An article in The Huffington Post, titled “The Habits Of Supremely Happy People”, discussed a question that every person wants the answer to.
What is the key to happiness? Martin Seligman, a TED Talk speaker in 2004 and the father of positive psychology, “theorizes that while 60 percent of happiness is determined by our genetics and environment, the remaining 40 percent is up to us.”
This leaves significant room for discussion, since 40% is a hefty amount. So how do we work to improve that 40 percent?
The article continues by listing the habits of happy people so that we —ordinary, miserable humans— can mimic their blissful lives. My question is where do they find these so called “happy” people? But that’s a different story. In the end the list was well worth reading, in my opinion, because we all need a reminder every now and then how to live life to the fullest.
Surround yourself with other happy people.
In other words, when people surround themselves with other happy people they end up happier. It sounds simple but so many people don’t realize their closest friends might be bringing them down. Hopefully your Debby Downer friend is reading this too.
Smile when you mean it.
A study done by the Academy of Management Journal found that “faking a smile while experiencing negative emotions could actually worsen your mood.” This sounds different from what we’ve been taught (fake it ‘til you make it and so forth); but learning to find joy in the little things can motivate a genuine smile or two.
Cultivate resilience.
We all get down when failure shows its ugly face, but learning how to make a quick comeback from a failure will make your life a lot more enjoyable. Like Fun. once said, “Carry on, carry on.”
Try to be happy.
It sounds pretty easy, but “just trying to be happy can boost your emotional well-being.” Think to yourself: “It’s just as easy to be happy as it is to be upset right now.” Make the choice to have a good day that isn’t wasted.
Be mindful of the good.
“As Frank Ghinassi, Ph.D. explains, being mindful of the things that do go your way (even something as simple as the barista getting your coffee order right) can make you feel a greater sense of accomplishment throughout the day.”
Appreciate simple pleasures.
Delight in simple things. Think back to when you were in first grade and you got excited about playing in a box of sand or getting to be the first in line. If those things can be exciting, why shouldn’t a 75-degree day or finding your lost earrings be just as exciting?
Devote some of your time to giving.
“The act of making a financial donation triggers the reward center in our brains that is responsible for dopamine-mediated euphoria,” Christine L. Carter, Ph.D explains. Giving in other ways can have the same effect. Not only are you helping others, you’re helping your own physical and mental health.
Lose track of time.
“When you’re immersed in an activity that is simultaneously challenging, invigorating and meaningful, you experience a joyful state…Happy people seek this sensation of getting “caught up” or “carried away,” which diminishes self-consciousness and promotes the feelings associated with success,” the article notes.
Nix the small talk for deeper conversation.
"’I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings,’ is one of the top five regrets of the dying.” This speaks for itself; people who indulge in more meaningful conversations get a stronger feeling of satisfaction. Ditch the small talk every now and then for a real conversation that stimulates you.
Spend money on other people.
A study published in Science found that spending money on other people has a more direct impact on happiness than spending money on oneself. If you don’t have any money, pick one of the other options.
Make a point to listen.
No one wants to talk to someone who isn’t really listening. By training yourself to be a good listener you will enhance your relationships and have a more gratifying experience in conversation.
Uphold in-person connections.
Technology is great for helping people all over the world stay in contact. But what are we missing by interacting with people face-to-face? “Social media, while it keeps us in touch, doesn't allow us to physically touch, which harvests the warm-and-fuzzies and even decreases feelings of anxiety.”
Look on the bright side.
Be optimistic because it can eliminate stress, give you a better tolerance for pain, and can result in longevity among those with heart disease. Beyond that, optimism just makes you feel better about yourself and the world.
Value a good mix tape.
That sounds pretty bizarre. But “researchers from the Group Health Research Institute found that patients who simply listened to music had the same decreased anxiety symptoms as those who got 10 hour-long massages.” And additionally, choosing music over massages can save you a lot of money, which personally boosts my mood instantly.
Unplug.
We live in an ever-growing technological world, so it’s almost impossible to completely escape electronics in 21st century America. Still taking time away from technology can improve your well being significantly.
Get spiritual.
Practicing meditation, religion, or any spiritual exercise separates you from the hustle and bustle of our busy lives. It also deepens our content to think about the big questions of existence so that we can live lives of purpose and meaning.
Make exercise a priority.
I know it sucks, but the gym can help more than your waistline. “Exercise has been shown to ease symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress, thanks to the various brain chemicals that are released that amplify feelings of happiness and relaxation.”
Go Outside.
Thank goodness that the Texas heat is residing in the near future. “A study on weather and individual happiness unveiled 57 degrees to be the optimal temperature for optimal happiness.” That may be a long time from now, but being outside in the heat still has benefits.
Spend some time on the pillow.
Spend some time on the pillow.
The benefits of a good night sleep are boundless. You should know by now that being well rested works wonders; if not, now you know.
LOL.
A “study found that some of the benefits associated with working out, like a healthy immune system, controlled appetite and improved cholesterol can also be achieved through laughter.” Go figure.
Walk the walk.
In an experiment conducted by Sara Snodgrass participants were asked “to take a three-minute walk. Half of the walkers were told to take long strides while swinging their arms and holding their heads high. These walkers reported feeling happier after the stroll than the other group, who took short, shuffled steps as they watched their feet.”
