There’s a not-so-secret way to live better and longer: take care of yourself. But is being physically healthy the only path to living your best life? What about happiness? It turns out happiness improves health and vice versa. The two work together. The secret to truly living the good life? Make both a priority

Health Benefits of Happiness

Research has connected being happy with a number of physical health benefits. It is known to lower stress, blood pressure and the risk of heart disease and stroke. It can also boost one’s immune system and ability to recover from injuries. Having a positive outlook can even improve digestion and sleep. 

How it Works

Feelings of happiness or joy cause your brain to release the so-called “happy hormones,” endorphins and serotonin. These help balance another important hormone, cortisol, often known as the stress hormone. Cortisol is useful in short bursts to help regulate certain body functions. But, if it stays high for too long it can raise your risk for many health problems or make them worse. Purposely working to create the sense of well-being and calm from being happy helps put cortisol and stress in check.

Keep Up With Health Checks

Finding your balance of health and happiness begins with knowing the status of your physical health. Getting a yearly physical exam and regular health screenings can help catch any problems early, when they can be more successfully treated. There are helpful lists online that tell you about the screenings you may need at different ages.  Also check out the healthy living by age checklists  from the U.S. Office on Women’s Health. See what you need to do in each decade of life, starting in your 20s, up through your 90s.

Be Active to Keep Your Body and Mind Fit

Research shows that sticking with certain healthy habits can add years to your life and help you avoid serious illnesses, like cancer, heart disease and diabetes. Exercise is one of those critical habits. Getting at least 30 minutes of moderate-effort physical activity a day, like brisk walking, can have a big impact.

Regular activity helps you:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Keep muscles and bones stronger and lower your risk of injury as you get older
• Boost your energy so you can do more of the things you want to do over time
• Sleep better 

The National Institute on Aging  says physical activity also supports emotional and mental health. Being active helps with happiness. It can improve your mood and reduce feelings of depression and stress. Find out how to work more movement into your day.

Make Happiness Happen

Living a fulfilling life can bring with it a positive outlook. This feeling of optimism in turn helps you have more desire to eat well, exercise and keep self-care on your to-do list says Northwestern Medicine^® . Being happy and healthy work hand-in-hand to make your life better. So how do you achieve happiness?

Prevention  offers a list of habits for building happiness into your life. A few examples include: 

• Be social – Feeling connected to family and friends or through events in your community helps stave off loneliness and depression, and keeps you mentally engaged.
• Take time for gratitude – Focusing on the good in your life helps boost resilience and positivity. Take a few minutes every day to think of or write down five or more things you’re grateful for.
• Make a “joy list” of activities that make you smile inside.– Do at least one each day. Relax with a book, get coffee at your favorite shop, play with pets or care for plants. The options are endless.
• Spend time in nature – Being outdoors just 30 minutes or more a week can help relieve stress and increase feelings of well-being.
• Focus on personal growth – Take on a fun or interesting project, set a challenging goal and work toward it, explore new places either far away or in your own community, or start a hobby.
• Be kind to yourself – Try saying daily positive affirmations, take time to do deep breathing or meditation exercises and allow yourself to think and be playful. Experiencing everyday things, like watching a butterfly with childlike wonder can be just the glimmer of joy you need.
• Be kind to others – Give compliments, practice random acts of kindness regularly, send notes of thanks or encouragement often, talk to strangers with an open heart or volunteer.

Think about what you can do to make your life journey all it can be. Taking better care of your health includes working on being happy. Your best life can be found when you choose your whole self – body, mind and soul.

Sources: How Happiness Impacts Your Health: The Science Behind Positive Emotions and Stress Relief,  Northwestern Medicine, 2026; You Can Find Joy Every Day. Experts Swear By These 28 Habits for a Happier Life,  Prevention, 2024; How to Be Happy: 12 Habits to Add to Your Routine,  Healthline, 2025; What Do We Know About Healthy Aging?,  National Institute on Aging, 2022; Healthy Living by Age,  U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health, 2025; Health Benefits of Exercise and Physical Activity,  National Institute on Aging, 2025; Healthy Living - Get Your Well-Woman Visit Every Year,  U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 2026; Longevity: Lifestyle Strategies for Living a Healthy, Long Life,  Harvard Medical School, 2024; Happiness and Health,  Psychology Today; What is Happiness?,  Psychology Today, 2026