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Happiness, like the cholesterol levels in our body, is a genetically influenced trait. However, just as cholesterol can be influenced by diet and exercise, our happiness, to some extent, is under our control.
Understand that money doesn’t buy happiness.
Wealth is like health. It’s absence breeds misery, but having wealth doesn’t guarantee happiness.
Take control of your time.
Happy people are often aided by mastering their use of time. Set small goals for yourself and make a little progress every day. You will be amazed how much you will have accomplished over the span of a month or a year.
Act happy.
Smiling people feel better. So put on a happy face. Talk as if you feel positive self-esteem, are optimistic, and outgoing – shoulders back, head held high. Going through these actions and emotions can actually trigger the happy emotions.
Seek work and leasure activities that engage your skills.
Happy people are often in a zone called flow – absorbed in a task that is challenging but not overwhelming. Achievable with some effort or skill. The most expensive forms of leisure (sitting on a fancy yacht) often provide less flow experience than gardening, socializing, or doing arts and crafts projects.
Join the “movement” movement.
A mountain of research tells us that aerobic exercise not only promotes health and energy, it is also an antidote for mild depression and anxiety. Sound minds reside in sound bodies.
Make sure you get enough sleep.
Happy people live active lives. However, they make time for rejuvenating sleep. Many people suffer from sleep deprivation, with resulting fatigue, diminished alertness, and gloomy moods.
Give priority to close relationships.
Intimate friendships with those who care deeply about you can help you weather difficult and trying times. Confiding is good for soul and body. Resolve to nurture your closest relationships and not take them for granted.
Focus beyond self.
Reach out to those in need. Not only does happiness increase helpfulness, doing good makes one feel good.
Be grateful.
People who keep a “gratitude journal,” who pause each day to reflect on some good or positive aspect in their life experience heightened well-being. Be grateful for what we have.
Nurture your spiritual self.
For many people, faith provides a support community. People who are active in faith communities actually report greater than average happiness and often cope well with crisis. Nurture our spiritual selves.
This report is not a diagnosis. We hope this information can guide you toward improving your life.
Review our Knowledge Base or the links displayed on this page for similar and related topics.