Extroverted Persona and Happiness
Extroversion has been linked to higher levels of happiness, but it's not clear which one causes the other. Do extroverts, flying on the wings of interaction, find happiness, or do these already happy Chatty Kathys just like to go out with their friends more?
We know that more happiness is derived from experiences than from material gain, which means that introverts may be in for an unhappy ride. If happiness is to be had in experience, extroverts are more likely than introverts to go out and seek new experiences. Extroverts may also have an advantage when it comes to getting ahead, partly because extroverts have a leg up on them when it comes to professional networking and exposure to new opportunities through friends and acquaintances. Social connections may also open up additional opportunities, such as increased proximity to possible romantic partners.
On the other hand, introverts aren't necessarily despairing for social connections, they just don't require a crowd of friends and acquaintances. While extroverts may despair at only having three or four phone numbers programmed into their cell phone, introverts prefer to have a small handful of close friends to satisfy the need for companionship and intimacy.
So, why would extroverts be happier? Happiness isn't necessarily found in social connections, but rather in not feeling socially disconnected. Social isolation occurs when we want more social interactions, but for one reason or another (chief among them being too introverted), we can't satisfy this need. Those who report feelings of social isolation are more likely to have higher levels of stress, poor sleep patterns, higher blood pressure and a host of other ill health effects.
Interestingly, studies have shown that you can become happier just by faking extroversion, even if you are feeling withdrawn. By forcing yourself to interact with others, especially strangers, you tend to project happiness and, in short order, feel happier. Even faking a smile produces increased happiness, as does merely being told that you will soon interact with a stranger.
Healthy Lifestyle and Happiness
When it comes to health and happiness, either one can be the cause or effect. Research shows that when we feel happy, we're more likely to be healthy and stay healthy. The improving effect of happiness on health has been found in both industrialized and impoverished regions of the world. While being happy won't cure us of an ailment, it does have preventive qualities that are as important to our health as factors such as smoking, age and exercise.
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Exercise has a positive effect on our body as well as our mental health. Exercise prompts the production of endorphins , which enhance our mood and sense of well-being.
The exercise doesn't need to be intense. Walking, for instance, increases your energy and improves your mood. Research shows that the number of steps we take each day directly affects our happiness, self-esteem and even conscientiousness about our health and diet.
And it's not just about exercise -- increased happiness may be just a sound night's sleep away. Poor sleep patterns have long been viewed as a product of poor mental health, but much like the two-way cause-and-effect street that links health and happiness, it seems that poor sleep may also be a strong contributing factor to depression.
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