News: Want to be happy? Become an extrovert.

With all the research on happiness (and there’s a lot) you would think it’s a complicated state to achieve. There are countless studies about how to be happy, a lot of Pinterest boards dedicated to quotes about happiness and even a social media hashtag (#100HappyDays) that encourages people to snap a photo of a happy moment every day, for 100 days.

But could happiness be as simple as acting more extroverted?

According to a new study, yes.

The study, published in the Journal of Research in Personality, shows that being outgoing (and feeling comfortable enough to be yourself) are key indicators of happiness.

Lead study author Timothy Church looked at the link between behaviour and mood in college students around the world and found that when study participants acted more extroverted, they also felt more positive.

It makes sense. After all, social connection and relationships are also an important factor in happiness – and if you act more outgoing, you obviously have more social interaction.

Personally, I feel happiest after a day spent chatting and laughing with family or friends.

What about you? Do you find that being more outgoing and social makes you happier?

-Katharine Watts, associate web editor

Related:
‘ 4 surprising findings about the world’s happiness
‘ 3 keys to happiness
‘ 10 ways to truly be happier