You know the scenario. You randomly run into an old friend you haven’t seen in a while. You ask how they’re doing. They’ll usually respond with a hearty – ‘things are great!’ Everyone’s happy, right?
But are they really? Are you? According to a Harris Poll, only about one third of Americans are actually ‘very happy.’ For the majority of folks, random thoughts and behaviors keep them from really being joyful.
If you feel that you’re part of the two-thirds that’s not so content, here are 5 tips on how to be happier and make 2014 the cheeriest year ever.
Write it down – You can’t be happy unless you figure out what’s not going right. Write them down in a list, send them to yourself in an email or use your smartphone to text yourself. Either way, be honest with yourself. Understanding the problem is half the solution. This will give you some relief and start you on the road to happiness.
Get optimistic – It’s not an easy task, but look on the bright side of things. No matter what’s happening, there’s always a way to realize that the glass is half full rather than half empty. No matter how difficult a situation, try to turn what you’re going through into a positive.
Be active – Whether you’re exercising, dancing, walking or playing a sport – moving your body around actually makes you happy. According to research, dopamine, the chemical produced in the body that plays a role in happiness, is produced when you’re being physically active. Get out there and move around and get happy.
Start listening – Delete the depressing songs from your playlist and toss those sad CDs. Put on some uplifting music and you’ll be on the road to a cheerier you. Research confirms that listening to upbeat songs lifts your spirits. Whether it’s pop, classical, country, opera or dance, listening to music makes you feel happier, especially when you’re trying to improve your mood.
Just relax – There’s so much hustle and bustle going on all day long that it’s often hard to get a moment of peace. But if you want to be better off mentally, you need to take just a few minutes to take a breathier and reflect on your life. For you, it might mean meditating or taking a walk. It could be a quick nap or just sitting out in the sun for a few minutes. You’ll be surprised how that short time will recharge your batteries – and your attitude.
These 5 tips might not lift you to new heights overnight, but don’t give up. If you have a negative person in your life who is more like lead in your balloon than helium, rise above them. Ignore their comments and stay strong. Find positive people to be with. They’ll not only brighten your day, they’ll help lift your happiness to new heights.
So, the next time an old chum asks you how you’re doing, you’ll honestly be able to tell them that everything is fantastic.
Sources:
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/10-things-unhappy-people-have-in-common-2.html
http://www.wikihow.com/Stay-Mentally-Strong
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-10798/6-reasons-why-exercise-makes-you-happy.html
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-10526/how-meditation-can-help-you-get-calm-relaxed-healthy-happy.html
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