to be happy, like any other habit, needs to be practised and maintained to attain long-lasting benefits. According to a recent study at the University of Bristol, happiness can indeed be harnessed through learning, but the key to enduring happiness lies in the continued application of learned positive psychology interventions. It is certainly not a one-off thing.

You might compare it to going to the gym. One session won’t keep you fit forever. The same goes for mental health—an area that, like physical health, requires consistent work; otherwise, the improvements are fleeting.

The ‘Science of Happiness’ course, launched in 2018, proved that science-backed educational programmes can significantly enhance wellbeing. But this isn’t about quick fixes. The findings reveal that the wellness boosts are short-lived unless you keep up with the evidence-informed habits taught in the course, such as gratitude, exercise, meditation, or journaling, over the long term.

The results were compelling. Students who took the course reported a 10 to 15% improvement in wellbeing. However, only those who continued implementing the course teachings maintained this improved wellbeing two years on.

Happiness, it seems, is not a state but a process, a habit that needs to be cultivated and maintained over time. And it’s not about looking inward; it involves activities that pull you from your bubble—helping others, socialising, demonstrating gratitude and meditating.

This insight goes against the prevalent ‘self-care’ doctrine, but countless studies have demonstrated that stepping outside ourselves helps shift us away from negative ruminations, which are often at the root of many mental health issues.

The takeaway from this study? To stay happy, you need to practise being happy, consistently and actively. Learning happiness is the start; maintaining it is the journey. So, are you ready to embark on this voyage of sustained happiness?

More of the article here.

This article summary was created by Eleanor Shakiba

Eleanor is a leadership trainer, success coach and people skills expert. She helps managers and business owners build thriving teams and organisations, using tools from Positive Psychology. She's trained more than 60,000 people during her career as a corporate trainer and professional development consultant. Her mission is inspiring talented people to become leaders who make a difference.