1. Don’t hold grudges.
Happy
people understand that it’s better to forgive and forget than to let
their negative feelings crowd out their positive feelings. Holding a
grudge has a lot of detrimental effects on your wellbeing, including
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. Not only
that, but treating people with love, dignity, and respect also allows
you to build stronger relationships.
3. See problems as challenges.
The
word “problem” is never part of a happy person’s vocabulary. 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.
There’s
a popular saying that goes something like this: “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 ask themselves, “Will this problem matter a year from now?” They
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.
Being
nice feels better than being mean. As fun as gossiping is, it 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.
Benjamin
Franklin once said, “He that is good for making excuses is seldom good
for anything else.” Happy people don’t make excuses or blame others for
their own failures in life. Instead, they own up to their mistakes and,
by doing so, 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. Stop and smell the roses.
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? If you think
you’re better than someone else, you gain an unhealthy sense of
superiority. If you think someone else is better than you, you end up
feeling bad about yourself. You’ll be happier if you focus on your own
progress and praise others on theirs.
12. Choose friends wisely.
Misery
loves company. That’s why 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 follow their own
hearts without letting naysayers discourage them. They understand that
it’s impossible to please everyone. Listen to what people have to say,
but never seek anyone’s approval but your own.
14. Take the time to listen.
Talk
less; listen more. 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.
Meditating
silences your mind and helps you find inner peace. You don’t have to be
a zen master to pull it off. Happy people know how to silence their
minds anywhere and anytime they need to 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 Zoloft
does. Exercising also 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. Some studies have concluded that Europeans are a lot
happier than Americans are, which is interesting because they live in
smaller homes, drive simpler cars, and own fewer items.
20. Tell the truth.
Lying
stresses you out, corrodes your self-esteem, and makes you unlikeable.
The truth will set you free. 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 have the ability to choose their own destinies. They 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.



- PamR
on Mar. 8, 2013 at 9:34 AM