Films are made about it, books are written about it, scientists study
it, countries dedicate funds to it, and it’s the one thing we all want —
no, it’s not sex or money, what I’m talking about is happiness! Given
its amazing physical, social, and mental benefits, happiness has been
found to improve
health, relationships, and creativity. So, the pursuit
of happiness can only be a good thing. Plus it’s free! So here is how to
get truly happy now and to start reaping the fabulous rewards right away.1. Capitalize on Positive Events
Ask
a friend, partner, colleague, or acquaintance to tell you about
something good that happened to them that day. It doesn’t matter what it
is, as long as they enjoyed it. While they are sharing the event,
actively listen — that means really listen and be engaged by making eye
contact, smiling, asking open-ended questions, and making positive
comments. You will be amazed at how natural this feels once you get into
the moment. Notice how your encouragement is increasing the other
person’s positivity by making them feel cared about — it feels good,
right? Not only that, but talking about the event together is also a
positive experience which will enhance your relationship. Research has
shown that romantic partners who responded to each other’s news of
positive events in this active-constructive style reported greater
relationship wellbeing and were less likely to break up two months
later.
2. Practice Random Acts of Kindness
This involves
doing five kind things in one day and then writing about them. First of
all, think of the kind acts that you have been the recipient of. Next,
reflect on the kind acts you already do. Now, note five acts you want to
do and the day that you will do them. When you have completed your acts
of kindness, write down what you did and how they made you feel for an
extra boost. Chances are you will want to do it again. Research shows
this practise makes us feel happier because it makes us think more
highly of ourselves and we become more aware of other positive social
interactions, which also increases happiness. Note: Do not do the same act over and over again — it will start to feel less special.
3. Practice Forgiveness
We
all have hurts and betrayals that we ruminate about at times. Choosing
to forgive is a way to release the distress that arises time and time
again from the memory of these incidents. However, forgiveness doesn’t
mean you have to forget or even reconcile. Instead, it is about changing
your attitude toward the original pain so that it can no longer hurt
you.
To practice forgiveness, you need to commit to your personal
healing, recognize your distress is coming from your feelings and
thoughts, remind yourself that you can hope for positive things and work
hard to get them, decide to make some positive goals to put your energy
into, focus on what is good in your life right now, and change the way
you think of the past.
Forgiveness can take some time, but it is
worth it. Researchers at the University of Miami found that forgiveness
is linked to increased life satisfaction, more positive emotions, less
negative emotions, and fewer symptoms of physical illness. The same
group of researchers also found that forgiving on one day is linked to
higher happiness the very next day.
4. Cultivate Optimism
For
this, try the “best possible self” exercise. Take a moment to imagine
your life in the future and make it the best you can possibly imagine.
Consider everything: career, relationships, hobbies, health,
spirituality, and academia. What would happen in your best future? For
fifteen minutes, write about what you imagine and be as creative as you
like. Research suggests that building optimism about the future
motivates people to work towards their goals. This makes the desired
future more likely to become a reality. You are not only increasing your
happiness in the present, you are also paving the way for sustained
happiness down the line. This exercise also teaches you what you want,
helps you to restructure your priorities, and increases your sense of
control over your life.
5. Savour the moment
Whatever you
are doing, be it looking at a sunset, playing with your dog, or eating a
piece of chocolate, really be present and appreciate the moment right
here and right now. No thinking about anything else. Absorb yourself
fully into it and notice what you are seeing or hearing, any sensations
such as the breeze on your skin or the feeling of something soft in your
hands. Take time to become aware of how you are feeling in this moment.
If there is a mood present, what is it? Enjoying the small things in
life helps us to build up a beautiful memory bank, and being truly
present keeps us content.
So, what are you waiting for? Hurry up and get happy!
How To Be Happy Now
Reviewed by Spencer Reports
on
12:22 pm
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