Everyone wants to be happy, yet happiness eludes most people. Many confuse the pursuit of happiness with the quest for wealth, power and prestige. Others assume that happiness is a destination when, in fact, it’s the journey itself, the moments of joy and fulfillment we experience along the way.
What Is Happiness?
Happiness is subjective and can mean different things to different people. Basically, happiness is a state of well-being characterized by positive feelings ranging from contentment to intense joy. Often associated with external factors, genuine happiness stems from our thoughts, beliefs and actions.
In philosophy, happiness refers to living a good life rather than to an emotional state. True happiness, therefore, comes from leading a life of purpose, accomplishing personal goals and contributing to the welfare of others.
10 Steps to a Happier Self
1. Accept Yourself
Embrace who you are, wrinkles and all. Acceptance isn’t about complacency but acknowledging your flaws while striving for improvement.
2. Cultivate a Positive Mindset
Focus on the bright side of life, not by ignoring negatives but by acknowledging them without letting them control your thoughts.
3. Maintain Healthy Relationships
4. Give Thanks
Appreciate the good in your life. Start a gratitude journal to remind yourself of your blessings. Just five minutes a day can change your life.
5. Exercise
A healthy body promotes a healthy mind. Regular exercise releases chemicals that improve brain function and mood, increases self-esteem, and distracts us from our problems.
6. Spend Money on Experiences
Invest in memorable experiences that enhance your life. Travel. Go camping, hiking or skydiving. Enjoy a play or a symphony. Take a ride in a hot air balloon. Learn how to dance, cook, scuba dive or paint.
7. Laugh More
Laughter is a happiness tool. Go to a comedy club or watch funny videos at home. You can’t laugh and be unhappy at the same time.
8. Be Mindful
Mindful meditation decreases stress and rewires the brain for increased peacefulness and happiness. Don’t know how? Here are some tips.
9. Reflect on Your Strengths and Victories
Instead of worrying about your troubles, think about your strengths and achievements. Are you intelligent, patient, open-minded, kind, curious, tenacious? For every negative trait you think you have, chances are you have 10 positive ones. Ponder that.
10. Volunteer
Volunteering gives us a sense of meaning and purpose, increases social contact, introduces new experiences and boosts our self-esteem, thus contributing to feelings of happiness. Visit the sick or elderly, volunteer at an animal shelter, mentor or tutor students, serve food to the homeless, help raise funds for nonprofit organizations, clean local parks or roads.
The journey to happiness requires conscious effort and consistency. A happier life is not a distant dream. It’s a series of decisions hidden in the choices we make every day.
