What makes you happy, despite the COVID-19 pandemic? UAE residents share secrets to a joyful life

What makes you happy, despite the COVID-19 pandemic? UAE residents share secrets to a joyful life

Dubai: Have you noticed that you can actually tell if someone is smiling behind those masks that we all wear in public? It turns out happiness is just a smile away “” you cannot mask it. Studies show some of the keys to happiness: sleep/rest, daily meditation, gratitude/gratefulness, healthy relationships and helping others. It's that simple. And that's according to a Harvard study, now running for nearly 80 years. The study kicked off in 1938, during the Great Depression, a really bad time. During times of crisis, the study says, it is important to have an "attitude of gratitude". Yet, this is where it gets a little complicated. Positive psychology research shows that gratitude is strongly and consistently correlated with greater happiness. Gratitude “” the quality of being thankful, or a readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness “” is an inexpensive way to feel genuinely happy. Why is gratitude the best attitude? Because it helps us feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve health, deal with adversity and build strong relationships, according to the study. Here's what residents of the UAE have to say about finding their own happiness after a life in a year marked