Happiness can come with a chain and shoulder strap

“Buying handbags makes women happy and does away with their anxiety”.

Not our words as fervent fans of this topic, nor is it an urban legend. It has been scientifically proven. And who took the time to arrive at this scientific conclusion? It all started with the American Psychology Association. In 1998, they noticed a clear imbalance in their practice: between 1980 and 1985, the scientific literature included 2,125 papers on happiness, compared to 10,553 on depression.

Martin Seligman, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania, whom we would follow if he were on Instagram, claimed the importance of studying not only what saddens people, but also what makes them happy. And through enlightened minds like his, the tables were turned.

Harvard University, which is surely on Instagram, although we don't follow it out of laziness, has made the search for happiness, that abstract, subjective concept that is difficult to define, but that is on everyone's lips, one of their subjects of study: the science of happiness. Or, Positive Psychology as it is also known. This is one of the most widely used and accepted trends throughout the world. And we are now coming to the topic of handbags. In fact, it argues that joy can be learned, just as you learn to ski or play cards: with technique and practice.

Since we have been working on it and we have come this far, we shall tell you the secret to this type of learning based on Positive Psychology. There goes:

“More friends and more social support; more creativity and productivity at a higher quality and well-paid job; more activities that produce joy and vital energy; better mental and physical health; self-control; and even a longer life”.

And, you’re asking yourselves, what about the handbags? Well, they’re in a ranking together with shoes. We’re getting there.

One of those activities that produces joy and that has an antidepressant effect on women, and that does away with their anxiety, is buying a handbag or shoes! It is a happier and more rewarding experience than buying any other accessory, because it makes no difference whether you gain or lose weight. It’s always going to be great. It is a relaxing purchase, without pressure. Given that it is perceived as a pleasant experience, our brain releases serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with well-being and happiness; and there is nothing better to clear the mind and do away with depression than choosing something that looks good on you and buying it!

According to Positive Psychology, the happiness individuals say they feel when they are asked about their lives is highly influenced by irrelevant factors. In other words, it has to do with that well-known saying: happiness is in the little things. So now you know, happiness can come in the shape of shoulder bags, clutches or shoppers.