Are happiness and health connected?

Studies show there’s a connection between happiness and health. Your physical health can affect your sense of well-being, and your outlook on life can influence your health, too. While happiness doesn’t erase life’s challenges, cultivating it can support a healthier, more resilient life.

How are happiness and health related?

A positive mood is associated with better physical health. In one study, people with the highest well-being scores had a 44% lower risk of coronary artery disease, a 45% lower risk of stroke, a 51% lower risk of heart failure and a 56% lower risk of heart attack.¹

Laughter can increase endorphins, aid in muscle relaxation, improve the immune system, ease pain and increase personal satisfaction.²

Feeling content and satisfied with life may also help protect your heart. Research shows that life satisfaction may decrease the likelihood of developing heart disease and stroke.¹

Strong social connections matter, too. Healthy relationships are associated with better cognitive function and may even lower the risk of premature mortality.³

Three Ways to Boost Happiness and Health

The good news is that small, intentional habits can support both happiness and health. Here are three simple ways to get started.

1. Be thankful. Practicing gratitude can boost serotonin levels and signal the brain to produce dopamine, which can support feelings of contentment.⁴ A simple way to begin is by writing down a few things you’re thankful for at the end of each day.
2. Stay active. Movement can lift your mood in meaningful ways. Physical activity may release endorphins, improve sleep and reduce stress.⁵ Whether it’s a walk around the neighborhood, stretching between meetings or going to the gym, regular movement can support both body and mind.
3. Seek the Lord. Faith can be a steady source of peace and perspective. According to a Pew study, 49% of Christians report experiencing a deep sense of spiritual peace on a weekly basis, compared to one in five religiously unaffiliated adults.⁶ Prayer, time in Scripture and trust in God’s care can anchor your heart even in difficult seasons.

A healthier life starts with small steps.

Happiness and health are closely connected, and even small choices can make a meaningful difference over time. As you care for your body, nurture your relationships and keep your eyes on the Lord, you can build habits that support lasting well-being.

At GuideStone^®, our vision is that every servant of Christ finishes well. That’s why our health plans offer wellness tools and programs to help you stay at your healthiest.⁷ For more information, contact us at Insurance@GuideStone.org or 1-844-INS-GUIDE (1-844-467-4843), Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT.

GuideStone welcomes the opportunity to share this general information. However, this article is not intended to be relied upon as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

¹Newsroom.heart.org/news/happy-with-your-life
²MayoClinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relief/art-20044456
³PMC.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11403199
⁴AmericanBrainFoundation.org/does-gratitude-rewire-your-brain
⁵MayoClinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/exercise-and-stress/art-20044469
⁶PewResearch.org/religion/2025/02/26/religious-landscape-study-spiritual-experiences
⁷Not available for Cigna Healthcare® International and Medicare-coordinating plans.