Happiness is a topic that has been addressed for centuries, even from philosophy. There are many investigations carried out in psychology related to this topic. In fact, there is the so-called "World Database of Happiness", whose headquarters are in the Netherlands, which confirms this statement. Currently, the number of publications linked to well-being and happiness is equally high. Each investigation, in one way or another, has highlighted the connection between happiness and other psychological aspects such as emotion, personality, economic and/or social factors, demographics, ethnology, and others such as age and gender. All these studies have given rise to a movement whose purpose has been to investigate positive behaviors and other benefits of happiness.

If we ask ourselves what is the definition of happiness, we could find diverse opinions, from those expressed by philosophers of ancient times to current criteria. Still, there is a common consensus that happiness is a goal in itself for people, a higher aspiration. From the field of psychology, happiness has been defined as an affective, full, satisfactory state, experienced subjectively by every individual when possessing their longed-for good.

There have been various initiatives to give more value to happiness. For example, since 2013, the United Nations Organization (UN) has been celebrating March 20 as the International Day of Happiness, in order to recognize the important role it plays in human life, especially in relation to health.

There are countless consequences perceived by the body when we experience happiness. Among them are the optimization of the functions of our immune system, the improvement in mood, the increase in tranquility, the decrease in the level of anxiety, stress, pain, heart rate, without forgetting that it slows down our aging, contributing to the prevention of diseases such as Parkinson's, so its impact on physical and emotional health is indisputable.

However, it must be taken into account that the physical, mental and emotional factors in human beings are distinguishable, but also inseparable, so that happiness, experienced well-being and health depend a lot on how much we take care of our body and mind and spirit.

There is no magic or unique method to achieve happiness, however, it is important to know that, scientifically, it has been shown that certain factors stimulate it, helping our brain release endorphins, dopamine and serotonin, that is, the so-called "hormones of happiness”, since they are related to pleasure and well-being. For this reason, physiological problems occur when anguish, depression and anxiety appear, as they are states that hinder the production of these substances.

How could we arouse well-being or happiness? It largely depends on each individual, as well as on the way they learn to perceive life and manage circumstances and emotions. Several studies have proven that activities such as dancing, physical exercise, listening to music, among many others, provide happiness. The prominent professor and psychologist Thomas Gilovich, from Cornell University, has been one of the most notable scholars on the subject, assuring, through his research, that these activities make us feel greater happiness than that obtained by buying material goods. The sum of experiences and memories stored in social relationships, outings and trips generate long-term well-being, unlike the rather ephemeral satisfaction derived from buying things.

On the other hand, it is essential to take care of other factors such as diet, which have an impact on the physical and even emotional aspect, considering the so-called "happy" foods that contain amino acids and tryptophan, which stimulates the production of serotonin. Among these we can mention banana, walnut, chocolate, almond and dairy products. These are also part of the foods that have been taken as a starting point by a fairly popular current in Japan and the United States, which promotes the prevention of anxiety and depression through food, encouraging the consumption of foods that favor good humor and the pleasant state.

So let's not forget that happiness reinforces good health in the long run. This was also scientifically proven by research carried out in the United States, in which it was confirmed that individuals who had acknowledged being happy since their adolescence, in their adulthood were less likely to smoke, drink alcoholic beverages, practice more sports and ate less unhealthy food. Similar results were obtained through a study by the University of Cambridge, in the United Kingdom, through which it was determined that, in effect, happiness was a factor that contributes to a well-being and healthier adult life.