Is the secret to happiness a natural “talent”?

Posted on

What makes you happy? Watching cute animal videos and indulging in your hobbies may brighten up your day, but new research suggests that genetics have more to do with your happiness than you think.

TV presenter Richard Madeley’s daughter recently described her father as having a “talent for happiness”, which could be true. Think of the people in your life who seem naturally sunnier than everyone else. Are their lives truly perfect, or do they have a genetic advantage?

Read on to discover how much of your joy is hereditary, and what you can do to improve your life today.

How can genes affect happiness?

Research reported by the Independent found that wellbeing and life satisfaction – two important factors in a person’s overall happiness – are 30 to 40% heritable.

The study uncovered an astounding 927 genes that can affect our cheerfulness, meaning that some people are simply born with a happier disposition than others.

But don’t be discouraged, as happiness isn’t only determined by a genetic lottery. There’s also evidence to suggest that your lifestyle choices can have a huge impact on your emotional wellbeing.

The Harvard Study of Adult Development began in 1938 and is still running today, making it the longest study into happiness ever conducted.

After doing regular medical checks – including brain scans and blood tests – on the same families over three generations, they concluded that while some aspects of happiness are genetic, your environment still plays a huge part.

Robert Waldinger, professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, says: “We found that the people in our study who kept prioritising connections, and kept making those small decisions to connect day after day, were the people who stayed happier and healthier”.

How can your environment affect happiness?

Many of the studies researching happiness use identical twins as their subjects, as they have matching genes but different life experiences. Nature and nurture influence each other and our behaviour constantly, making it hard to pin down which has more impact than the other.

Scientists suggest that people’s capacity to change – also known as their “environmental sensitivity” – can affect their ability to make their lives happier.

Those with a high environmental sensitivity are influenced more by their surroundings, or nurture. While this can have negative impacts on their happiness, it also means that if they attend a wellbeing class or read a self-help book, they are more likely to make and stick to positive changes in their life.

Allowing yourself to appreciate your surroundings and being more open to change can help you to create brilliant new habits that will improve your life in the long run.

How can you be happier?

Although you can’t change your genes, there are some things you can do to improve your life satisfaction.

Spend quality time with your loved ones

Family dinners, meeting up for coffee with friends, and celebrating special occasions with the people you care about are crucial to your happiness.

Keeping up strong connections is one of the most important things you can do to improve your mental health. And if you find yourself going through a tough patch, then you have cultivated an incredible support network to fall back on.

Don’t blow things out of proportion

A failed plan, unexpected disappointment, or unwelcome surprise can easily derail the positive changes you’ve made to your life. It’s important that you pick yourself up after a failure and remember that nothing is as bad as it seems.

You have to learn from your mistakes and try again until you succeed.

Take care of yourself

Making time for self-care – whether that be a long bath, losing yourself in a good book, or ensuring you’re eating healthy meals – is vital to your happiness.

When life gets stressful, you should give yourself time to relax and look after both your body and mind so you can face your challenges with a smile.

Be kind to others

Helping other people can be hard work, but the rewards are worth it.

Whether it’s a random act of kindness on the street or regular volunteer work, something as small as a compliment to a stranger can improve both your days.

Exercise

Looking after your physical health also boosts your mental health.

Regular exercise and spending time outside reduces your stress levels and boosts your creativity, letting you feel relaxed and inspired as well as healthier.

Don’t chase money

The phrase “money can’t buy happiness” is true – to an extent.

Having enough money to move out of the lowest levels of the economy reduces your risk of depression and other mental health problems, but once all your needs are met, increases in your wealth do not make you more satisfied with your life.

Financial security, however, can reduce underlying stress you may have about your future. Talking to a financial planner or adviser can help to ease any anxieties so you can spend more time looking after yourself without worrying about your bank account.

We aim to keep our clients up to date on interesting and relevant financial news.

You can sign-up to receive our monthly newsletter by email, even if you’re not yet a client. Sign-up using the form below.

Client testimonials

I have always found Black Swan to be caring and understanding of my quirky lifestyle. I always feel they try to get me the best returns while respecting my current needs.

Sally Muir

A client since 2011

We would be very happy to recommend the support and service we receive.

