HAPPINESS NEEDS WORKING AT RATHER THAN EXPECTING IT TO JUST COME TO YOU - THAT SELDOM COMES TO MOST, OR WISHING TO BE HAPPY ALL THE TIME, DOES IT? AND THAT'S WHY SO MANY PEOPLE ARE FRUSTRATED WITH IT OR DISDAINED. IF WE CAN REPLACE UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS WITH A DIFFERENT OUTLOOK ON HAPPINESS,
A PRACTICAL ONE, THIS CAN WORK FOR MOST OF US.
HAPPINESS IS WITHIN OUR REACH WITH THE RIGHT EXPECTATIONS. TRY NOT TO OVERTHINK THINGS - Including Happiness - AND IT WILL BE YOURS MORE OFTEN. HAPPINESS HAS A WAY OF EVADING US WHEN WE CHASE IT AWAY. RECOGNISE THE LITTLE THINGS THAT CAN MAKE US HAPPY MORE OFTEN. YES INDEED, LETS DO THAT.
We Are Happier If We:
You don’t
sweat the small stuff...
Just miss the train? Spill your coffee? It doesn’t matter. If focusing on
what’s important and not obsessing over minor annoyances is a
priority of yours, it may be a sign that you’re in a good place. Research has
shown that those who swap focusing on the small, everyday negatives for
emphasis on brief, joyful moments tend to be
happier overall. Happy people don’t deny that there are peaks and valleys
in life -- but by concentrating on what goes right instead of what goes wrong,
you set yourself up for longer-term contentment and greater resilience
when dealing
with negative events.
...In
fact, you appreciate the little things.
Nothing is greater than hearing your favorite song come on the radio or being
outside and hearing a few birds chirp. The little things are what contentment
is composed of -- and you recognize that. Studies have shown that practicing
gratitude is a key component to a happy life, and
if you’re thankful
for the little things that make you smile, then it’s a good sign
you’re on the right path. Source HERE
Behaviour Science Has Some Suggestions:
Share your positive experiences.
Studies published in BPS ResearchOpens in a new window have found that sharing the good things that happen in your life can raise happiness levels. In one study, participants who journaled and shared positive experiences with another person at least twice a week were more satisfied with life.
Stop striving for perfection.
We all have a tendency to work too much and feel that if we don't do something productive every day, we've somehow failed. Slow down and eliminate the need to strive and be perfect. You'll begin to appreciate and focus on other, neglected priorities that bring you joy.
Be patient.
Patience is a virtue not enough people practice in our frantic pace of life. But it helps you relax and rethink when things are snowballing out of control. It helps you see the innocence in other people during those really frustrating moments when you'd like fist to meet wall.
Show genuine enthusiasm for others.
Researchers have found that when you respond to good news from a colleague with energy, excitement, curiosity, and enthusiasm, it not only makes that person feel good, it makes you feel more positive. They call it "active and constructive respondingOpens in a new window (ACR)." An ACR response might be, "That's fantastic! I had no doubts you would get that promotion--let's celebrate!" By showing interest, you'll maintain strong personal relationships and raise your happiness levels in the process. Source HERE
Keep Things Simple - Don't let worries Crowd your Thinking.
Laugh More Often and Smile More Often, as an act of will because this sends positive messages to your brain if you practice them often.
Journal about your Positive Experiences, not the sad ones or upsetting ones.