Global Happiness Researchers Share Their Top Secrets to a Good Life

Leading happiness researchers from around the world, including social psychologist Lara Aknin of Simon Fraser University, are taking their own advice: they are spending more time with family and friends. A new paper reveals that after studying the science of well-being, many experts consciously prioritize relationships above all else. Aknin, who co-authored the study, says happiness is a “symphony of factors,” but she pinpoints connections with other people as the single most important ingredient. The findings underscore a growing body of evidence that social bonds are critical for mental and physical health. As researchers continue to explore how money, work, and health influence happiness, they consistently return to the power of close relationships. This shift in expert behavior offers a compelling, real-world endorsement of the science. For readers, the takeaway is clear: investing time in loved ones may be the most reliable path to a happier life.