Valerie Locks

A client since 2010

I have always been completely useless regarding finance - thankfully our financial adviser is not! I've retired with far more than I ever expected and investments continue to grow safely. So - thank you!

Bernadette Jane Warner

A client since 2000

Very happy with the professional service I have received and feel a lot happier now with my finances put in order.

Martin Field

A client since 2011

Julie Cooper was recommended to me by a work colleague. She has been very helpful, professional and has explained everything well. I would definitely recommend her services to anyone else who are interested in a financial review.

Steven Rooke

A client since 2018

…Service has been first class.

Hugh Fells

A client since 2012

My face to face meetings with Rob Young and Jessica Lyons have always been very open and understandable. My questions have been answered clearly and I have left feeling that my financial matters are in good hands.

Sandra Jack

A client since 2000

[A] safe pair of hands in a complex financial world.

Gary Middlehurst

A client since 2003

A reliable company with good communication skills and good knowledge of the financial markets.

Alan Evetts

A client since 2014

Maureen Pembridge is a long-time trusted advisor to our family. The market might fluctuate but her attention to detail is consistent.

Linda Burnard

A client since 2000

I am pleased to recommend Julie as a trustworthy financial advisor. She explains financial jargon in plain language, and always listens carefully to my particular financial needs and has helped me make the best of my savings.

Carolann Samuels

A client since 2010

I have always been satisfied with the way that Black Swan has handled my account. And I have always found the staff very helpful whenever I need to call the office.

Robert Anthony Matthews

A client since 2012

An excellent personal service from a person I know and trust.

Michael Dalton

A client since 2010

I am getting a very good services from Black Swan, they have got my investments sorted out which was in a bit of a mess.

Roy Jakens

A client since 2012

A good, efficient team providing clear ideas to shape a winning strategy.

Adrian Michael Levenstein

A client since 2011

Black Swan is a company to be trusted, with friendly staff and professional advisors.

David Brian Jennings

A client since 2017

I have been with Black Swan for many years. I have never wished to change anything. They give a good straight forward service.

Martin Barrett Brooks

A client since 2010

Andy Peters has been invaluable in firstly combining several pension pots and then giving excellent investment advice. It has given us a great deal of comfort to know that our financial affairs are in such good hands.

James Guillum Scott

A client since 2014

I find my financial advisor easy to talk to and feel that she understands my lifestyle. She is always available for help when I need her and explains in words that I can understand.

Margaret Ena Glasgow

A client since 2000

Andy is a first rate Director, excellent communicator and leader.

Ross Perry

A client since

Black Swan Financial Planning and Andrew in particular, are very clever at working out how risk averse we are, and coming up with solutions that we feel comfortable with. We are happy in the knowledge that we can continue to enjoy a comfortable retirement. Andrew Peters is a very, very friendly person who is great to chat to and easy to deal with. He explains things very clearly in layman’s terms, and if we still don’t understand, he explains it until we do!

Alan & Jane Dyer

Clients since 2012

We have always found Rob [Young] to be very approachable and knowledgeable. We have every confidence in the advice given and feel comfortable with the decisions we’ve made. There are certain opportunities that we wouldn’t have known about if Rob hadn’t brought them to light, which makes the advice good value for money as far as we’re concerned.

Peter & Pauline O’Halloran

Clients since 2013

Rob [Young] is extremely knowledgeable. I knew nothing about the different types of trusts which will not only secure my income in retirement, but also leave a legacy for my children. I’m glad that I sought his advice when I did.

Sarah Wilson

A client since 2015

I am extremely happy with the service afforded to me by the company and my adviser Julie Cooper.

Geoff Coxell

A client since 2010

My wife and myself have been dealing with Black Swan for a number of years. We have met with different representatives from the company over the years and have found all very helpful in their own way. We met with James [Anderson] a few years ago and found him very helpful and knowledgeable. He keeps in contact with us on a regular basis. We find the Company information very helpful and we feel very secure with our finances.

Andrew Kirchen

A client since 2015

I have always found my adviser to be easy to contact, very professional in his approach, yet friendly and understanding. I have a sense of an experienced company behind him, really on the ball financially and with good standards.

B McBean

A client since 2011

Partner with the most reliable and experienced team of advisers

Enter your details & we'll be in touch to discuss your needs.
Alternatively, contact us directly and speak to a member of the team.

    Subscribe to our newsletter