Professor of Psychology and Director of the Black Lumen Project Buffy Longmire-Avital spoke to WalletHub about factors that contribute to a happy life.
Buffy Longmire-Avital, Elon University professor of psychology and director of the Black Lumen Project, was recently featured by WalletHub in their story on the “Happiest States in America.”
The article scored all 50 U.S. states based on emotional and physical well-being, work environment, and community and environment.
Longmire-Avital offered perspective on what makes a happy life, the importance of money to happiness, the secrets to career contentment and how where you live influences your happiness.
“Where you live can determine your safety and security, which are paramount to an individual’s ability to be and seek out happiness,” said Longmire-Avital. “Community psychology would also emphasize the importance of a sense of community and its role in driving happiness and well-being.”
In her research on Black women, Longmire-Avital noted that what makes them happy and content is self-care practices and also finding balance.
“Avoiding all stress is unlikely but having a way to reduce it is important,” she said. “Stress creates a full body response that is draining and aging. We live in a world where chronic stress that is not planned for or managed is the stealer of joy and happiness. Engaging in activities that nurture self-care and self-compassionate beliefs force the stress response to dim if not drastically be subdued.”