Is There A Link Between Happiness And Preserving The Environment?

Theresa Belton, author of Happier People Healthier Planet.

Did you ever stop to ponder what makes people happier? Theresa Belton has thought about it. The thought came up while she was bicycling and noticing the many sights and sounds of nature. That's when the thought came up that most of what makes people happy don't harm the environment - such things as gardening, singing, volunteering to help others, even reading a good book.

Her thoughts turned into a book, HAPPIER PEOPLE HEALTHIER PLANET. Now, think about it, here we are depleting earth's resources in our desire for things, but all that stuff we acquire won't make us happy. The things that matter - friendships, creativity, knowledge, skills, being part of the community, spending time surrounded by nature, altruism - can't be bought; they aren't stuff.



So, what's going on here? Well, acquiring something does give most people a buzz, a high, if you will, but that's only temporary. When that high wears off, it can only happen again with another thing added to the pile. On the other hand, the experiences that don't involve acquisitions, like learning a new skill, helping someone else, they last longer and sometimes even give a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

So, why are many people trying to buy their way to happiness? A lot of it has to do with image, how you appear in someone else's eyes. It's the notion that having that thing boosts your image with others. Maybe it's time for those whose images depend on acquisitions to get comfortable with themselves, as they are. After all, self-acceptance is an important part of wellbeing.

Another reason for acquiring things is the feeling of unhappiness, you know, retail therapy. You go out and get that fashionable dress or new pair of shoes, so you can escape from the feeling, when a simple walk along a nature trail, a good talk with a friend, or writing about your feelings, would help to resolve that feeling better.

Happier people have been found to have greater self control, so they are less likely to succumb to impulse buying. Being happier allows a person to see the bigger picture, while negative feelings narrow your view. That makes it easier for happier people to realize the impact of their decisions on the larger world around them, actually leading to more eco-friendly choices.

When Ms. Belton was researching her book, she took note of those people who lived relatively modest lifestyles. Frequently, she heard about how fulfillment came up, even when unsought, from those non-materialistic activities. Such things as being physically active, interacting with nature, spending time with other people, mindfulness and appreciation in the moment, are what lead to feeling happy.

Self-acceptance is a key part of wellbeing.

One of her subjects, who was pursuing a modest lifestyle, said, "Because 'more' isn't better. Because I hate waste and greed, and [possessions] are weighty and unsatisfying while nature is free, generous, delightful, and uplifting. Because consuming only what I find I need reduces my carbon footprint and allows me to feel good about myself and my place in this environment."

Choose the bigger picture for your focus.

Thanks for information from this article by Theresa Belton on Action For Happiness: http://www.actionforhappiness.org/news/happier-people-healthier-planet; and the above link.

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