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Turns out that flat abs, a new house or a cupboard full of shoes will not guarantee happiness. These are only brief “bounces” of happiness that will boost your mood, but won’t do much for your long term state of mind.
So, what does it take to be truly happy? According to Dan Baker, Ph.D., author of the best- selling, What Happy People Know, the secret of what makes people truly happy is how they live “inside of themselves”. Meaning that if you want enduring happiness, you have to approach life with a mind-set that allows you to walk on the bright side, no matter what’s thrown at you.
The road to happiness can be different for each one of us. Our passions, expectations, life experiences, and personalities all contribute to the level of happiness we experience in our lives. Some people find happiness in their careers, while others prefer the bliss found in their marriages or relationships.
No matter how you define happiness, there are certain proven and universal strategies to bring, and sustain, more happiness in your life. So, customize these science backed secrets to happiness, turn them into habits and, bring peace and joy to your life.
Here are some tips:
• Put on a happy face.Yes, sometimes we have to fake it until we make it! Research claims that smiling and looking as if we are happy, will indeed make us happy.
• Let go of grudges, allow more space for positive emotions.
• Don’t sweat the small stuff. Happy people know how to let life’s daily irritations roll off their back.
• Dream big. Open your mind to a more optimistic state, where you have the power to achieve anything you desire.
• Savour every moment. Appreciate the “here and now”. Avoid dwelling about negative events in the past, or worries for the future.
• Be grateful for what you have. People who are thankful for what they have are better able to cope with stress, have positive emotions, and are better equipped to reach their goals. Keep a gratitude-journal and add something every day.
• Accept what you cannot change. Accept injustices and setbacks and channel your energy towards what you can control.
• Regard your problems as challenges to change your life.
• Treat everyone with kindness. When you’re kind to others, your brain produces feel-good hormones, fostering positive feelings all around.
• Move! Exercise boosts levels of health promoting brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, which may help to relieve some of the effects of stress and symptoms of depression.
• Eat well. What you eat directly impacts your mood and energy levels. Junk foods will leave you sluggish and prone to disease.
• Find your inner peace. Research shows that meditation can lead to physical changes in the brain that can make you happy.
• Be polite. Rudeness will not make you happy. If you are, you may receive mean comments. Not fun.
• Nurture social relationships. Make time for friends and family.
• Surround yourself with positive people. “Misery loves company”. Choose happy, optimistic friends, be surrounded by positive energy.
• Make sure others treat you well. Stand up for yourself! Have confidence.
• Learn to like and ideally love yourself. This is a key component of happiness.
• Live minimally. Clutter will not only take up space in your physical environment, but also in your mind.
• Do things that make you happy. Life is short, don’t take it too seriously. Have fun.
Happiness is a choice; it is the ultimate purpose in life and is achievable for all of us. Happiness is determined by our minds rather than by our circumstances. Make these habits part of your daily life; be happy!
Source: www.webmd.com, www.dumblittleman.com, www.hungryforchange.tv, www.popsugar.com, www.wikihow.com
