How To Be Happy
What does it mean to be “happy”?
Is it getting the dream house? The fancy car? Or having all of the gadgets and gizmos?
Maybe we should all take a lesson from The Grinch. Perhaps true happiness doesn’t come from a store, perhaps it comes from a place that means a little bit more.
Time and time again, research has shown that happiness does not come from having “more money” or having “more things”. Both bring on a quick and very temporary feeling of joy and happiness however, it’s the small ways in which we drive our lives that allow us to feel real, true happiness. The five daily habits below will improve your mood, outlook and increase your overall happiness for the long haul!
Showing gratitude has been proven to increase mood, contentment and feelings of happiness. Jot it down, tell someone or just say it aloud. A daily “attitude of gratitude” will make you a much happier person.
Surrounding yourself with positive people helps to keep you happy as our brains have the unique ability to mimic what others are expressing. You are the company you keep so choose wisely.
Practicing kindness towards others increases our own life satisfaction. Small things like holding the door for someone, helping an elderly neighbor or donating to a local charity contribute to increasing our feelings of happiness.
Humans are social creatures by nature, spending quality time with family and friends helps to improve our mood and increase overall happiness.
Life experiences have longer lasting positive effects than the fleeting joy of buying material items. Our brains are able to relive those memorable experiences and in turn, make the positive emotions last even longer.
Being happy isn’t an unattainable dream reserved only for those who “have more”. If you’re waiting to be happy until you have more……… more money, more things…….. then you will never really find true happiness. Taking small steps each day to change your thoughts and behaviors will will have a great impact on your overall life satisfaction and happiness.
