There are two
types of people in the world: those who choose to be happy (or unhappy). Happiness
doesn’t come from fame, fortune, other people, or material possessions. Rather,
it comes from within.
Cheerful people
maintain a positive outlook on life, and remain at peace with their existence. Happy
people have good habits that enhance their lives. They do things differently.
Ask them they do things differently.
1. Don’t hold grudges - Happy people understand that it’s better to forgive and
forget than to let their negative feelings crowd out there positive ones.
Holding a grudge has a lot of detrimental effects on your wellbeing.
This
includes increased depression, anxiety, and stress. Why let anyone who has
wronged you have power over you? If you let go of all your grudges, you’ll gain
a clear conscience and enough energy to enjoy the good things in life.
2. Treat everyone with kindness - Did you know that it has been scientifically proven that
being kind makes you happier? Every time you perform a selfless act, your brain
produces serotonin (a hormone that eases tension and lifts your spirits). Treating
people with love, dignity, and respect allows you to build stronger
relationships.
3. See problems as challenges - A problem is viewed as a drawback, a struggle, or an
unstable situation while a challenge is viewed as something positive like an
opportunity, a task, or a dare. Whenever you face an obstacle, try looking at
it as a challenge.
4. Express gratitude for what they
already have - The happiest
people don’t have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything
they have. You will have a deeper sense of contentment if you count your
blessings (instead of yearning for what you don’t have).
5. Dream big - People who get into the habit of dreaming big are more
likely to accomplish their goals than those who don’t. If you dare to dream
big, your mind will put itself in a focused and positive state.
6. Don’t sweat the small stuff - Happy people understand that life’s too short to get worked
up over trivial situations. Letting things roll off your back will definitely
put you at ease to enjoy the more important things in life.
7. Speak well of others - Gossiping usually leaves you feeling guilty and resentful.
Saying nice things about other people encourages you to think positive,
non-judgmental thoughts.
8. Never make excuses - Happy people don’t make excuses, or blame others for their
failures in life. Instead, they own up to their mistakes, and they proactively
try to change for the better.
9. Get absorbed into the present - Happy people don’t dwell on the past (or worry about the
future). They savor the present. They let themselves get immersed in whatever
they’re doing at the moment.
10.
Wake up at the same time every morning - Have you noticed that a lot of successful people tend to be
early risers? Waking up at the same time every morning stabilizes your
circadian rhythm, increases productivity, and puts you in a calm and centered
state.
11.
Avoid social comparison - Everyone
works at his own pace, so why compare yourself to others? You’ll be happier if
you focus on your own progress and praise others on theirs.
12.
Choose friends wisely - It’s
important to surround yourself with optimistic people who will encourage you to
achieve your goals. The more positive energy you have around you. The better
you will feel about yourself.
13.
Never seek approval from others
- Happy people don’t care what others think of them. They
understand that it’s impossible to please everyone. Never seek anyone’s
approval, but your own.
14.
Take the time to listen - Listening
keeps your mind open to others’ wisdoms and outlooks on the world. The more
intensely you listen, the quieter your mind gets (and the more content you feel).
15.
Nurture social relationships
- A lonely person is a miserable person. Happy people
understand how important it is to have strong, healthy relationships. Always
take the time to see and talk to your family, friends, or significant other.
16.
Meditate - Happy people know how to silence their minds anywhere (and
anytime) they need to acquire inner peace (and calm their nerves).
17.
Eat well - Junk
food makes you sluggish, and it’s difficult to be happy when you’re in that
kind of state. Everything you eat directly affects your body’s ability to
produce hormones (which will dictate your moods, energy, and mental focus). Be
sure to eat foods that will keep your mind and body in good shape.
18.
Exercise - Studies
have shown that exercise raises happiness levels just as much as medications do.
Exercising boosts your self-esteem and gives you a higher sense of
self-accomplishment.
19.
Live minimally - Happy
people rarely keep clutter around the house because they know that extra
belongings weigh them down (and make them feel overwhelmed and stressed out).
20.
Tell the truth - Being honest improves your mental health and builds others’
trust in you. Always be truthful, and never apologize for it.
21.
Establish personal control - Happy
people don’t let others tell them how they should live their lives. Being in
complete control of one’s own life brings positive feelings, and a great sense
of self-worth.
22.
Accept what cannot be changed
- Instead of obsessing over how unfair life is. Focus on what
you can control, and change it for the better.[i]
“I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy
today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn't
arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I'm going to be happy in it.” (Groucho Marx)
[i] Adapted
from “22 Things Happy People Do Differently” by Chiara
Fucarino.
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to address
those with clinical depression or other mental illnesses.
No comments:
Post a Comment