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“Learning to choose is hard. Learning to choose well is harder. And learning to choose well in a world of unlimited possibilities is harder still, perhaps too hard.” ― Barry Schwartz, The Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less

Many faiths have 'rules' or guidelines for its followers.

It's possible these rules may alleviate stress from too many decisions.

They may also encourage healthy behaviors and discourage unhealthy ones, which could otherwise decrease overall happiness

Example: Mormons can't have alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, and recreational drugs, which are all associated with unhealthy behaviors. Not even having them in thought as another 'choice' to consume possibly relieves their stressful effects down the road. Unfortunately, that means no morning coffee/tea, but on the bright side also no cigaret health side effects or hangovers!

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Being apart of the majority has always been a societal norm that has just been embedded into every community. I think everyone tries to fit in wherever they can because they are honestly scared of what others might think. Now in terms of religion and its relation to happiness, it is not the matter of fact whether you believe in a God or not. It is about being apart of a group and making social connections along the way. For example, in some parts of the world there are countries with higher amounts of people who aren't religious and they tend to be the happier than the ones who do. Studies have shown that when someone is apart of a minority in a community it is more stressful and detrimental to their happiness levels. To wrap it up, believing in a religion is not what can make a person happy, it is whether or not that person is inside the majority of that community and if they are making meaningful connections with others.

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In happiness, the ideas of religion and community reinforce each other. The word Religion is derived from the Latin word religio, which means "to bind together." Religion brings people together to build long lasting relationships and a strong sense of community that might be more important to happiness than the religion itself. The community augments feelings people get from their religion and spirituality by raising happiness levels further and making them sustainable for longer periods.

- maybe add part of harder to leave a religious community than just a volunteer group, for example

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-something nearly all mainstream religious have in common
-knowing you are headed for something better can make someone happier
-the idea of there being a "heaven"

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Gives sense of calm to thought of afterlife

Brings together people in a community

Allows people to have bigger belief than just themselves

Bigger thought involved in day to day lives

“Take the higher road”

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Here's a short video for tips to try and meditate.

Many faiths practice meditation, but even those who don't believe in those faiths still use it. Why? Probably because even small amounts of meditation can help with anxiety, depression and pain.

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How To Meditate For Beginners (Animated)

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What's ironic is that many faiths and spiritualities describe life as 'suffering' and having hardships. Yet, those that have and practice their beliefs are shown to be happier.

Why? How does this make sense?

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                          Possible Reasons:

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                          Possible Reasons:

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1. Sense of Purpose/Meaning
2. Belief in Afterlife
3. Being Part of a Community
4. Part of Majority
5. Paradox of Choice