New research led by the University of Kent and the University of Reading in the UK has found that consuming fruits and vegetables and exercising can increase human happiness levels. The link between lifestyle and well-being had already been documented and is often used in public health campaigns to encourage a healthy diet and exercise. The new findings published in the "Journal of Happiness Studies" indicate that there is also a positive reason for a lifestyle leading to life satisfaction.
Instead of generalizing the relationship between happiness and the consumption of fruits and vegetables and exercise, the researchers—Dr. Adelina Gschwandtner (Kent Business School), Dr. Sarah Jewell, and Professor Uma Kambhameti (both from the University of Reading's Business School)—used an effective variable approach to determine the impact of happiness on lifestyle. They demonstrated that consuming fruits and vegetables and exercising is what makes people happy, not the other way around.
The results show individuals' ability to delay gratification and exercise self-control, which play a key role in influencing lifestyle choices, ultimately positively affecting well-being. The research also revealed that men need to exercise more, while women should consume more fruits and vegetables.
Dr. Gschwandtner stated, "Behavioral cues that assist self-planning to enhance long-term goals are likely to be particularly helpful in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If a better lifestyle not only makes us healthier but also makes us happier, that's a real win." Professor Kambhameti added, "There has been a greater shift in healthy lifestyle choices in recent years. Demonstrating that consuming more fruits and vegetables and exercising can increase happiness, alongside providing health benefits, is a significant development, which may also be beneficial for campaigns around the environment and sustainability."
