Back in 2014, I published this article and many commented on how much they enjoyed it. I think it is important to refresh our minds on what makes us happy, as it is more a way of life and mindset than we realize.
This information is from an article by Chiara Fucarino, who states that there are two types of people: those who choose to be happy and those who choose to be unhappy. From firsthand experience, she states that happy people are happy because they MAKE themselves happy, regardless of fortune, fame, other people, or material possessions, because their happiness comes from within. Whether they live in the slums in a third world country or are very rich, happy people maintain a positive outlook on life and remain at peace with themselves. How do they do this? Simple: Happy people have good habits that enhance their lives. They do things differently.
Happy People…
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 well-being, 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. Being kind has been proved to make us happy. 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. Happy people see life’s problems as a challenge. A problem is viewed as a drawback or struggle; while a challenge is viewed as something positive like an opportunity or a dare.
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. Gossiping causes negativity and resentment. Saying nice things about other people encourages you to think positive, non-judgmental thoughts.
8. Never make excuses. Benjamin Franklin 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 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. 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. 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.
13. Never seek approval from others. Happy people don’t rely on the approval of others. It is impossible to please everyone.
14. Take the time to listen. Talk less; listen more. Listening keeps your mind open to others’ wisdom and outlook 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 and friends.
16. Meditate. Meditating silences your mind and helps you find inner peace. Happy people know how to silence their minds from the rush of life.
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 hinder their lives.
22. Accept what cannot be changed. The Serenity Prayer is their motto: God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
Hope this is a blessing to you. Although we may not do ALL of these ALL of the time, it is helpful to have guidelines.
We’re here to help YOU!
About the Author
Amy Willis M.H., CTN