“The Future Depends on What You Do Today”

Happiness: a coincidence, luck or a choice?

If happiness is a coincidence or mere luck, it implies that some of us will get it, while others won’t. Sounds very unfair! If happiness is a choice, why do so many people choose not to have it? And what about mental illnesses that stop individuals from being happy?

Happiness is an emotion that is cultivated over time.

Many people hope to find happiness in external sources: If I get that promotion or increase, I will be happy. If I can take leave, I will be happy. Reality is that you get happiness from within and not from the outside world.

Here are a couple of practices that will increase the opportunities for happiness and joy in your life:

  1. The power of gratitude

Instead of focusing on what you don’t have, focus on what you have. We have a tendency to compare ourselves with others that have more than us and then fixate about what we don’t have. Remember that comparison is the thief of joy. Perhaps it is now time to keep a gratitude journal or make it a family event – as a family you can talk about what you are grateful for. When our focus changes from what we don’t have to what we have, life will become a joy.

  1. Spend time in nature

There is a reason why retreats and the like are done in nature. Nature is good for us and many studies have shown that nature can generate many positive emotions such as calmness and joy. Start small with just a few minutes in nature; it could be a garden, park, or amongst the pot plants on your balcony.

  1. Catch the sun

Being out in nature might also allow you to get some sun. Sunlight is crucial for the production of vitamin D, it has also proofed to lower blood pressure, prevent colds and flus, and promoting good mental health.

  1. Laugh a little

Remember the last time you had a good laugh? Remember how good it felt? There is a very good reason for the saying: Laughter is the best medicine. Laughter can help you to reduce your stress, depression and anxiety and may make you feel happier. Find reasons to laugh and if you cannot find any, just laugh for no reason. Laughter is also contagious; and soon you will find others laughing with you.

  1. Practice mindfulness

You might be beating yourself up about something that happened in the past; or focus on reaching a future goal. Research has shown that focusing in the present moment and enjoying the present moment is crucial for our overall happiness. There are a large number of mindfulness practices available; find yourself one and make it a daily practice.

  1. Building deep lasting relationships

We were not created as islands and need positive and warm relationships with others. Whether it is family or friends, we need to have “our” people. It is now the time to foster those relationships and perhaps to build a couple of new ones.

  1. Give back

Giving back can be done in many ways and is a wonderful way to make you feel good about yourself. Perhaps you volunteer at an orphanage or an old-age home or a school. Giving your time to help others is an amazing way to realise just how blessed and gifted you are.

  1. Say goodbye to social media

A research study has shown that the more time people spend on social media, the more likely they are to experience symptoms of depression. We like to compare ourselves to others and social media often portrays an unrealistic world. And then there is all the blame and shame that happens on many social media platforms. Choose wisely who you connect with and what you fill your mind with.

 

Happiness is not a destination. It is a daily practice that requires time, effort and dedication. Go and be happy!